The Backlot Cinema in Blackpool kindly invited us down to take a look around their brand-new IMAX cinema which is the first IMAX cinema built in Lancashire!
Seeing the rather distressed streets of Blackpool suddenly starting to receive investment and being spruced up is such an encouraging sign.
The Central Development project is fully underway with a new car park, bars, restaurants and even an indoor theme park planned to restore some pleasing aesthetics to the town.
The Backlot further adds to improving the image of Blackpool as the town’s first IMAX cinema (and the first in Lancashire) is now officially open.
Whilst Godzilla x Kong wasn’t exactly a film I would have chosen to see (thanks to a PR company for the tickets) I headed straight to the diner as this was ultimately the priority of the day over a film I wasn’t entirely enthusiastic about going to see.
Having a classic diner in a cinema is rare and not only that but with Waltzer booths and deck chair colour schemes the diner was kitted out in style.
Every single staff member was absolutely lovely. Welcoming beaming smiles led us to our seat where we had a meeting with cinema owner John Sullivan.
Indulging in my food cravings I ordered a Backlot Burger and it did not disappoint. The meat was perfectly cooked and the cheese and gherkins complimented the soft bun perfectly, with waffle fries on top this was already the nicest food I’d eaten within a cinema setting.
Some fancy cinemas try hard with their food offerings and they never quite find the balance between social food and the environment it’s in but I felt the menu complimented the cinema perfectly with an American twist on a lot of its offerings with some cinema/diner combo classics on top!
The quirky atmosphere and food perfectly complemented one another and you’re able to take your food and drink straight into the cinema with you if you want to!
I genuinely felt sorry for the cleaners when I was told this as I can just envision kids making an absolute mess taking their food to the beautifully created Backlot seats.
Knowing how messy my burger was (try eating it whilst having a meeting, it’s difficult!) I wouldn’t dare to bring that into the cinema onto the seats, but if you’re feeling brave the option is there for you to do so.
Pricing Vs what you received in return was fair, it was a good portion size and it was filling and when you get upstairs to the incredible ‘Snack to the Future’ confectionary counter it has some very well-priced snacks and drinks with the popcorn being the cheapest I’ve seen at any cinema we’ve been to.
Costing a cool £21 million to build the Backlot offers a homely feel with a fresh, modern and clean appearance.
Nine screens of a variety of sizes from small cosy intimate screens to the giant 10.85m tall and 19.87m wide IMAX screen that seats 264 people. There are a total of 850 cinema seats within The Backlot Blackpool.
There is also a very private screen which includes a bar, great for private parties or esports/gaming tournaments with friends!
Some screens even have chargers built into the seats so you can charge your phone whilst you’re watching a film.
What I instantly noticed when walking into the IMAX screen was just how well laid out the seating plan was. Yes, when stood next to a screen that was taller than 2 double-decker buses the first thing I noticed was the seating arrangement.
I’m not sure what that says about me as a person but no matter where you sit in the IMAX screen you’re going to get a good seat, we purposely sat right at the back in the far corner of the screen (usually the worst seat) and we still were able to get a great view.
The screen is laid out perfectly with every seat perfectly positioned to soak up all of that IMAX goodness.
Whilst Godzilla x Kong was terrible in terms of storyline (and just about everything else) the action sequences were nothing short of breathtaking in IMAX. The finest details are celebrated, and showcased and that tweaked IMAX audio perfectly catapults you into the heart of the action.
If you’re watching any action sequences, there’s nothing quite like IMAX to drag you straight into the heart of the action.
Backlot also has a private function room right on the top floor and a cheeky little window that you can glance through and check out the IMAX projector doing its thing with some comfy chairs opposite it should you want a quick sit down.
Next to the snack bar, there’s also a great little hangout spot lined with classic movie posters. It’s nice having multiple layers of the building all having places to chill out before your movie starts, it drives home that social hangout vibe that the cinema seemingly prides itself upon and that’s very rare in cinemas nowadays.
Most chain cinemas have little to no seating, you grab your overpriced snacks and drinks, watch your film and get lost. I never get that vibe at The Backlot it very much feels like you’re very welcome to stick around, enjoy some drinks, and food and just hang out and I love that sense of community and togetherness.
A little hub to celebrate the love of all things film.
There will also be regular events, such as comedy nights, film festivals, diner and movie packages, and local community meet-ups, which will ensure that it becomes a cultural focal point for both residents and Blackpool tourists.
Blackpool has something special here and the team behind the scenes genuinely care. I’ve had many a meeting at a cinema and they’re all very run-of-the-mill people just there doing a job, getting a paycheque and off they trot.
Not at The Backlot. The management and owner care and want to involve the community as much as humanly possible and with people like that on the team the only way is up for Blackpool’s first IMAX cinema.
Take a look around The Backlot Cinema & Diner over on Lift Hills and Thrills, our attractions and theme park spin-off page which we absolutely recommend you subscribe to (naturally).
Make sure you head on over to The Backlot’s official website to check out the latest film times and offerings at https://www.thebacklotblackpool.co.uk/home
