There's one city in the world where going to the cinema is considered to be as expensive as going out to a proper restaurant dinner; and that's London. For 10 quid a pop, I tend to prefer staying at home to watch a movie than to feel the pressure of making absolutely sure the movie is an Oscar winner before I break my twenty at the movie theater. Whoever said going to the movies is a an alternate evening activity option for those who are tightening their belts is clearly delusional. I have been trying that for a while and I've been seeing my belt getting tighter and tighter. I am a big fan of going to the cinema. I believe there is noting better than hanging out on a lazy Sunday afternoon with no plan in sight but enjoying a nice big bag of popcorn in front of the silver screen. Lately though, I've become a huge fan of the home cinema option, preferring to cuddle up on my couch with a warm blanket around my feet, a plate of pasta and our almost-there-but-not-quite-super-high-tech "surround" sound system. Since my channels at home are limited to the BBCs and the Hallmark channel, I have been tempted to seek my movie collection outside of my home.
Video City on Notting Hill Gate has been satisfying this craving just perfectly. As a the Mom and Pap indie video store around the corner, it gets the job done more than just fine. Actually that is a complete understatement. Video City is absolutely fantastic. If you're feeling poor on movie ideas, you'll find that the store clerks are quick to find you 3 quick and dirty movies that are sure to make your evening a great one.
Their selection is fun, eclectic, international and always up to date and their staff is more than happy to recommend some zesty movies that are to your liking. If you're not a member, no worries, this is no Blockbuster. Just give them your name, a £3 deposit and take the movie home with you. If you think you'll be returning the movie more than 24 hours after the rental, just give them a call. It's that kind of a place.
I'm more than happy staying home with a movie, or a box set of The Wire, Mad Men, Dexter right now. Huzz and son love going to the cinema, but i think thats more about eating as much popcorn, maltesers and cola than watching the films!
ReplyDeleteOk, so recommending something that would cost the equivalent of a couple of Michelin star meals when you mention trying to tighten your belt is probably a little off-message, but I love the Curzon Auteur membership because after the initial outlay you can completely forget about the cost, and go to the cinema for free as much as you want. It also means you try stuff you might not otherwise.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.curzoncinemas.com/membership/auteur_membership
on the other hand, I used to love my local video shop I spent hours there - just browsing and reading the backs in their comfy chairs whilst I deliberated over the agonising choice I had to make...
Thanks for your sweet comment... like Julie and Julia... that's the nicest thing anyone's ever said about my blog! x
ReplyDeleteAww, I used to love that shop. Good old time.
ReplyDeleteWinke wine - stinke stinke! (It's a Carina version which means 'waving waving, stinking stinking'. It will be interesting to watch who turns out to be the bigger kid here... :-))
PS: Thought you might like this blog and these cards: http://thelovelylist.blogspot.com/2010/02/funny-valentines-and-question.html
I'm with you, I'd much prefer to watch a film at home, under a warm blanket, then shell out the money to sit in a room full of strangers who text, talk, etc.
ReplyDeleteYay! So glad you all agree...its true, theres nothing better than a cozy night on the couch watching a romcom:)
ReplyDelete