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With news this week that The Arc Cinema will open on Friday 21 February, it’s an exciting time to be a film fan in Preston.
The eight-screen cinema based in the new Animate leisure complex will feature luxury electric recliner seating and HYPERSENSE, a premium large format screen with Dolby Atmos® sound, 4K laser projection, and giant screens.
The new theatre joins Vue at the Capitol Centre, Odeon at the Docks, and The Flower Bowl in Brock in Preston’s cinema line-up.
This week, some brand new films have just been released, including the sci-fi thriller Companion, and a comedy film based on the first ever live broadcast of Saturday Night Live (SNL), though Saturday Night will only be playing in Odeon and The Flower Bowl throughout the week with no listings at the local Vue.
Here’s a guide to all of the unique and special screenings that can be seen at Preston cinemas from Friday 31 January, through to Thursday 6 February.
Tabby McTat + Room On The Broom
Odeon – Book Here
Daily
Julia Donaldson’s popular stories for children have been adapted into animated short features, which are beloved by kids. So, if you need something to keep the younger kids and toddlers entertained, this is the perfect listing with daily showings at Odeon.
Gladiator II
Vue – Book Here
Friday, Saturday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Gladiator II came out in November 2024, and it is beginning to phase out of cinemas. The long awaited sequel is directed by Ridley Scott, and provides the epic next chapter in the saga. Starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn.
Maria
The Flower Bowl – Book Here
Friday, Wednesday, Thursday
Maria is an independent film that has received a very limited release across the UK. The movie, which stars Angelina Jolie, examines the life of a famous opera singer, Maria Callas in the week before she died. The movie has been nominated for Best Cinematography at the 97th Academy Awards.
Buffalo Kids
Odeon – Book Here
Saturday, Sunday
Buffalo Kids is a small independent Spanish animated family film, which follows the adventures of two young Irish children in the 19th century. Having lost their parents, Tom and Mary embark on an epic journey to the United States in order to find the only family they have left.
Luther: Never Too Much
Odeon – Book Here
Saturday, Sunday
The Flower Bowl – Book Here
Sunday
Rather than another musical biopic, Luther: Never Too Much is a musical documentary that provides insights into the life and times of popular artist, Luther Vandross. The film combines archive footage and interviews from Luther to create a captivating and complete picture of his powerful and inspiring journey.
Raya and the Last Dragon
Odeon – Book Here
Saturday, Sunday
Raya and the Last Dragon is one of the most underrated films from Disney in the last couple of years. After appearing in Vue last week as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, the film is now playing in Preston at Odeon exclusively this week.
Tabby McTat + Stick Man
Vue – Book Here
Saturday, Sunday
Julia Donaldson’s popular stories for children have been adapted into animated short features, which are beloved by kids. So, if you need something to keep the younger kids and toddlers entertained, this is the perfect listing.
Se7en
Vue – Book Here
Saturday, Monday, Wednesday
Vue is celebrating the career of David Fincher, which means several of his best works will be playing on the big screen. Se7en stands out as a thrilling mystery story starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman with twists throughout. It also marks the 30th anniversary for Se7en this year.
Zodiac
Vue – Book Here
Saturday, Monday
Further expanding on the celebration of David Fincher’s lengthy film career, Vue is also showing Zodiac. This thriller is stacked with incredibly talented actors, including Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo, as a team of journalists become tangled in the mystery of the Zodiac Killer.
Read more: Unique queer cabaret-theatre extravaganza coming to Preston
Panda Bear In Africa
Vue – Book Here
Saturday, Sunday
Panda Bear in Africa is a children’s animated film from China, which follows a young panda and their best friend, a dragon. When the dragon is taken to be presented as a gift to a group of African lions, the panda sets off to save their friend.
Les Miserables – The Staged Concert Live!
Vue – Book Here
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
Odeon – Book Here
Sunday, Tuesday
The Flower Bowl – Book Here
Sunday, Tuesday
The incredibly popular cast including Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Matt Lucas, and many more is returning to the big screen across the UK. While this West End performance was recorded in 2019, it stands out as one of the most popular versions of the musical, which has led to it returning several times in cinemas everywhere.
Conclave
The Flower Bowl – Book Here
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Conclave was initially released in November 2024. The political thriller explores dark themes surrounding religion with an unbelievably talented cast. Ralph Fiennes takes centre stage, and is joined by Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and more. The film has been nominated for eight Academy Awards, which is likely why The Flower Bowl has put it back into the regular rotation.
Pretty Woman (35th Anniversary)
Odeon – Book Here
Monday
Speaking of Academy Award nominated titles, Odeon is bringing back Pretty Woman to celebrate the film’s 35th anniversary. One of Julia Roberts breakout roles, the film also stars Richard Gere, and continues to stand the test of time as one of the most famous and most parodied rom-coms of all time.
Read more: Best of Preston compilation album to launch at city taproom
Nickel Boys
Odeon – Book Here
Tuesday
Nickel Boys has been making its way around the film festival circuit since August 2024, although it only got a limited release here in the UK in early January. Despite this, the film has landed a couple of Academy Award nominations, and will be appearing exclusively in Odeon this week in Preston as part of their Silver Cinema offering on Tuesday evening.
Macbeth: David Tennant & Cush Jumbo
Vue – Book Here
Wednesday, Thursday
Odeon – Book Here
Wednesday, Thursday
The Flower Bowl – Book Here
Wednesday
David Tennant had an incredibly popular run as Doctor Who from 2005 to 2010, but since then, his career has seen him appear in numerous other projects across the screen and stage. Tennant’s performances in Shakespearian plays have been particularly successful, and his latest West End outing with Cush Jumbo in Macbeth is no different. Having received numerous 5 star reviews, this show is not one to miss, and with several showings in the local cinemas, there are plenty of chances to get yourself ticket.
September 5
Odeon – Book Here
Wednesday
September 5 is set to release in cinemas everywhere from Thursday 6 February, but for anyone who can’t wait, Odeon has managed to secure an early screening. The film follows the events of the Munich massacre of 1972, where an American sports broadcasting channel was involved in covering a developing hostage crisis at the Olympics.
Sarah & Duck On The Big Screen
Vue – Book Here
Thursday
Sarah & Duck is a popular animated series aimed at children aged 4 to 6. The special screening combines eight of the best episodes from the series and two sing-along songs to make this a special event for young fans of the show.
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This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to [email protected] for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.
