Stella cinema Rathmines reopening after 12 years!

RasTa · 28-10-2017 11:25am

This bed or couch option for €38, is that per person?

Evil_g · 28-10-2017 11:50am

I've emailed them to ask if the €38 for a couch is per person.

Surely it's for 2? But it's not clear on the website.

[edit] Actually, it's pretty clear that €38 is for a two people. They're hardly going to force strangers to share a couch. There are very few of them anyway and they're all sold out for the 18:15 show next saturday.

mvron · 29-10-2017 8:37am

Ste.phen wrote: »

Saw some pics of the interior on FB: looks almost exactly like Electric Cinema in London, wonder if it’s the same operators or just ‘inspired by’?

That is so funny - I thought the exact same! My sister lives in Notting Hill & that's her cinema of choice. Similar price point, service etc. I hope it does well but I'm unlikely to travel for it, especially when the Lighthouse is on our doorstep.

Marcusm · 29-10-2017 2:12pm

Have booked for Murder on the Orient Express for next Sunday afternoon!

delbertgrady · 01-11-2017 9:45am

The screen isn't massive, but it works fine. I was at Casablanca last night, admittedly only about a third of the way back, but it was perfect. I was impressed. You've a lot of space, almost like being in your own little pod. Even if you use the footstool, there's still room for people to get past. You kind of sink into the armchairs, so even though they're not especially high at the back, you don't get that effect of a lot of heads in front of you. In fact, when they started the film yesterday, it almost seemed like the rows in front of me were half empty, but they weren't. It's just that you couldn't see the people. You wouldn't go all the time, but it's definitely somewhere I'd go to on a reasonably regular basis, especially if they were showing good reissues, which seems to be a big part of their programme.

Ciaran_B · 01-11-2017 11:17am

That sounds great. Did I read somewhere there is table service during films?

Eathrin · 01-11-2017 11:30am

Would the table service not get very annoying?

Ciaran_B · 01-11-2017 11:31am

Yeah, that's what I'm wondering.

Galadriel · 01-11-2017 12:13pm

Ciaran_B wrote: »

That sounds great. Did I read somewhere there is table service during films?

i was there last night also, you have to order food and drink outside and then they bring it to you when the movie starts, I didn't find it annoying as there's no words exchanged as you have already paid etc. they just put the stuff on your table and go.

I really enjoyed the experience and I'll definitely be back, they've done an amazing job.

Evil Sausage · 01-11-2017 12:26pm

Eathrin wrote: »

Would the table service not get very annoying?

As far as I can tell, they only deliver food during the start of the movie - so its not like you'll have staff wandering in front of you the whole movie.

Went to Ghostbusters last night and it was great - seats are very comfortable and the screen and sound were much better than I expected. I was sitting in row E, about 5 rows from the front - which was the perfect distance from the screen in my opinion.

Wont be going for every new movie but will definitely be going back, nice alternative to the usual.

Ciaran_B · 01-11-2017 12:28pm

If somebody was on their phone would you be able to see it? People on their phones is the main reason I don't go to the cinema much these days.

Galadriel · 01-11-2017 12:30pm

Evil Sausage wrote: »

I was sitting in row E, about 5 rows from the front

I agree with this, I was 4 rows back and it was perfect, I wouldn't like to be sitting towards the back.

Galadriel · 01-11-2017 12:31pm

Ciaran_B wrote: »

If somebody was on their phone would you be able to see it? People on their phones is the main reason I don't go to the cinema much these days.

No, you actually can't see the person in front of you at all, the armchairs are so big they're hidden, so you definitely wouldn't see someones phone.

The Nal · 01-11-2017 2:35pm

Are all the tickets 19 quid each!? :eek:

delbertgrady · 01-11-2017 3:19pm

No, the balcony is cheaper, albeit sold as restricted view. They're €12. I don't know how restricted the view is, and some seats would presumably be better than others. I know they plan to work on the sightlines there, but they've not done so yet.

The thing is, it shouldn't be looked upon as a "normal" trip to the cinema. For most people, it would be a treat, or could be seen as on a par with going to the theatre, in terms of the frequency of visits. In other words, you're not necessarily going to go all the time.
On a purely monetary basis, of course there's the argument that one month's Cineworld subscription (where you can see as many films as you want) is only a fraction more than it costs to see one film in the Stella, but I wouldn't actually take the view that "€19 is too expensive to see a film", as that oversimplifies the matter. There is no comparison to a normal cinema experience.
I don't drink, so the lure of cocktails and beers and table service is not a selling point for me, as it may be for others. I just like the idea of a very nice environment, where (other than the novelty factor) everyone is there for the film, and the sense of personal space and comfort is exceptional.

The Nal · 01-11-2017 3:22pm

delbertgrady wrote: »

No, the balcony is cheaper, albeit sold as restricted view. They're €12. I don't know how restricted the view is, and some seats would presumably be better than others. I know they plan to work on the sightlines there, but they've not done so yet.

The thing is, it shouldn't be looked upon as a "normal" trip to the cinema. For most people, it would be a treat, or could be seen as on a par with going to the theatre, in terms of the frequency of visits. In other words, you're not necessarily going to go all the time.
On a purely monetary basis, of course there's the argument that one month's Cineworld subscription (where you can see as many films as you want) is only a fraction more than it costs to see one film in the Stella, but I wouldn't actually take the view that "€19 is too expensive to see a film", as that oversimplifies the matter. There is no comparison to a normal cinema experience.
I don't drink, so the lure of cocktails and beers and table service is not a selling point for me, as it may be for others. I just like the idea of a very nice environment, where (other than the novelty factor) everyone is there for the film, and the sense of personal space and comfort is exceptional.

Hopefully yep, I'm going later so will report back. Although I'm not a fan of drinking in the cinema. Certainly looks the biz.

Redtin · 01-11-2017 6:10pm

gmisk wrote: »

Die hard was shown at Xmas in the lighthouse a few times, Jurassic park was also on their too. I think it's something like 8.50 to see a film before 5 if you are a member. I am also not sure I get the appeal of people clinking about with glasses etc while you are watching a film.

Wouldn't be too keen on people chomping and slurping their way through hot, and possibly smelly, food beside me either......

The Nal · 02-11-2017 10:20am

Really enjoyed it last night. Drinks are reasonably priced, seats are very comfortable. Lovely atmosphere.

Not a place to go see the new blockbuster in 16k and 10.1 ear bleeding surround sound but very nice. Great date night place. Missus loved it.

traveller0101 · 05-11-2017 9:48pm

What are the toilets like? Far from the actually screen or in the same room? Do you have to brush past people/seats to get out or what?

Marcusm · 05-11-2017 10:47pm

traveller0101 wrote: »

What are the toilets like? Far from the actually screen or in the same room? Do you have to brush past people/seats to get out or what?

THere's a ladies and an accessible WC just outside the screen door (at there back). I used the accessible one, lovely, clean etc, nicely styled.

There were a few 8-10 year olds there at MOTOE today, weird given the movie and price. No ads, no trailers so if you show up late, you've missed part of it. Chestnut brown lounge chairs with moveable footrests, lots of room, raised tables between each seat. I'm 6'5"and near enough to 30 stone so if I had a comfortable seating position, I guess most would have. You can buy cocktails, beer and wine. The wine is from a tap.

wakka12 · 26-11-2017 4:09pm

Stella cinema has been placed on the protected structures list by dublin city council since its restoration !

99 Bortles of Beer · 28-11-2017 7:24pm

Does anybody know what the couch seats at the back of the ground floor are like (and not at the front)? Very hard to find a film without the front couch seats booked.

cgcsb · 29-11-2017 10:40am

really looking forward to going, my main problem is there's feck all on that I want to see. But like other posters have said it's more the experience than the film. A friend of mine went to see the Florida Project. Crap film but fantastic venue he said.

Pelvis · 29-11-2017 10:45am

cgcsb wrote: »

But like other posters have said it's more the experience than the film.

The "experience"?? I can have the experience of sitting in a comfortable chair at home, there's nothing new about that.

I'd be utterly disappointed to spend 20 quid for the ticket alone only to see a crap movie.

cgcsb · 29-11-2017 11:11am

Well I'm waiting for a film I want to see. But of course the experience is what you're paying for. Most people under 40 can easily download the same films and chromecast them or hdmi link them to their TVs at home for free, but they pay for the experience non the less.

thejaguar · 19-01-2018 2:30pm

Wondering has anyone on here been to the Stella - is it worth a trip?

Galadriel · 19-01-2018 3:51pm

thejaguar wrote: »

Wondering has anyone on here been to the Stella - is it worth a trip?

Definitely, I've been 3 times since it opened. I wouldn't bother going to see the latest blockbuster in it but I've been to see Casablanca and Blue Velvet (and a kids movie) and absolutely loved it. They've done an amazing job.

thejaguar · 22-01-2018 10:21am

Galadriel wrote: »

Definitely, I've been 3 times since it opened. I wouldn't bother going to see the latest blockbuster in it but I've been to see Casablanca and Blue Velvet (and a kids movie) and absolutely loved it. They've done an amazing job.

Went on Saturday night. Highly recommend a visit if anyone is thinking about it.

Agree with Galadriel - I wouldn't be going to see a blockbuster, it's not that kind of vibe. If that makes sense?

delbertgrady · 22-01-2018 12:26pm

I went to Superman (1978) there yesterday and it seemed to be a projected DVD. Not a Digital Cinema Package file or a 35mm print. Is this common practice for reissues? I was disappointed. Casablanca seemed to be a DCP, but I supposed that's arguably more readily available than Superman. Can anyone comment on any reissue screenings they have attended?

Delta2113 · 01-05-2018 11:15pm

Marcusm wrote: »

THere's a ladies and an accessible WC just outside the screen door (at there back). I used the accessible one, lovely, clean etc, nicely styled.

There were a few 8-10 year olds there at MOTOE today, weird given the movie and price. No ads, no trailers so if you show up late, you've missed part of it. Chestnut brown lounge chairs with moveable footrests, lots of room, raised tables between each seat. I'm 6'5"and near enough to 30 stone so if I had a comfortable seating position, I guess most would have. You can buy cocktails, beer and wine. The wine is from a tap.

- What about the Men's? 2 or 3 pints before a film and I'd expect at least one visit needed during a film. Would you be disturbing other Customer's or is it handy to get out?

BabysCoffee · 02-05-2018 8:43am

Delta2113 wrote: »

- What about the Men's? 2 or 3 pints before a film and I'd expect at least one visit needed during a film. Would you be disturbing other Customer's or is it handy to get out?

There's plenty of space to move past people's seats without disturbing them. However, the pouffes that people put their coats in to are really difficult to see and very easy to fall over.

Pelvis · 25-07-2018 1:15pm

I see they've opened up a Diner now too. It's nice inside, nice decor (for a diner) and quite airy with high ceilings etc. The booths are nice and spacious which is a big plus for me.

I was in there for breakfast (eggs, sausages, home fries and ham) and can't say it was anything more than 'okay'. From the decor I expected higher quality food but I think they're going for an "authentic" diner vibe in terms of food on offer, i.e. it tasted like what I'd expect to be served in a ****ty diner off of some desert highway in the states, where the waitress has a fag in her mouth and the locals don't like 'your kind' around here.

Can't say I'd go back for breakfast, though if I did i'd probably opt for the pancake/waffle options.

Still haven't managed to justify €20 a ticket to see a movie though.

Marcusm · 25-07-2018 7:22pm

Pelvis wrote: »

I see they've opened up a Diner now too. It's nice inside, nice decor (for a diner) and quite airy with high ceilings etc. The booths are nice and spacious which is a big plus for me.

I was in there for breakfast (eggs, sausages, home fries and ham) and can't say it was anything more than 'okay'. From the decor I expected higher quality food but I think they're going for an "authentic" diner vibe in terms of food on offer, i.e. it tasted like what I'd expect to be served in a ****ty diner off of some desert highway in the states, where the waitress has a fag in her mouth and the locals don't like 'your kind' around here.

Can't say I'd go back for breakfast, though if I did i'd probably opt for the pancake/waffle options.

Still haven't managed to justify €20 a ticket to see a movie though.

“Okay” is praising it; the ingredients in the breakfast seem to be decent quality apart from the Brennan’s bread. However, the cooking standard is woeful. The streaky bacon they use is much thicker than US standard so they burn it black in a futile attempt to get it crispy. Likewise the sausage was cooked to a crisp on two sides in an attempt to get it cooked through.

There’s no reason for this to be a problem but as I’ve seen with Angeliba’s, the focus is on the ingredients and the menu but not the third leg of that stool - cooking competence.

Other dishes might be great.

L1011 · 25-07-2018 8:14pm

I've noticed that in other Press Up locations. Huge skills shortage in the sector and nobody seems to be taking the nuclear "pay them loads" approach to get staff in/to stay.

Speedsie · 25-07-2018 8:39pm

L1011 wrote: »

I've noticed that in other Press Up locations. Huge skills shortage in the sector and nobody seems to be taking the nuclear "pay them loads" approach to get staff in/to stay.

I've found that Press Up places tend to have fantastic fit out, but sub par (or average) food.

It's all about the style!

gmisk · 26-07-2018 9:52am

Pelvis wrote: »

I see they've opened up a Diner now too. It's nice inside, nice decor (for a diner) and quite airy with high ceilings etc. The booths are nice and spacious which is a big plus for me.

I was in there for breakfast (eggs, sausages, home fries and ham) and can't say it was anything more than 'okay'. From the decor I expected higher quality food but I think they're going for an "authentic" diner vibe in terms of food on offer, i.e. it tasted like what I'd expect to be served in a ****ty diner off of some desert highway in the states, where the waitress has a fag in her mouth and the locals don't like 'your kind' around here.

Can't say I'd go back for breakfast, though if I did i'd probably opt for the pancake/waffle options.

Still haven't managed to justify €20 a ticket to see a movie though.

That doesnt sound great....
TBH I have been to a few screenings and really enjoyed it (a quiet place, isle of dogs), nice quiet audiences, however the food in the cinema was bang average and expensive for what it was so wouldnt recommend it either.

imme · 26-07-2018 9:23pm

Speedsie wrote: »

I've found that Press Up places tend to have fantastic fit out, but sub par (or average) food.

It's all about the style!

Lots of style and no substance!
That's being nasty maybe
If I were being cruel I could say the company is the plaything of a wealthy man's son

BabysCoffee · 29-07-2018 8:07pm

Anyone know what you need to pick up tickets at the kiosk? Credit card?

Kablamo! · 29-07-2018 8:13pm

Ref number from your email.

Speedsie · 29-07-2018 8:37pm

imme wrote: »

Lots of style and no substance!
That's being nasty maybe
If I were being cruel I could say the company is the plaything of a wealthy man's son

I happen to think that Press Up have done a wonderful restoration of the Stella. The fit out & decor of Angelina's, Roberta's & Sophie's is wonderful, but the food in those locations doesn't live up to expectations. But i do like Wow burger.

Probably says more about me than Press Up!

mrcheez · 25-03-2024 12:22pm

Old thread resurrection time.

Considering going to this with the gf, what are the couches like? Seem quite far back.

Galadriel · 29-03-2024 6:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121936675#Comment_121936675

Yeah, they are, go for the armchairs, unlike other cinemas, it's better to be up towards the front, C, D or E is perfect. I love going there.

Technocentral · 06-07-2024 11:58am

Reading reviews from 2019 up until this month saying the sound quality is awful, Is this true, dialogue muffled and indistinct?

Galadriel · 10-07-2024 5:19pm

I've been many times and never had an issue, but as I said in a previous post, you need to be up towards the front. Maybe there are sound issues further back.

Stella cinema Rathmines reopening after 12 years!

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