Navigating Cinema Adverts and Trailers: What Time Should You Really Arrive?

Lights, Camera, Action: Navigating the Pre-Show at the Cinema

As a movie enthusiast, there’s nothing quite like the anticipation of settling into your seat at the cinema, popcorn in hand, ready to be transported into another world. But, as any seasoned movie-goer knows, the time on your ticket is merely a suggestion of when the film will actually start. So, what time should you really arrive at the cinema to ensure you don’t miss the beginning of the main event?

We’ve done the research for you, gathering information from the UK’s major cinema chains and speaking to experts to give you a better idea of how long you can expect to wait through adverts and trailers before the film begins.

Cineworld, one of the largest cinema chains in the UK, states on their website that ads and trailers typically last between 30-45 minutes before the actual film starts. They also recommend collecting tickets at least 20 minutes before the listed time to make the most of your visit.

Odeon, on the other hand, claims that advert and trailer length is typically 15-25 minutes, but this can vary with each performance. They advise arriving with enough time to enter the screen at the scheduled performance start time to avoid disappointment.

Everyman plays 25 minutes’ worth of adverts and trailers, but warns that for special events, the length can vary between 15 and 40 minutes. Showcase, while not providing specific information on their website, responded to a customer on social media stating that ads and trailers are approximately 20-25 minutes long before each show.

Vue offers a more precise window, stating that most films have around 20 to 25 minutes of ads and trailers before the feature starts. According to Karen Stacey, the chief executive of Digital Cinema Media, the wait is typically 24 minutes – 12 minutes for ads and 12 for trailers. This consistent length allows for a more staggered entry for the audience and helps cinemas maximize revenue.

While there aren’t any set rules governing cinema advertising length, cinema policy is the key decider. Factors such as demand from advertisers and the films being showcased determine the length of the pre-show. Research has shown that audiences find advertising in cinemas to be part of the entertainment, with viewers watching a higher proportion of adverts in the cinema compared to TV or social media.

For those looking to avoid the pre-show altogether, independent or community cinemas may be the way to go. These cinemas often have shorter pre-shows and offer a more intimate viewing experience. Ultimately, whether you enjoy the pre-show or see it as a necessary evil, one thing is for certain – the magic of the big screen is worth the wait. So, next time you head to the cinema, plan accordingly and make the most of your movie-going experience.