Following news that multiplex operator Cineworld has acquired arthouse chain Picturehouse, concerns have been raised that the £47.3m deal will be detrimental to the smaller company's independent spirit.
Picturehouse currently runs 21 arthouse cinemas across the country, many of which have featured in the Guardian's Cine-files series, in which members of public rhapsodise over the places where they most love to watch films:
Duke of York's Picturehouse, Brighton
"Duke of York's is the quintessential old-world cinema – it is the UK's oldest purpose-built cinema and is considered – especially by me – as one of the best independent cinemas … Whether you're sitting in the comfy sofas or just enjoying a film in a regular cinema seat, the Duke of York's is a cinema every film-lover should experience and enjoy." Helen Murdoch
The Belmont Picturehouse, Aberdeen
"Depending on what night you attend, you might simultaneously find live theatre or music being beamed via satellite, a mini Kubrick season taking place, and a lively audience throwing plastic spoons during a showing of cult favourite The Room. The Belmont strives to offer an alternative to the homogeneous multiplex experience … Its environment is welcoming and friendly staff are, most importantly, passionate and knowledgable about film." Dallas King
The Phoenix Picturehouse, Oxford
"Phoenix audiences are generally friendly and respectful of the film. You won't be frowned at every time you clear your throat but you won't need to tut at people chatting and using their phones. The Phoenix is, above all, a place where it is easy to enjoy cinema." Patrick Scott
After news of the deal was made public, Picturehouse posted a statement on its website assuring it would be business as usual for its cinemas, with programming policy, membership schemes and independent identity of its venues going unchanged. However, judging by a mixed response on Twitter, the statement did little to assuage public fears:
Picturehouse bought by Cineworld. "We'll help them grow and learn from them too!" say @cineworld "Not change ..just grow" picturehouses.co.uk/businessasusual
— Mark Kermode (@KermodeMovie) December 6, 2012
If @cineworld are genuinely in the market of "learning from" Picturehouse, then there's a LOT to learn ...
— Mark Kermode (@KermodeMovie) December 6, 2012
Last two cinemas visited: Cineworld, Shaftesbury Ave (a stinking pit) and Brixton Ritzy (classy arthouse). Now owners of 1st own the 2nd?
— Nigel Floyd (@nigelfloyd) December 6, 2012
belmont picturehouse in aberdeen has been bought over by cineworld. now where am i going to watch independent french films? #hipsterproblems
— Chubbe Anucha (@tobeornotchubbe) December 6, 2012
Great that new cinemas being built, but I'll despair if it turns Brighton Duke of York Cinema into a soulless multiplex guardian.co.uk/business/2012/…
— Mike Mantin (@mikemantin) December 6, 2012
Despite what Cineworld says its intentions for Picturehouse are it still feels a bit like when HMV took over Ottaker's.
— Maxim Barrault (@maximbarrault) December 6, 2012
Surprised by the grumbling over the Cineworld/Picturehouse deal. My local CW is with one exception the best chain cinema I've been too.
— AlasdairStuart (@AlasdairStuart) December 6, 2012
Are you concerned that Cineworld's involvement will negatively affect the nation's Picturehouses? Or is Cineworld being unfairly maligned? Let us know your thoughts in the discussion thread below.
