The Electric Cinema Reviews Summary

Atmosphere & Design

Pros:

• "Super cosy atmosphere and top quality small cinema experience."
• "The legendary cinema looks dated but to me that's its charm."
• "Oldest working cinema in the UK. Really quirky and quite a small screen compared to modern standards but prefer to go here than the larger chains every time."
• "A fun and different kind of experience to the normal cinema chains."
• "Such a different experience visiting this cinema to any other cinema."
• "Lovely old cinema with an authentic ambience of the early days of ‘the movies’ in this country at the turn of the 20th century."
• "A lovely intimate cinema with 2 small screens and a bar."

Cons:

• "Quaint, with grandiloquent aspirations (which, by and large, I don't believe are achieved)."
• "The building is lovely, but as a place to actually watch a film it leaves a lot to be desired."
• "It's lost its old world charm, the quirky atmosphere, and cosiness that were its appeal."
• "The only thing which was a little disappointing was on arrival to look up at the signage over the doorway and it to said 'e ectric cinema'."
• "Used to come here regularly with my dad when it was the Jacey. So pleased to see it's retained its charm - although it does seem rather smaller than I remember."

Seating & Comfort

Pros:

• "The seats were more than comfy and unlike other cinemas I didn't need to readjust myself to get comfortable."
• "Seats are comfy, especially the armchairs at the front where they also come with footstools."
• "For someone 6ft 3, there was plenty of legroom too!"
• "The sofa seating is ample for two people and comfortable."
• "Looks like the main seating has recently been replaced with very comfy red seats."
• "Really enjoyed the experience. Friendly staff, good food/drinks menu and super comfy seats."
• "What's better than watching a film on a comfy sofa? Watching a film on a comfy sofa with waiter service!"

Cons:

• "The standard seats were very uncomfortable."
• "Love the Electric and was really excited about the new sofas coming in but, having visited and sat in these, I am really disappointed and feel like it's such a mistake... really uncomfortable and like something out of a care home."
• "They could do with proper sofas to improve the experience as the ones they currently have are cramped and are like child seats."
• "Went to watch Jaws on a Sunday afternoon had booked the tickets 2 months earlier and had the last 2 so we sat on the standard seats would of loved to of been in the comfy armchairs ad the seats were s little uncomfortable and it wax very warm other than that we loved it."
• "The seats and the women's toilet have seen better days."
• "Lovely cinema. But just be aware that the sofa seats aren't levelled out like regular cinema seats."

Facilities & Cleanliness

Pros:

• "The toilets are a bit grim and could do with being updated."

Cons:

• "Only real area for improvement are the toilets, cramped and smelly."
• "Well whilst I appreciate the history I don't appreciate the dilapidated and smelly men's toilets."
• "Like the sofas etc but the toilets downstairs are a filthy disgrace. You can smell them from the front door."
• "The small mens toilets squeeze 3 urinals where only 2 fit."

Service & Staff

Pros:

• "The guys who work there are fab and marvellously attentive."
• "Very friendly and helpful staff."
• "The staff are very nice and helpful."
• "The staff are warm and friendly and obviously enjoy their jobs."
• "Welcoming staff, comfortable seats and wine!"

Cons:

• "A lot of cashiers act as if they're doing you [customers] a favour."
• "The bar service for the sofa seats was a bit of a letdown on this occasion though – only got half of our drinks order."
• "Also so called waiter service took an hour and 3 messages."
• "The service was friendly but it had a very hipster vibe which felt a bit pretentious and annoying."

Value & Experience

Pros:

• "A great range of films shown, from blockbusters to indie gems."
• "Fantastic place, normal price. Comfortable, classy, joy-inducing."
• "Really decent prices. At the time of writing this, it's only £12 to sit in one of the luxurious 'front sofa' seats."
• "They have an awesome bar with loads of spirits and beers and also really good prices."
• "This is my preferred cinema in Birmingham because it ticks all of my boxes."
• "Easily the best cinema experience I've had!"
• "Amazing experience just like I remember of the original cinema's from my childhood."

Cons:

• "Have visited twice now and certainly will not be going back."
• "Quite expensive for a small cinema that operates 'pearl Dean'."
• "NO POPCORN :/ I'm sorry but it's not a real cinema without the smell of popcorn."
• "The cinema was very crowded with nowhere to sit or stand."
• "Avoid."
• "Went for my husband's birthday but was quite disappointed."
• "Sorry but the lack of any obvious concessions to those with poor mobility ruined by viewing of the Gerry Anderson Live Podcast on Easter Saturday."