In the ongoing fight against piracy, cinemas must be finding it increasingly difficult to prevent devices capable of recording high-quality video from getting into screenings. Obviously, banning all gadgets with a built-in camera would just be ridiculous.
Apparently not.
According to the experiences of Dom Hodgson - which were later confirmed by a representative from Vue Cinemas - the chain is no longer allowing laptops or tablets into any of its screenings.
Terms and conditions
Following a routine bag-check, the blogger was told that his notebook was not welcome, though staff didn't take any exception to his mobile-phone, iPad or digital camera. Confused by the apparent change in policy, he queried the company, who responded via Twitter confirming that Vue's terms and conditions specifically prohibit any device capable of recording sound or video - laptops included.
These sentiments were later reiterated by e-mail, with the spokesperson adding that he should also have been asked to leave the tablet and camera with cinema staff.
This may seem a little inconsistent, considering that smartphones now commonly include HD-cameras. Addressing this issue, the e-mail noted that the disparity was "under review" and that a policy change was expected in October.
Practical problems
Hodgson took exception to the inclusion of laptops - which typically have low-quality cameras and would be very awkward to record a film with - though we have more of a problem with the practicality of the rules. If Vue did ban mobiles - or any devices - from its screenings, customers would be forced to leave them in a cloakroom. This raises issues over safety and security, as well as the question of who takes responsibility if they go missing. Having to queue-up to hand in - then collect - your gadgets would also be a logistical nightmare.
Clearly Vue will have to think about all of the issues very, very carefully if it plans to strictly implement any policies. Unfortunately, it's a sad fact that, due to the risk of piracy, cinemas have to consider these sorts of measures at all.
UPDATE: A representative from Vue has contacted us with the following statement: "Vue Entertainment has no plans to nor has ever considered banning mobile phones from our cinemas. We do, however, ask our customers to be considerate when using their mobile phones and switch them off during movies for the comfort and enjoyment of all. As technology continues to evolve, we continually review our policy on sound and recording equipment in order to protect the film business from the threat of film piracy".
