DORSET cinemas are said to be ‘performing extremely well’ as people flock to see the latest instalment of the James Bond franchise, No Time To Die, on the big screen.

Cinemas have suffered badly as a result of the pandemic, but ticket sales following the release of 007’s new venture released last week are ‘encouraging'.

Odeon has sites in Dorchester and Bournemouth and both have been performing well.

Dorset Echo: Odeon Bournemouth cinema

“The return of Bond to the big screen here at Odeon has been hugely exciting, with our Dorset cinemas performing extremely well,” a spokesperson for cinema chain Odeon said.

“Cinemas are an important pillar of local communities and have proven to be a unifying force for all generations, highlighted by film lovers of all ages buying tickets, including many older and first time returners.

Read more: James Bond's links to Dorset ahead of No Time To Die release

“We have been really encouraged by the strong demand for returning to watch 007, with ticket sales far ahead of expectations.”

Cineworld, which has sites in Weymouth and Poole, has also seen the impact of Daniel Craig’s fifth and final outing as Bond at their cinemas in the county.

Dorset Echo:

A spokesperson said: “Bond is back. We are absolutely delighted with the impact it has made here at Cineworld.

“We’ve seen cinema guests young and old return in huge numbers and the stats back it up. Since its release last week, No Time To Die has smashed box office records for James Bond, taking in over £25 million in sales in its first five days (bigger than both Spectre and Skyfall), and over £35 million in its first week on screen.”

Cinemas in Dorset have been reeling in the impact of the franchise with the numbers of older people returning to the cinema to view the film dramatically increasing.

Read more: The Dorset estate which inspired James Bond's inception

The spokesperson for Cineworld added: “It was the number one movie of 2021 after only four days, and here at Cineworld we’ve also seen a five-fold increase in our senior audience who have been hotly anticipating the release of the film.”

Following several delays Cineworld said No Time To Die was the ‘perfect chance to return to the cinema’ for residents in the county and across the whole of the UK.

The chain hopes it ‘has reminded guests of the magic of the movies’ in hope they return to the big screen more often following the pandemic across Dorset.

The Echo has also contacted Plaza Dorchester for comment.

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