great cinema.i saw "the doors" with val kilmer in 70mm there. when the tabs opened for the main film the masking was still opening . i only once worked in a 70mm capable cinema ABC LEICESTER but did not have any 70mm stock to hand.
Was a very Happy Projectionist at this theatre for a few years "Before the conversion" and although we rarely ran 70mm we did have a few reels of Lawrence & Patton laying around if we wanted to impress ourselves.
I never understood why films never or rarely premmiered here - I suspect West End management were too Leicester Sq orientated.
Shame because true film fans always looked to see what was on at the arch just because of the presentation qualities.
Before conversion into a smaller screen this was a superb cinema in all respects but sadly its location away from Leicester Square (and therefore Odeon rarely opened blockbusters at it) led to its downfall. I remember that huge 150 Curve screen before it was adjusted to cater for the restored version of Lawrence of Arabia. Looking at the video it seems they might have retained the screen in one of the auditoriums - anyone know?
Pretty fancy ODEON. Too bad ODEON is now moving away from it's art deco approach and towards regular style cinema approach. There was an art deco ODEON at Pilgrim Street, Newcastle that got closed down due to the newer multiplex at The Gate
I agree, just to think this was one of the best screens for 70mm and that 150 Curve screen for 70mm!.
Did apply at this Cinema for the Chief Projectionist Job back in 2001 and did ask the duty projectionist to open the Tabs and Masking for 70mm, wow, sadly never show 70mm again at this Cinema.
It's terrible to see such a beautiful cinema to be butchered into a multiplex like many of the other ODEONs around the country. Fantastic video. Billy Taylor at the beginning!
great cinema.i saw "the doors" with val kilmer in 70mm there. when the tabs opened for the main film the masking was still opening . i only once worked in a 70mm capable cinema ABC LEICESTER but did not have any 70mm stock to hand.
cnauld 1 year ago
It’s that Barry Norman film what ever music! LOL “and why not” I'm still drooling over those JBL surrounds...
EmpireLS56KW 1 year ago
Thats a lot of JBL 8330 in the auditorium.
I saw Lawrence of Arabia in 70mm Dolby Stereo SR fantastic looking cinema with nice sloping curving floor and deep curved screen.
EmpireLS56KW 1 year ago
Was a very Happy Projectionist at this theatre for a few years "Before the conversion" and although we rarely ran 70mm we did have a few reels of Lawrence & Patton laying around if we wanted to impress ourselves.
I never understood why films never or rarely premmiered here - I suspect West End management were too Leicester Sq orientated.
Shame because true film fans always looked to see what was on at the arch just because of the presentation qualities.
it was a D150 screen on 180deg curve
DavidDBUK 2 years ago
That looked like one of the Vic 10's that used to be in the original box. Can anyone confirm this?
keithspillett 2 years ago
Before conversion into a smaller screen this was a superb cinema in all respects but sadly its location away from Leicester Square (and therefore Odeon rarely opened blockbusters at it) led to its downfall. I remember that huge 150 Curve screen before it was adjusted to cater for the restored version of Lawrence of Arabia. Looking at the video it seems they might have retained the screen in one of the auditoriums - anyone know?
larajasmine1 3 years ago
Pretty fancy ODEON. Too bad ODEON is now moving away from it's art deco approach and towards regular style cinema approach. There was an art deco ODEON at Pilgrim Street, Newcastle that got closed down due to the newer multiplex at The Gate
sonicandCodeLyokofan 4 years ago
I agree, just to think this was one of the best screens for 70mm and that 150 Curve screen for 70mm!.
Did apply at this Cinema for the Chief Projectionist Job back in 2001 and did ask the duty projectionist to open the Tabs and Masking for 70mm, wow, sadly never show 70mm again at this Cinema.
westrex5000 4 years ago
It's terrible to see such a beautiful cinema to be butchered into a multiplex like many of the other ODEONs around the country. Fantastic video. Billy Taylor at the beginning!
zakwoodman 4 years ago