Cine-files: The Rex, Berkhamsted

This week's Cine-files is from Jamie Parkins. Take a look at his website , and follow him on Twitter here . Location Some miles away from the nearest multiplex and at least 15 minutes' stiff walk from the ailing Blockbuster Video store, proudly stands The Rex. Located at the end of the increasingly middle-class high street of Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, The Rex retains its original structure and is a monument to days gone by when going to the movies was an experience – something to breathe in and be consumed by. Building The cinema suffered in the late 1980s as out-of-town development started to eat away at the fabric of the traditional high street – and so The Rex fell into decay. Where there were once two screens there is now just one, which makes for a better viewing experience. The original art deco design has been beautifully restored, complete with a new ceiling, coved lighting and even natty branded carpet tiles. Shown to your seat by torch-bearing staff, it's a throwback to yesteryear. And where the orchestra pit once would have sat, there is now a wonderfully discreet dining area where you can sit and pick at nibbles kicking back and taking in the film. Special mention also to the seats. Not only do they subtly recline, but also it's impossible to reach the seat in front. I've tried. Luxuriate in the legroom! Clientele In short – those that are organised. It's not easy to get a ticket and so military planning and dedication is rewarded. Members get early access to the month's listings but in shunning online bookings, The Rex has created a surge of demand that tends to outnumber supply and hence the allure of the cinema grows. One nice touch is that each evening there is a Random Raffle for a pair of tickets to anyone attending on the "offchance" of a double booking or late-in-the-day cancellation. A way of rewarding the faithful. Programme The choice deliberately swerves to and fro between blockbuster titles to perennial favourites such as The Motorcycle Diaries and Lawrence of Arabia. There is enough choice to whet any appetite. Further comments In creating the type of experience for which people will dress up, The Rex team have made going to the cinema something to savour. Every night, clad in linen like the man from Del Monte, the proprietor James merrily introduces each film up on stage. Wishing long-standing members a happy birthday, or taking the time to ridicule a newly-installed set of traffic lights in the high street, it's small touches like this that add to an experience you'll want to enjoy again and again. The Twitter view @DominiqueLydia The Rex: Luxurious seating & legroom, a good humoured intro plus wine from an actual glass – a real golden age treat! @Marts62 Civilised, spacious and "rustle-rustle"-free, if a bit on the warm side now and again. @sporran2000 We moved to Berko this year and was delighted to find we have possibly the most beautiful cinema I've ever been to! @mikewhite14 Nice intimate venue, great bar, showcases some great pictures that don't get picked up elsewhere