Visited here 3 times over the summer as I had to make a couple trips to Yeovil anyways. To start with, on paper the prices do appear to be expensive although I did try to take advantage of cheaper showings that were on and a £5 discount I was able to find online. In regards to the cinema itself, its a bit hidden away, tucked in between a bowling alley and leisure centre so the location of the entrance isn’t obvious to begin with. The LED boards on top of the doors and below the logo is switched off (which used to show what films were on). The foyer is really empty and a shell of its former self really. The TV chandelier is turned off, the former box office, bar and arcade areas are all cornered off (from what I could find the arcade was only taken out recently whereas the bar and box office have not been in use for at least 15 years). The self serve ticket machines didn’t seem to work so went to the till order tickets and a drink, nice they accept cash (unlike other cinemas). Two sets of toilets (one in the foyer and one in the alleyway). Plenty of staff around with varying attitudes based on the days of my visit (some days staff were friendly, others they were bored and static). The alleyway of screens is slightly eerie and a bit of time capsule, still with unchanged numbers for the screens in the shape of the 2000’s Cineworld logo (forgot to mention, but these were also on the signs for the toilet doors), dark lighting only lit up by the light coming through the clear fire exit at the end and LED screens showcasing the screen number (which also used to show the film name). Two out of 3 of my visits had no problems. Screens fine and clear, seats and general area clean, no issues. Mostly quiet except the £1 screening of Flow I saw which was full up (fortunately no screaming babies, only distraction was a parent in the front on their phone browsing Facebook). Unfortunately, one of my visits was slightly disrupted as mid film, the frames froze for around 5-10 seconds and then unfroze. This happened around 3-4 times but did affect viewing too much so I didn’t complain. Overall nice cinema but would only feel inclined to visit again if I happened to be in the area, otherwise its not really worth my time as there are much better, cheaper and more reliable cinemas closer to home.
Went to see F1 on Sunday and was visiting the area so thought I’d give this a go. Last time I went here (two years ago), I wasn’t very impressed. Prices were high for the leather seats and the seats were extremely tatty and didn’t even recline!!. This time, I thought I’d go for the cheaper option and give the standard seats a try. Coming in to screen 7, there were plenty of seats. The standard seats were slightly more comtthan Dorchester Odeon and had a much better view of the screen imo. Coming in 30 mins early before the trailers started, popular music was playing in comparison to the cinematic music that played in Dorchester. Then the screen got in action and the trailers started. To start with, the screen was EXTREMELY loud, especially during the ads. Fortunately, they did decrease the volume slightly as the film started (or was the film just quiet anyways??). This would be my only major complaint. The only other complaint would be that they didn’t play the DCM ident (I wonder if this is being phased out after 10+ years!). Regardless, my experience was good but wasn’t anything to shout about. You get much better value for money in Dorchester imo, you have two options there and both are cheaper than one ticket at the BH2 combined! Well, it would probably be a long time until I come here next. Hopefully I have a better experience next time…
Visited last year (December). Tbh the only reason why I visited was because I could get a good deal with cinema society, just £6 for a VIP seat. The cinema has a very large foyer and surprisingly still has is own dedicated box office next to the entrance. The only disappointment is that I found out that I had been given regular seats rather than VIP, regardless I wouldn’t have wanted to sit on the VIP seats anyway as they were teared up and looked uncomfortable. I doubt the reclining seats would’ve even worked lol. The cinema has children running around everywhere but surprisingly wasn’t too busy. The standard seat that I was given was okay and did it’s job, although it wasn’t the best. I wasn’t really impressed by the movie I came to see as well as the food prices (which were astronomical!). I wish I’d just gone to odeon instead but from what I’ve heard, that’s not much better either…
Owen
commented about
Vue Pooleon
Jun 20, 2025 at 2:39 am
I have visited this cinema numerous times over the past 10 years I’ve been visiting (first when it was empire) and not much had changed. When Cineworld took over in 2016, they changed almost nothing inside the cinema. All of the signs were EXACTLY the same, the seats in the screen didn’t change. The only difference was the fact that the Cineworld logo was now slapped over the enterence and the DCM intro plays at the beginning of a film instead of the Pearl & Dean intro. At least Vue are renovating the cinema, can’t wait for it to open (should be next month). Well, about the cinema itself. The main screens are big enough and what I find interesting is that there is a walkway and stairs you need to climb to get to your seat. This is more of a cut cutting modern approach IMO as a lot of other cinemas do the opposite. Not very wheelchair friendly unless you want to set at the front and damaged your eyes. The studio screens are good albeit very small (which is to be expected). Good surround sound and large enough screens. I prefer the studios rather than the larger screens for this reason tbh. Most of the time they aren’t packed so you can enjoy the film with minimal babies crying and popcorn munching in the background.
Visited last weekend and it’s ok. I usually only visit as they usually offer deals under Vodafone or Meerkat Movies and its my closest Odeon to home. What makes no sense about this cinema (and odeon in general) is that there are always eats marked as ‘unavailable’ which usually means they’re booked. However, most of the time this isn’t the case and the only seats available are only a couple rows back from the main screen. The seats aren’t the best, they’re cheap plastic seats which were extremely uncomfortable. There are premium sets available but they’re not much better. The only difference is that they’re black rather than blue in colour and are slightly further back. The only redeeming factor was the large screen and Dolby surround. Overall, it’s an ok cinema but the Plaza beats Odeon by a mile in terms of comfort and value for money. Odeon is £7.50 a ticket when paying online whereas Plaza is only £5.50.
Visited this cinema back in 2023 and was very impressed. Tickets aren’t too expensive and plenty of films on offer. Recliner chairs come as standard (the only cinema I have ever been to that offers this). Plenty of seats and large screen. Good surround sound. Would definitely come back if I had the chance
Cinema prices are now £5 (or £5.50 online) all week for both adults and children. I visited this cinema back in April (my 3rd time visiting) and I was impressed with what you receive for the price. Comfortable chairs, big enough screen and good surround sound. Excellent value for money.
Visited here 3 times over the summer as I had to make a couple trips to Yeovil anyways. To start with, on paper the prices do appear to be expensive although I did try to take advantage of cheaper showings that were on and a £5 discount I was able to find online. In regards to the cinema itself, its a bit hidden away, tucked in between a bowling alley and leisure centre so the location of the entrance isn’t obvious to begin with. The LED boards on top of the doors and below the logo is switched off (which used to show what films were on). The foyer is really empty and a shell of its former self really. The TV chandelier is turned off, the former box office, bar and arcade areas are all cornered off (from what I could find the arcade was only taken out recently whereas the bar and box office have not been in use for at least 15 years). The self serve ticket machines didn’t seem to work so went to the till order tickets and a drink, nice they accept cash (unlike other cinemas). Two sets of toilets (one in the foyer and one in the alleyway). Plenty of staff around with varying attitudes based on the days of my visit (some days staff were friendly, others they were bored and static). The alleyway of screens is slightly eerie and a bit of time capsule, still with unchanged numbers for the screens in the shape of the 2000’s Cineworld logo (forgot to mention, but these were also on the signs for the toilet doors), dark lighting only lit up by the light coming through the clear fire exit at the end and LED screens showcasing the screen number (which also used to show the film name). Two out of 3 of my visits had no problems. Screens fine and clear, seats and general area clean, no issues. Mostly quiet except the £1 screening of Flow I saw which was full up (fortunately no screaming babies, only distraction was a parent in the front on their phone browsing Facebook). Unfortunately, one of my visits was slightly disrupted as mid film, the frames froze for around 5-10 seconds and then unfroze. This happened around 3-4 times but did affect viewing too much so I didn’t complain. Overall nice cinema but would only feel inclined to visit again if I happened to be in the area, otherwise its not really worth my time as there are much better, cheaper and more reliable cinemas closer to home.
Closed 26 June 2025 to make way for redevelopment
Went to see F1 on Sunday and was visiting the area so thought I’d give this a go. Last time I went here (two years ago), I wasn’t very impressed. Prices were high for the leather seats and the seats were extremely tatty and didn’t even recline!!. This time, I thought I’d go for the cheaper option and give the standard seats a try. Coming in to screen 7, there were plenty of seats. The standard seats were slightly more comtthan Dorchester Odeon and had a much better view of the screen imo. Coming in 30 mins early before the trailers started, popular music was playing in comparison to the cinematic music that played in Dorchester. Then the screen got in action and the trailers started. To start with, the screen was EXTREMELY loud, especially during the ads. Fortunately, they did decrease the volume slightly as the film started (or was the film just quiet anyways??). This would be my only major complaint. The only other complaint would be that they didn’t play the DCM ident (I wonder if this is being phased out after 10+ years!). Regardless, my experience was good but wasn’t anything to shout about. You get much better value for money in Dorchester imo, you have two options there and both are cheaper than one ticket at the BH2 combined! Well, it would probably be a long time until I come here next. Hopefully I have a better experience next time…
Closed on the 20th of January 2025
Visited last year (December). Tbh the only reason why I visited was because I could get a good deal with cinema society, just £6 for a VIP seat. The cinema has a very large foyer and surprisingly still has is own dedicated box office next to the entrance. The only disappointment is that I found out that I had been given regular seats rather than VIP, regardless I wouldn’t have wanted to sit on the VIP seats anyway as they were teared up and looked uncomfortable. I doubt the reclining seats would’ve even worked lol. The cinema has children running around everywhere but surprisingly wasn’t too busy. The standard seat that I was given was okay and did it’s job, although it wasn’t the best. I wasn’t really impressed by the movie I came to see as well as the food prices (which were astronomical!). I wish I’d just gone to odeon instead but from what I’ve heard, that’s not much better either…
I have visited this cinema numerous times over the past 10 years I’ve been visiting (first when it was empire) and not much had changed. When Cineworld took over in 2016, they changed almost nothing inside the cinema. All of the signs were EXACTLY the same, the seats in the screen didn’t change. The only difference was the fact that the Cineworld logo was now slapped over the enterence and the DCM intro plays at the beginning of a film instead of the Pearl & Dean intro. At least Vue are renovating the cinema, can’t wait for it to open (should be next month). Well, about the cinema itself. The main screens are big enough and what I find interesting is that there is a walkway and stairs you need to climb to get to your seat. This is more of a cut cutting modern approach IMO as a lot of other cinemas do the opposite. Not very wheelchair friendly unless you want to set at the front and damaged your eyes. The studio screens are good albeit very small (which is to be expected). Good surround sound and large enough screens. I prefer the studios rather than the larger screens for this reason tbh. Most of the time they aren’t packed so you can enjoy the film with minimal babies crying and popcorn munching in the background.
Visited last weekend and it’s ok. I usually only visit as they usually offer deals under Vodafone or Meerkat Movies and its my closest Odeon to home. What makes no sense about this cinema (and odeon in general) is that there are always eats marked as ‘unavailable’ which usually means they’re booked. However, most of the time this isn’t the case and the only seats available are only a couple rows back from the main screen. The seats aren’t the best, they’re cheap plastic seats which were extremely uncomfortable. There are premium sets available but they’re not much better. The only difference is that they’re black rather than blue in colour and are slightly further back. The only redeeming factor was the large screen and Dolby surround. Overall, it’s an ok cinema but the Plaza beats Odeon by a mile in terms of comfort and value for money. Odeon is £7.50 a ticket when paying online whereas Plaza is only £5.50.
Visited this cinema back in 2023 and was very impressed. Tickets aren’t too expensive and plenty of films on offer. Recliner chairs come as standard (the only cinema I have ever been to that offers this). Plenty of seats and large screen. Good surround sound. Would definitely come back if I had the chance
Cinema prices are now £5 (or £5.50 online) all week for both adults and children. I visited this cinema back in April (my 3rd time visiting) and I was impressed with what you receive for the price. Comfortable chairs, big enough screen and good surround sound. Excellent value for money.
Merlin Cinemas has announced that they will take over the cinema