Earlier this month I published an open letter on The Edge about the declining standards at Odeon Cinemas Southampton. I recently received a sincere and very apologetic letter from the senior manager of the cinema explaining why I had not received a response sooner. She also went into details concerning why the performances I attended did not reflect Odeon’s best quality of service.

For reference purposes, the previous letter/feature published on this website will remain available. However, I would like to  say that although I was angry, puzzled and annoyed at the poor service I received, I am willing to give the cinema another chance.

Sadly, it is true that cinema-goers across the country have noticed a decline in standards in multiplex projection. Whilst I accept Odeon Southampton’s assurance that they will now make sure that they offer good service to their customers in the future, I believe it is important to stand up against bad projection and poor cinema performances. For this reason, I urge every cinema-goer to complain when they notice bad service, or when the duties of a projectionist are not carried out to the standard one would expect from a major cinema chain. Although 35mm film may be on the way out, digital projection is not just a case of flipping a switch. An image needs to be nurtured and carefully checked so as to make sure the audience is getting the best possible experience and value for their money.

So I shall leave it there. One may label it as a truce, although I never really saw this as a fight, just a film lover standing up for good quality cinematic experiences.

Once again I earnestly thank the cinema staff, and the senior manager, of Odeon Southampton who took the time to investigate my concerns.

Barnaby Walter