26/06/2007
NEWS STORY
While some are still saying that the failure of Bernie Ecclestone's Digital F1 channel was due to the high prices, with individual race weekends costing £12 and a season ticket (for the second half of the season) costing £50, it remains to be seen how race fans will react to the news that next month's British Grand Prix is to be shown in numerous cinemas up and down the UK.
The race will be shown in 30 multiplexes belonging to the Vue Cinemas chain in HD Quality and Dolby Digital 5:1 Surround Sound. There will be no commercial breaks.
Included in the price is a "complimentary official race programme worth £10", plus a free drink and a bag of popcorn.
Ticket prices are £15 for an adult and £30 for a family of four.
According to the blurb, race fans can watch "Lewis Hamilton race to the finish line without the disruption of commercial breaks and in the comfort of a fully air-conditioned auditorium".
Could this be the future of F1?
To see if there is a Vue multiplex near you, click here
Note: Thinking about this, and looking at the picture, does anyone remember the episode of The Simpsons (Burns' Heir) in which there's a scene in a multiplex and includes Monty Burns urging the audience... "Let's all go to the lobby, let's all go to the lobby, let's all go to the lobby to get ourselves some treats!"