CAA reveals strongest admissions for seven years

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Latest figures from the Cinema Advertising Association show that current cinema admissions for 2009 are the strongest in over seven years. Admissions over the first half of 2009 currently stand at 83,459,465, representing the most successful initial six month period since 2002.

In comparison, 2002 holds the current first 6 month cinema admissions record at 87,712,069, which was assisted by movie releases such as Spider-Man, Monsters Inc, and Star Wars Episode Two: Attack of the Clones.

This year, homegrown hit and Oscar-winner Slumdog Millionaire still ranks as the most successful movie of 2009 in the UK, with a box office take of over £31,664,316. It is followed by Monsters vs Aliens and sci-fi blockbuster Star Trek.June also proved a positive month for British cinemas with 12.5million cinemagoers enjoying a trip to the big screen, an increase of 5.6 per cent over June 2008. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen proved the biggest screen draw of the month amassing over £17 million at the box office, followed by Terminator Salvation and The Hangover.

The Transformers sequel has already taken its place in the top ten highest grossing films in the UK this year. However, these films will soon be facing stiff competition from the latest Harry Potter release, which has already broken box office records for its £4.7million take for the 15 July opening night alone.

Fleur Castell, CAA spokesperson, comments: “It’s terrific to see the success of cinema continue throughout 2009 as the UK flocks to the silver screen. This year has seen real diversity in releases from a raft of 3D films with broad appeal such as Monsters Vs Aliens and Bolt to robot rumble blockbusters in Terminator Salvation and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, while there has also been more dramatic fare with releases like Moon and Public Enemies.

“The next six months look equally promising for cinema’s success. Of course there is the Harry Potter release, but the next few months also hold the Twilight sequel New Moon, James Cameron’s return to the big screen with the 3D sci-fi film Avatar and disaster epic 2012. It seems that even when money is tight, the UK is incredibly dedicated to the cinema experience.”