Set within the BH2 leisure complex on Exeter Crescent, the Odeon is Bournemouth's principal town-centre multiplex and the cinema most locals have in mind when they talk about going to the pictures. Its ten screens sit above a broad, glass-fronted foyer, and the Lower Gardens are laid out immediately across the road. Opened in 2017, it still has that newly built feel.
What to see and do
The listings are what any modern multiplex offers: the blockbusters of the week, animated films for families, awards-season dramas and the occasional live event broadcast, screened from late morning until late at night. The difference lies in how you watch. Dolby digital surround sound and 3D-capable projection are standard in most auditoriums, while the iSense screen stands out with a much bigger picture, 4K projection and Dolby Atmos sound that travels around and above the audience. When a really big film arrives, that is the screen worth the extra money.
Seating is the other attraction. Recliner and Premier seats are found throughout the building, and for many people they are the reason to pick this cinema over any other nearby. Since seat types vary between screens, though, study the seating plan when booking instead of trusting to luck.
The setting
A purpose-built cinema gets the layout right. The foyer is roomy and serves as a proper waiting area rather than a passageway, and with a Costa coffee bar alongside the usual popcorn and pick-and-mix counters, turning up early is no chore. Lifts and escalators lead to the screens, corridors are wide, and the whole building is far easier to move around than the older converted cinemas typical of seaside towns.
The mood changes with the timetable. Weekday matinees are quiet and frequently half empty, which suits anyone wanting room to themselves. On Friday and Saturday evenings there is a real buzz, with the rest of the BH2 complex busy all around, so a film fits neatly before or after dinner or drinks.
Where it is
Exeter Crescent places the cinema at the southern edge of the town centre, where the shops give way to the gardens. The Lower Gardens start directly opposite, and walking down through them brings you to the pier and beach in a few minutes. Both the bus and rail stations are within reach, and the main shopping streets lie a couple of minutes to the north. Few venues in town are easier to reach without a car, and it combines well with the other things to do in Bournemouth or a longer wander using our explore guide.
Good to know
Booking in advance on the Odeon website is wise for opening weekends, school holidays and any evening screening, above all if you have a particular recliner row in mind. Quieter weekday showings can usually be walked into. Accessible spaces are provided in every screen, and it is worth contacting the venue directly before travelling to confirm companion tickets or any specific access requirements.
There is no dedicated car park, but a number of large town-centre and seafront car parks are a short walk away. Showtimes, ticket types and prices change from week to week, so check the website for the latest.