The Ozone Multiplex Cinema has not had an easy birth. It is part of the Kassam Stadium football complex at Greater Leys, on the edge of the city, and it has been caught up in some of the same frustrations that have hampered the sports development.  | | Firoz Kassam in one of the projection rooms |
Owner Firoz Kassam declared that he would run the cinema himself after failing to attract a major chain to operate it. Potential partners were put off by a planning restriction that currently prevents films being shown when Oxford United is playing at the stadium. Mr Kassam is promising luxury, stadium-style seating, Dolby sound systems and full wheelchair access. Certainly it's impressive inside and the seats are pretty plush. Sound enhancement is available for people with hearing difficulties. Mr Kassam is also catering to non-mainstream tastes, with screenings of Bollywood films in response to demand for fans of Indian movies. The boast is that movie-going habits in the county will be transformed, but Martin Jenkins, manager of the Phoenix Picture House in Jericho, Oxford, says he's not worried.  | | Phoenix manager Martin Jenkins is unconcerned. |
He says there is room for the Ozone as well as the Odeon in Oxford and the city's independents. It could well prove a boon, though, for people living in surrounding towns and villagers, who may not be that keen on travelling into the centre of Oxford to see films. The complex also houses a newly-opened bowling alley. Visit the Ozone website here. |