[ from the please-fix-the-problems dept. ]
The body of this entry contains an open letter to Warner Village cinemas concerning the farcical disgrace of their premier of Matrix Reloaded this evening. Warner Village cinemas allowed the presentation to continue while illicit drugs were being smoked and consequently filling the air throughout the auditorium. Today I will be calling the Health and Safety Executive to report this incident as well as Trading Standards and any other agency or organisation that may assist in reminding Warner Village cinemas of their duty to the paying public. I am not overreacting as this completely ruined what otherwise was an enjoyable evening. The legal issues aside, I do not expect to be subjected to any form of smoke in the confined space of a cinema auditorium. Many others were severely disturbed by this also and consequently left to attempt communication with staff.
Jon.
To whom it may concern,
I purchased a ticket to the 23:30 Matrix Reloaded presentation at the Warner Village cinema in Nottingham on Wednesday 21st May 2003. I arrived in good time to see this long anticipated film premier and was most impressed with the film itself.
While I enjoyed the content of the film, I was most distressed by a number of fundamental issues with your cinema in Nottingham on that evening, which should be immediately addressed. I may begin by noting that there was an expected high demand for this film and that adequate preparation time was available beforehand.
The cinema staff initially presented themselves as being too few in number, overworked and unable to handle the crowds to a reasonable satisfaction. The staff appeared both rude and discourtious on several occasions, although I might note that the refreshment area was well managed.
I am informed that certain safetly lighting measures are required however it may interest Warner Village to be made aware that many of the crowd were openly shouting and repeatedly calling for the lightening level to be lowered to an acceptable level of luminance. The film quality was much degraded by the intensity of the background lighting.
Although I am an open minded person on many issues, I do not believe that it is generally acceptable for Warner Village cinemas to allow patrons to actively engage in smoking illegal drugs. The legal issue aside, I certainly did not expect to notice a “spliff” being smoked during the film. Those staff who did attempt to isolate the cause were obviously unable to do so. This began approximately half way through the film and subsequently completely ruined the presentation for myself. I was unable to experience the film whilst constantly feeling anger and frustration towards Warner Village cinemas for their complete incompetence.
A number of other minor issues accentuated the disgraceful manner in which this cinema was managed on this occasion and I feel that an apology must surely be made to all of those who attended and were frustrated. I intend to draw sufficient attention to this issue as to provoke a response.
Jon Masters.
jcm@jonmasters.org