Save the Kino Cinema

I just read in today's Irish Times that the Kino Arthouse Cinema on Cork's Washington Street after creditors initiated proceedings to recover more than €50,000 owed to them.

I spent 9 years in Cork as a student starting in 1996 persuing first my B.Sc. and then my Ph.D. A lot of that time was spent in various cinemas watching mainstream in the Capitol and then the Gate. But I also saw a lot of films (both good and bad) in the Kino, the only cinema in the city where you could get real coffee and bring it with you to the film.

Films I saw in the Kino include Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Howl's Moving Castle, Sunshine, PI, Run Lola Run, Titus Andronicus and many many more. It is a fantastic cinema.

I'm more than happy to pledge some financial support to the Kino. I want the management to know that I appreciate all the good stuff they've done over the years. Although I live in Dublin now, I want to know that the Kino is alive and kicking in Cork

Increasing Cinema Prices

I go to the cinema about once a week on average, if not more often. Ever since I was a student, and the Gate Cinema in Cork offered matinee showings for £2, I've been hooked. That's about 12 years ago though, and it's fair to say that it's a little more expensive now to go to the cinema.

Cinema prices for two adults at an evening showing are breaking the €20 barrier now. I've noticed that Cineworld in Dublin's Parnell Street have increased prices lately. Adult evening and matinee tickets have increased, by 70c to €10.40 and 60c to €8.30 respectively. When you factor in a booking fee of 45c per ticket, the price for a couple is now €21.70.

The other cinema I frequent is the superb Movies@ in Dundrum. Adult tickets here are €9.90 each with a booking fee of 80c per order, bringing a night out to a slightly lower total of €20.60.

I like to book my tickets online before going to the cinema. It's often quicker and saves queueing. One thing I've noticed lately in Dundrum is how many seats are already booked or even where showings are sold out. It appears that cinema is booming in Ireland right now as it does represent a cheaper night out than the pub. However the cinemas are continuing to raise prices, despite the fact that most of their patrons are facing decreased wages.