Baz Luhrmann takes centre stage on the big screen at Vue Edinburgh

From Romeo + Juliet to Elvis, five films from legendary auteur Baz Luhrman are arriving at Vue Edinburgh this month.  

The season kicks off from 14 March with The Great Gatsby, starring an ensemble case – including Joel Edgerton, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire – and led by Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio in this adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless tragedy.  

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Luhrmann’s dazzling and unconventional adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet will be returning from 27 March. Starring a young DiCaprio in his first collaboration with the director, he plays opposite Claire Danes as the infamous pair of star-crossed lovers. 

This modern adaptation is a world away from its Elizabethan origins, taking place in the futuristic urban backdrop of Verona Beach, California.

Considered by many to be one of the greatest musical films of all time, the unforgettable Moulin Rouge! will be heading back to the big screen from 20 March. The jukebox musical stars Ewan McGregor as a crestfallen poet who falls for Sparkling Diamond of the cabaret, played by Nicole Kidman. 

Also starring Nicole Kidman, Australia will be screening from 20 April. It follows an estranged wife as she joins forces with a rugged local, played by Hugh Jackman, on a cattle drive across hundreds of miles of harsh terrain to save her ranch.

But when the pair finally reach the town of Darwin, they must contend with the same Japanese bombers that just rained death upon Pearl Harbor. 

In the biopic Elvis, Luhrmann explores the life and music of Elvis Presley through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The film boasts stellar performances from Austin Butler and Tom Hanks, and is returning from 14 April.  

General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh, said: “After over three decades in the industry, Baz Luhrmann has proven himself as a true showman of cinema.

“Here at Vue, we pride ourselves on bringing the ultimate seat, screen and sound experience – what better way to enjoy these high-octane, visually opulent films.”   

To find out more or book tickets, visit www.myvue.com  

Full listings:

  • The Great Gatsby (2013) – From 14 March 
  • Moulin Rouge! (25th Anniversary) – From 20 March 
  • Romeo + Juliet (30th Anniversary) – From 27 March 
  • Australia (2008) – From 10 April 
  • Elvis (2022) – From 18 April 

Bumper collection of TV sensation Bluey episodes heading to Edinburgh – just in time for the Easter holidays

An hour-long collection of episodes from the global TV phenomenon Bluey will be arriving at cinemas in Edinburgh just in time for the Easter holidays, on Friday 27th March.

Bluey at the Cinema: Playdates with Friends Collection is an hour-long cinema experience featuring eight episodes from across the hit TV show’s three series, all celebrating play, friendship and family. The compilation brings together some of Bluey’s most beloved games, including Shadowlands and Octopus, while spotlighting special moments of friendship in episodes such as Circus and Slide, and delivering plenty of joy, laughter and big-screen fun for audiences of all ages.

Bluey first arrived on-screen in Australia in 2018 and has since become a household name, proving popular with audiences across the globe. Bluey at the Cinema: Playdates with Friends Collection builds on the success of previous theatrical compilation releases in the UK, Bluey at the Cinema: Family Trip Collection (August 2024) and Bluey at the Cinema: Let’s Play Chef Collection (May 2025).

Johnny Carr, Head of Event Cinema and Distribution at Vue Lumière, said: “Bluey has become a true event for family audiences, and we’re delighted to be continuing our collaboration with BBC Studios and Piece of Magic on this new collection.

“The success of previous releases across the UK, Ireland and Europe shows how much families love experiencing Bluey on the big screen, and Playdates with Friends Collection is a joyful next chapter.”

To find out more, including to book tickets, visit your local cinemas website.

Cinemas in Edinburgh where you can see Bluey at the Cinema: Playdates with Friends Collection:

  • Cineworld Edinburgh
  • Odeon Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird
  • Odeon Edinburgh Lothian Road
  • Odeon Edinburgh West
  • Vue Edinburgh Ocean Terminal
  • Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre

Roald Dahl’s beloved stories return to the big screen at Vue Edinburgh

A number of iconic film adaptations based on the work of children’s author Roald Dahl are returning to the big screen at Vue Edinburgh, offering families the perfect chance to relive their favourite stories the way they were meant to be seen.  

Marking its 30th anniversary this year, James & The Giant Peach kickstarts the season from 28 February. From the director behind classics such as The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline, this stylishly silly story follows an orphan who, tired of living with his two cruel aunts, befriends a group of anthropomorphic bugs who live inside a giant peach and embarks on a marvellous adventure to the city of New York.

Also marking 30 years since it first began entertaining families, Matilda is heading back to the big screen to cause more mischief and mayhem from 28 March. The film follows a gifted young girl forced to put up with her difficult home and school life, including crude parents and her evil principal, Mrs Trunchbull. But when Matilda discovers she has the power of telekinesis, she begins to fight back against the wicked adults around her, freeing her friends from their grown-up grievances.  

Another beloved adaptation returning to the big screen is the iconic Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, featuring Gene Wilder as the titular chocolatier, who invites five children into his mysterious, mad factory of sweet delights. The classic will be returning from 7 March. 

Other firm favourites joining the Roald Dahl season at Vue include the stop motion creature crime caper Fantastic Mr Fox, Angelica Huston’s unforgettable performance in the 1990 version of The Witches, and director Steven Spielberg’s heartwarming adaptation of The BFG. 

General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh, said: “Author Roald Dahl is behind some of the most recognisable and beloved children’s tales, many of which have inspired incredible big screen adaptations. 

“To coincide with the 30th anniversary of two of these iconic films, we’re hugely excited to bring the very best of Dahl’s work back to the big screen for families and first-time viewers to enjoy.”   

Now film lovers in Edinburgh can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux. Strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen, Ultra Lux seating also features an extra-wide armrest, personal table for snacks and beverages and a state-of-the-art wine cooler – the most luxurious way to immerse in a great story.

To find out more, visit www.myvue.com 

Roald Dahl Back On The Big Screen season screenings take place on:

James & The Giant Peach (30th Anniversary) – From 28 February  

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory – From 7 March  

The Witches (1990) – From 14 March  

Matilda (30th Anniversary) – From 28 March  

The BFG – From 3 April 

Fantastic Mr Fox – From 10 April  

Think of England premiere – in Glasgow!!

UK premiere at Glasgow Film Festival – March 2026

“A thought-provoking exploration of truth and deceit” – Variety

 “an exploration of social norms, as well as cinema and filmmaking itself” – The Hollywood Reporter 

“A memorable cinematic experience … this is a film we hope is picked up for distribution, as it’s certainly one that will get people talking” – HeyUGuys
 
“Deliciously absurd” Cineuropa

Giant Films is delighted to announce that the British feature film Think of England, inspired by an enduring wartime urban myth that the UK government commissioned pornographic films to boost troop morale during World War II, will receive its UK premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival on 6th March, followed by a screening at Manchester Film Festival on 22nd March.

Set in the summer of 1943 on the Orkney Islands, where the Normandy landings are fast approaching and troops on the front line are increasingly desperate, the film follows an eclectic group of characters, each selected for their own unique skillset, tasked with a top-secret mission: to make pornographic films intended to raise morale ahead of invasion.

As each assignee struggles under the weight of conscience, coercion, and fear, the darkly satirical story examines who draws society’s moral lines, who enforces them, and what happens when they are crossed under extreme pressure.

Directed by BAFTA-nominated British writer-director Richard HawkinsThink of England explores moral boundaries, power, and performance against the backdrop of war, at a moment in history when the stakes could not be higher. The film interrogates censorship and hypocrisy, asking what happens when deeply held values collide with the demands of survival.

The film, which was shot under the principles of Ted Hope’s NonDe movement, stars Ronni Ancona (Big ImpressionEastEnders) as wardrobe and makeup artist. Agnes Duprée, with leading lady Natalie Quarry (Rosalind Clifford in Call the Midwife) as Holly Spurring, and leading man Jack Bandeira (The GoldAndor) as Corporal Evans, alongside and John McCrea (Olivier award-winner for playing the original title role in ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’) as Captain Anthony Clune.

The cast also includes Ben Bela Böhm (Better Call Saul), Oscar Hoppe (All the Light We Cannot See) and Ollie Maddigan (The Olive Boy).

Lead Natalie Quarry as wartime actress Holly Spurring delivers a bold performance that includes on-screen nudity, a brave evolution from Natalie’s work as Rosalind Clifford in Call the Midwife.

The film treats this exposure with gravity rather than spectacle, using it to interrogate power, coercion, and vulnerability in wartime Britain.Occupying a pivotal position within the film’s provocative wartime narrative, Natalie’s character sits at the centre of its exploration of sexual performance, power, and moral compromise.

Similarly, Jack Bandeira, the film’s leading man, appears naked on screen as Corporal Evans, delivering a performance marked by PTSD,his striking and sometimes harrowing turn is rooted in volatility and loss of control, with moments of stark physical exposure that sit squarely within the film’s darker moral terrain.

Think of England, produced by father-daughter duo Nick and Poppy O’Hagan for Giant Films, is also a controversial film about cinema itself, about how moving images have historically tested, challenged, and redrawn the boundaries of what audiences are willing to see.

Set firmly within its time, the film shines a light on the institutional misogyny and homophobia of the era while allowing its unlikely characters to gesture toward a more tolerant future, reminding us to continually question the sensibilities and censorship of any age, including our own.

The upcoming Glasgow Film Festival screening marks the first opportunity for UK audiences to see the film in a public cinema setting.

Glasgow Film Festival, 6 (UK Premiere) & 7 March 2026
  https://www.glasgowfilm.org/movie/think-of-england/

Manchester Film Festival, 22nd March 2026
 https://manchesterfilmfestival.app/eventdetails?id=695bd485988b844de87f16fa

Cineworld Scotland welcomes IRN-BRU

Scotland, the wait is o’er!

Democracy. Destiny. Ginger fizz. Plus a free Regular Bru for Burns Night

After years of passionate requests, capital-letter enthusiasm and a steady stream of “BRU??” in their DMs, IRN-BRU has finally arrived at Cineworld Scotland. The nation spoke. Cineworld listened. And now every Scottish Cineworld cinema is proudly serving the most defiant soft drink on earth. 

To announce the moment, Cineworld has launched a bold new ad campaign in partnership with IRN-BRU, starring its own Scottish cinema teams serving up IRN-BRU with maximum pride and minimal apology. The creative leans hard into classic IRN-BRU attitude – irreverent, cheeky, and proudly Scottish. 

Tim Sparrow, Director of Retail at Cineworld, said: “Scotland made it very clear what it wanted, and now IRN-BRU is finally on tap at Cineworld.

Grab a seat, grab a BRU, and enjoy the victory!” 

FREE REGULAR IRN-BRU FOR BURNS NIGHT

Sunday January 25, 2026 – Scotland only 

Every customer attending a Scottish Cineworld on Burns Night with a valid ticket will receive a free regular IRN-BRU, on us. No small print. No hoops. Just fizz. 

To celebrate Burns Night’ 26, Cineworld are bring back two Scottish classics to the big screen for only £5.99 per film when you book online: 

The Angels’ Share (2012)

Ken Loach’s whisky-soaked, big-hearted caper. 

Braveheart (1995) – 4K Restoration

Big speeches, bigger kilts, now in glorious 4K. 

HOW TO GET YOUR FREE REGULAR IRN-BRU

  1. Walk to the counter 
  2. Say: “BRU?” 
  3. Receive destiny 

It’s Scotland on the screen, Scotland in your hand, and Scotland very much in charge. 

Scotland, your Cineworld has been BRU-tified.

For terms and conditions for the free regular Iru Bru please visit

Offers and Promotions | Terms and Conditions | Cineworld Cinemas 

Vue Edinburgh Omni welcomes luxurious new seats

Film fans in Edinburgh can enjoy the latest releases in the ultimate comfort with the arrival of Vue’s biggest and comfiest Ultra Lux seat at its venue located within the Omni Centre on Greenside Row.

The Ultra Lux is the best seat in the screen and is available for Edinburgh customers to experience now.

88 Ultra Lux seats have been installed across Vue Edinburgh Omni’s 12 screens. Each seat provides the very best view of the screen and comes with a host of premium features including an extra-wide armrest, beverage cooler and personal table for snacks and beverages, and back and leg rests which recline independently, allowing customers to find the most relaxing viewing position possible.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “We have invested in bringing Vue’s best seating option to Edinburgh Omni and are excited for our customers to enhance their experience on their next visit. It is truly the best way to immerse yourself in a film and to have the most comfortable experience.”

The investment means that customers can now book Ultra Lux seating at both of Vue’s Edinburgh venues with its Ocean Terminal venue introducing the seating in November last year.

Tickets for Vue Edinburgh Omni can be booked online by visiting myvue.com

Return to Middle-earth as The Lord of The Rings Trilogy celebrates it’s 25th anniversary at Vue 

One of the most iconic and beloved fantasy trilogies of all time, The Lord of The Rings, is returning to the big screen at Vue venues in Edinburgh – marking a quarter of a century since audiences fell in love with the epic adventures of Frodo and the fellowship.   

Based on the legendary book series by J.R.R. Tolkien, the extended editions of this epic saga will be shown at Vue, giving fans the chance to experience the trilogy as it was meant to be seen.  

Directed by Peter Jackson, the trilogy received a combined total of 30 Academy Award nominations and won 17 Oscars upon its original release, cementing its place as one of the most celebrated achievements in cinematic history. 

Set in the realm of Middle-earth, Frodo Baggins leads a group of hobbits, who find themselves tasked with a quest to destroy the One Ring, a perilous mission that could determine the fate of the world and stop the dark forces of Mordor, led by the Dark Lord Sauron.  

Joined by the wizard Gandalf, the human ranger Aragorn and other unforgettable characters such as Legolas and Gimli, audiences are invited to follow this motley crew across treacherous terrain and epic cinematic battles in one of cinema’s most beloved and ambitious stories.  

Robert Smith, General Manager of Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “The Lord of the Rings trilogy is simply made to be seen on the big screen so, to mark 25 years since its release, we’re thrilled to return to Middle-Earth at Vue.   

“Whether you’ve simply walked to Mordor many times before or are venturing into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien for the first time, we’re excited to welcome audiences to enjoy this iconic trilogy at Vue.” 

To find out more, visit myvue.com 

The Lord of the Rings – 25th Anniversary screenings take place on: 

The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended) –  From 16 – 29 January 

The Two Towers (Extended) – From 18 – 27 January 

The Return of the King (Extended) – From 25 January – 4 February 

Vue Edinburgh Omni set to dazzle with new Laser by Barco technology

Laser projection device in dark lab

Film fans in Edinburgh can now enjoy the latest releases in even greater clarity and colour with the arrival of Laser by Barco projection technology at Vue Edinburgh Omni.

Every screen at the venue, which is located within the Edinburgh Omni Centre, is equipped with the cutting-edge upgrade, bringing sharper images, deeper contrast, and a more vibrant cinematic experience than ever before.

Vue’s investment in Laser by Barco technology forms part of its ongoing commitment to delivering the ultimate big screen experience and is the next generation in projection technology.

Unlike standard projection, Laser by Barco provides consistent picture quality from edge to edge, resulting in a more immersive and premium big-screen experience.

Film fans in and around Edinburgh can enjoy the sharpest image in each of Vue Edinburgh Omni’s 12 screens, with some hotly anticipated releases set to take place before the end of the year, including Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce Laser by Barco technology to our venue. The difference in picture quality is incredible, and we cannot wait for everyone to experience it.

“The upgrade is part of our continued investment in ensuring we offer the best big screen experience and customers can immerse themselves in the film.”

Tickets for Vue Edinburgh Omni can be booked online at:

 https://www.myvue.com/cinema/edinburgh-omni-centre/whats-on

Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue Edinburgh Ocean

There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue Edinburgh Ocean this month, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.  

Kicking things off on 5 December is Hindi film Dhurandhar, a star-studded saga inspired by incredible true events. From director and writer Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is set in the gritty criminal vein of the underworld and features gripping action, Shakespearean betrayals, and espionage – all set to the backdrop of Indian patriotism.  

On Boxing Day, film fans can enjoy some light-hearted watching Hindi romantic comedy Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, which tells the story of two people fall in love while finding themselves. However, when family pressures challenge their relationship, they reluctantly part – promising each other they’ll meet again. 

For those seeking something a bit more supernatural on Boxing Day, Malayalam horror comedy film Sarvam Maya tells the story of a movie fanatic, who is the son of a famous musical instrument maker, and their decision to become a musician themselves after delivering an instrument to a famous player.  

For fans of Telugu cinema, fantasy epic Akhanda 2 can be viewed from 5 December. Following the massive success of the first film, Akhanda 2 reunites audiences with another heartwarming journey explores the connection the natural world, and spiritual faith. 

Meanwhile, fans of action and comedy can enjoy the Malayalam-language film Bha Bha Ba from 19 December. Directed by Dhanajay Shankar, this story follows a fraudulent astrologer who gains the magic ability to travel through time.   

Other South Asian films heading to the big screen this December includes the Tamil language film L.I.K.  on 19 December and Malayalam film Vrusshabha on 26 December.  

Humberto Michelacci, Screen Content Manager (International Film) at Vue, said: “At Vue we pride ourselves on celebrating cinema from across the globe and we couldn’t be happier to be showing some of the most exciting South Asian films this December. We would encourage film lovers from all cultures to check out this fantastic selection of films.” 

South Asian screenings at Vue 

             Dhurandhar (Hindi) – 5 December 

             Akhanda 2 (Telugu) – 5 December  

             Bha Bha Ba (Malayalam) – 19 December 

             L.I.K. (Tamil) – 19 December 

             Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (Hindi) – 26 December 

             Vrusshabha (Malayalam) – 26 December 

             Sarvam Maya (Malayalam) – 26 December 

RESISTANCE: North Edinburgh Fights Back

NORTH EDINBURGH ACTIVISTS GO TO TOWN

NORTH Edinburgh community activists are taking their message to town this afternoon with two events taking place at art galleries in the city centre.

The events have been built around artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen’s RESISTANCE photo exhibition, which runs at the Modern 2 gallery on Belford Road until 4th January.

First up, community stalwarts Anna Hutchison and Willie Black will reflect on campaigns past and present in a panel discussion in the National Gallery at 12.45.

With so many years of campaigning experience Anna and Willie have a host of stories to share and, having known the pair for the best part of thirty years, I’ll be there to try to keep the event running to time!

The free event is sold out, but you can still register to watch online.

Later in the afternoon, two North Edinburgh groups have been working together on an ambitious project that encapsulates North Edinburgh’s spirit of resistance.

The result of the collaboration is the Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh exhibition, which opens at The Portrait Gallery on Queen Street from 2pm today (details below).

It promises to be very good and it’s free – don’t miss it!

The details of today’s events:

RESISTANCE|NORTH EDINBURGH PANEL DISCUSSION

Free – Booking essential SOLD OUT

Book tickets

PICTURE: Craig McLean, Outside Drylaw Police station, community campaign GRASP protesting against Police harassment and violence, 2001

The Resistance exhibition chronicles 100 years of protest across Britain from 1903–2003. Using the exhibition as a starting point, activists Willie Black and Anna Hutchison alongside chair Dave Pickering, editor of the North Edinburgh News and Information Worker at Granton Information Centre, discuss North Edinburgh community activism, campaigns and actions, and their relationship and solidarity with local, national and international protests and change.

All tickets for the live event have been snapped up, but you can watch the discussion online in a streamed version of the live event.

Ticketholders will be sent a joining link before the event to either watch live or view the recording later. 

SOLIDARITY WINS: CREATIVE RESISTANCE in NORTH EDINBURGH

Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh Exhibition Launch

2pm – 4pm

National Galleries of Scotland, The Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, EH2 1J

Celebration with food, song and creative activities in the Contemporary Space of the Portrait Gallery. Art works, archive films and research material gathered by Art for Grown Ups and Royston Wardieburn Arts & Culture Group.

Join us for an afternoon of creativity, community and conversation celebrating North Edinburgh’s spirit of resistance.

As part of the Resistance exhibition, the National Galleries of Scotland’s Community Development programme has been working with North Edinburgh groups to create responsive work inspired by the area’s long history of community resistance.

Workshops have included song writing, poetry, photo-montage and exploring photographer Craig MacLean’s back catalogue of North Edinburgh activism, all of which will result in an riso-graph exhibition at the Portrait gallery in November.

As well as this North Edinburgh Arts worked with Local Cinema to programme films as part of their ‘Local Resistance’ programme.

Each screening event included a creative element, one of which included the Resistance choir performing their collaboratively penned song ‘Solidarity Wins: A Song for Greater Pilton‘, along with some well known songs on power of solidarity and friendship.

Thanks to song writing facilitator and choir leader Penny Stone and Tinderbox Jed Milroy and artists Sam Rutherford, Jj Fadaka and Megan Rudden, and all those involved so far!

The programme is a partnership with North Edinburgh Arts Art 4 Grown Ups and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre’s Arts and Culture Group.

IMAGE (above): Collaborative piece by Art 4 Grown Ups members, framed by Muirhouse anti-racism campaign image, 1991.

If anyone is free 2 – 4pm today, it’s the launch of ‘Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh‘ exhibition at the Portrait Gallery, which has been a collaboration between North Edinburgh Arts’ Art 4 Grown Ups project and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre’s Arts and Culture Group (writes HOLLY YEOMAN).

Together they have reflected and responded to North Edinburgh activism and campaigns over the years. There is a community lunch catered by Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts and we will be singing our anthem ‘Solidarity Wins: A Song for Greater Pilton‘ at around 3pm-ish(!)

The exhibition will run till April, and we welcome community groups who might want to visit. If interested please email hyeoman@nationalgalleries.org

Holly Yeoman