Astor Film Lounge - Frankfurt has a premium cinema
Finally, the time has come. Since December 21, 2012, Frankfurt has a premium cinema with the Astor Film Lounge - and that too above the rooftops of the city. In the former Cinemagnum on the top floor of the Zeil-Galerie, cinema of a very special kind can now be enjoyed. The philosophy behind this premium cinema is actually a very obvious one. For many people, going to the cinema is no longer a real pleasure. Especially film lovers over the age of 30 often no longer feel comfortable in multiplex cinemas. Long lines at the box office and the counters, popcorn and other sticky residue on the floors and seats, the not exactly pleasant smell of nachos and the accompanying sauces and, of course, the visitors for whom the film is secondary and who prefer to chat with the person sitting next to them, or fiddling with their mobile phones - all this makes some people who used to enjoy going to the cinema think twice today about whether a film that will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray in just a few months is really worth investing a lot of money and even more nerves in a visit to the cinema. Whether it is worth it under these circumstances to watch the film in an environment that is just geared towards mass distribution, but can't cater to the individual customer. Certainly, multiplex cinemas often have an enthusiastic audience and thus an absolute right to exist. With the emergence of multiplexes and their increasing popularity, many smaller cinemas disappeared, which often lost their livelihoods frighteningly quickly with falling audiences and rising rents. In Frankfurt, too, many cinemas have had to say goodbye to their beloved ones in recent years, such as the Zeil-Kinos, the Turmpalast or, of course, the Royal. A few months ago, the Cinemagnum in the Zeilgalerie was also hit. Since other houses in the vicinity can also play 3D, the cinema had lost its former monopoly and could, perhaps due to the somewhat inconvenient location, no longer attract enough viewers in front of the inherently impressive screen.
But the mourning for the end of the Cinemagnum should be limited. Because the end of the one cinema means a promising new beginning for Frankfurt. For cinema operator H.-J. Flebbe opened the Astor Film Lounge, the first premium cinema in the Main metropolis, here in December after an elaborate and much more expensive than planned renovation. Having already successfully implemented the concept in Berlin, Munich and Cologne, Flebbe hopes that his fourth premium cinema will also be positively received by the public. And the chances of this are good.
Because the concept clearly puts the cinema-goer and their comfort first. So one is welcomed for instance at the entrance by a Doorman, drives then with an express elevator directly into the generous entrance hall with bar, can deliver its jackets at a guarded, free cloakroom, gets a welcome cocktail served and can be served then before film beginning still directly at the place. Arm and leg room are also guaranteed in the comfortable leather armchairs, with the number of seats being reduced from the current 380 to 201. The box seats with footstools are particularly comfortable, offering extreme cosiness and are sure to quickly become the most popular seats in the cinema.
Popcorn and other scent-intensive noisemakers are not available here, but selected finger food (such as a small cheese platter) and a good selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
In order to create a very special cinema atmosphere, an extensive remodeling was necessary. Thus, in addition to the seating, a new step system was installed and the ceiling was lowered. The screen is now covered by a curtain, unlike in the days of the Cinemagnum, and a completely new lighting system has been installed, which will give the term "cinema" a whole new meaning. The audience can get an idea of this before each screening, when a small light show sets the mood for the film.
The program will consist of upscale entertainment cinema, the intended target audience is 30+. It is not intended to be a film art cinema, but will offer upscale entertainment cinema for a primarily adult audience. In addition to the main film, there will usually also be a small supporting programme, for example with short films and some advertising. In addition, special events such as the popular broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera or ballet performances are always offered.
A very special service will soon offer the Astor Film Lounge as the first cinema ever in Germany: who would like to see a film not in the German version, but rather in the original, can be given headphones, on which then via infrared technology the original sound is transmitted. From the beginning of 2013, there will also be the possibility for guests arriving by car to park cheaply in the MyZeil multi-storey car park.
Good service, undisturbed film enjoyment, state-of-the-art screening technology and a comfortable and cosy ambience - the Astor Film Lounge wants to offer all this to its guests. The fact that this has to be a little more expensive than a "normal visit to the cinema" is something you are only too happy to accept. A screening before 4pm costs between 12 and 14 euros (+ surcharge for 3D films) and after 4pm between 14 and 16 euros.
It's great that the Astor Film Lounge is finally bringing a real cinema feeling back to Frankfurt! If you want to really enjoy cinema again, can do without the usual snacks, can leave your mobile phone in your pocket for two hours to enjoy a film undisturbed and are prepared to pay a little more for it, then a visit to the astor Film Lounge can be warmly recommended.
You can learn more about the Astor Film Lounge at http://www.frankfurt.astor-filmlounge.de/.
