SCREEN wars are set to break out on the south coast when 10-screen cinemas open on the same day in both Bournemouth and Southampton.

Odeon is gearing up to unveil its multiplex in the BH2 leisure development, replacing Bournemouth’s Westover Road cinemas.

Meanwhile, Showcase is advertising its new Cinema De Lux experience locally in the expectation of luring some cinema-goers to Westquay 30 miles away.

Both cinemas open to the public on Friday, February 10.

Odeon is emphasising its big iSense screen, measuring 16.9 by 7.19 metres (around 55 by 23ft), with Dolby Atmos sound system.

Showcase has its own giant screen experience, XPlus, which it says is the biggest in the south at 64ft 6ins wide, and has Dolby Atmos in all cinemas.

Odeon offers luxury recliner seats in eight of its 10 screens, with Showcase boasting of reclining seats in every auditorium.

Odeon will offer its “pizza and planks” hot food menu, as well as freshly popped sweet and salt popcorn, its Make It Your Way selection of hot dogs, nachos, fries and chunky chips and Costa Coffee.

Showcase is boasting a VIP Gallery service including access to an “exclusive” Mayflower Bar, plus a Lounge Bar, concessions counter and Costa Coffee.

Odeon is one of the key tenants at BH2, surrounded by restaurants such as Nando’s, TGI Fridays and Frankie and Benny’s.

Showcase is a key part of an £85million development at Southampton’s Westquay, with 20 restaurants and cafes which began opening last December, including CAU, the Real Greek, Red Dog Saloon and Franco Manca.

Richard Rowe, general manager at Odeon Bournemouth, said of its venue: “We can’t wait to bring the latest blockbusters to Bournemouth on our cutting edge iSense screen – it will be a truly unique experience and we look forward to welcoming many local film fans from February 10.”

Mark Barlow, general manager of Showcase Cinemas UK, said: “Every aspect of this cinema is designed to be extraordinary, and to give people a cinema experience unrivalled anywhere else. Southampton is a hub for film activity, so it’s the perfect location to continue our expansion. There will be something for everyone – from film fanatics to families, students and tourists – and we’re certain that no one will have ever visited a cinema quite like Showcase Cinema de Lux Southampton.”

Odeon, BH2: 10 screens, including 340-seat iSense auditorium with 16.9m x 7.19m screen and Dolby Atmos sound using 56 individually-controlled speakers.

Recliner seats with tray tables in eight screens for a £2 surcharge. Two screens all-recliners.

iSense Corridor leading to the auditorium, with its own 10-metre curved screen showing bespoke content.

7.1-channel sound in the standard auditoriums.

Kids screen with beach-themed soft play area that can be used during the film.

Bargain Monday, with tickets at £5.50 (excluding bank holidays).

SHOWCASE, Westquay: 10 screens, including XPlus “wall to wall” screen 64ft 6ins (19.6m) wide. Dolby Atmos in all screens.

“Brighter, sharper” laser projection.

Reclining seats and screen.

Full service bar and “wide range” of hot food as well snacks.

Adult prices range from £8.50 to £10.95 (concessions from £7), with XPlus costing £2.50 extra and 3D an extra £2. Family of four £28.