Comments from CF100

Showing 251 - 275 of 983 comments

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Feb 5, 2019 at 2:29 am

terry:

“[…]kick-donkey boorishness[…]”

I wonder what your friend means by this?!

Returning, yet again, to the salient topic of screen tabs; these would have redeemed the place, had they been installed – which brings us back to the culprits, AMC……

Alas, in relation to tabs I am starting to believe that you may be correct in pointing your finger in their direction…

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Feb 5, 2019 at 2:29 am

Lionel:

I typically dislike alterations done to such architectural works of art as the OLS cinema. Preservation should be the key word.

Can be difficult (or expensive!) as what were standard methods or systems fall out of use, and to bring in line with current expectations or requirements.

In the case of the OLS, the roof was replaced a few years ago—planning application. To quote from the document “08-1407AA01” (!):

“Odeon seek to replace the existing Asbestos sheet roof which has become unserviceable. It is proposed that the existing roof sheets will be removed and replaced with new Kingspan insulated panels.”

Ironically, the replacement roof was specified to match the existing in look/colour, even though few will ever see it…

Without knowing the state of the rest of the building’s fabric and the access requirements, it is not clear whether the ceilings/walls had to be removed from the circle to proscenium part of the auditorium. But it is known that the strip-out works included the removal of (presumably significant quantities of) asbestos.

Obviously, the OLS was in need of acoustic treatment—keeping in mind that old movies were produced with “echoic” auditoria in mind, today they are not, and thus dialogue intelligibility can be grossly inadequate (a definite problem in the old Empire 1 with its “slap” echo.)

I previously suggested on Cinema Treasures that the existing smooth plasterwork from the balcony to the proscenium could be replaced with acoustic plaster. High performance spray-on systems are available that would allow for curved sections.

Of course, the new lower ceiling position may not have allowed for the existing curves. However, there are plenty of visible speakers within the auditorium, so I’m not clear on why these needed to be covered, if that’s indeed the reason for the new lower ceiling position?

I had been very surprised on learning that the walls/ceiling were being refinished in such dark colours—accepting that the existing white (or near-white) surfaces would highly compromise the performance of the new projection system, surely it is possible to think of other schemes that would work reasonably well, or at least a lighting scheme/system that would help?

The stage end shows no understanding of why elements were designed and shaped the way they were, and it fails to harmoniously integrate with the remaining 1930’s plasterwork above the balcony. The new design looks as if it’s ready for a much larger screen ahead of the proscenium!

Very strange indeed when the new circle foyer in particular is very pleasant indeed, complete with marble tiled walls and the (expensive!) new “glass box.” It may not be the same as the long-removed original, but IMO, it is very large improvement over the 1998 iteration…

would we modify a painting from Leonardo DaVinci under the pretext that the colours he used in his times aren’t trendy anymore in the 21st century?

There is the story of the controversial “cleaning” work that was done to the famous “Elgin Marbles” (controversially!) in London’s British Museum…

A work of art is something unique and final.

Indeed—or at least this needs to be firmly held in mind before tampering…


Still, I have yet to visit the refurbished OLS auditorium, it seems ridiculous to wait any longer for the “flying ladies” to be put back prior to visiting. Perhaps “Alita” will do for my first visit… (Too bad Cameron is overfocused on “Avatar” sequels—one was quite enough, thank you—to direct!)


Many thanks for posting your translation of the relevant section of the French article.

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Feb 4, 2019 at 4:00 pm

Lionel: Many thanks for the link. It is (just about!) understandable in English thanks to Google Translate.

(Sorry, I reposted with an revised response, so your reply appears before the message to which it was in response to!)

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Feb 4, 2019 at 3:56 pm

Lionel:

I was reading an interview of French sound engineer Jean-Pierre Lafont

Have you a link to this interview, please?

Indeed, leather does have that drawback, and the seating should be designed with acoustic properties in mind, ideally so that they are as similar as possible whether occupied or not. Of course, if the seat recline, then the seat position would alter the acoustics. Hmm…

The cavity underneath is another problem, and I doubt that the typical use of vinyl floor surfaces instead of carpet helps here. (Even if only in front of the seating, it would help.)

The refurbished largest auditoria (5/7) over at the Vue West End certainly seem to have suffered acoustically—my recollection was that they were outstandingly neutral and well-controlled, but there now seems to be a slight “echoic” quality. Whether this is due to the replacement “leather” seating, or because the acoustic absorption behind the new stretched fabric wall coverings is inferior, I don’t know.

It isn’t hard to imagine seating being replaced (and perhaps stadia adjusted also)without the system being recalibrated.

(Obviously not the case in 5/7 at the Vue since the audio systems were totally replaced, and during the 2017 refurbishment the other auditoria were seen to by Sound Associates.)

Of course, the OLS was hardly up to standard with vast areas of smooth reflective surfaces at the stage end, so all in all it should be greatly improved in this respect.

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Feb 3, 2019 at 8:44 pm

curmudgeon: Not at all! I am saying finished leather (or artifical immitation leather, aka pleather, leatherette, etc.) provides a significantly less permeable surface to water and solid fine debris, stopping it getting to the foam underneath, thereby harbouring nasties, as well as it being harder for “sticky” materials to adhere to its surfaces to the extent of not being easily removeable.

Thus, if a customer requires as clean a cinema seating experience as possible, surely their best option would be seating upholstered as such, and taking their own leather cleaning wipes to remove any residues?

If the seating is in a poor state of cleanliness that necessiates the use of wipes, is it acceptable? You bet it isn’t.

(But then I’m not sure how one would cope with, say, travelling, on London’s Tube—seating all moquette upholstered?)

queuing at the concession counter to purchase a ticket

Tickets at Odeon (and other UK operators) can purchased via the Internet, or at a machine at the cinema. It would, of course, be highly advisable to pre-book to reserve your choice of seat.

in-dining is supplied (another intrusion to patrons)

In full agreement that it is intrusive!

Since you say that you have worked in cinemas for many years, perhaps you could enlighten us as to your experience of cleaning schedules for seating—-hopefully including the use of wet extraction vaccums?

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Feb 2, 2019 at 9:56 pm

curmudgeon: Hmm… even standard seats tend to be pretty high backed these days. Still, leather (or “pleather”) is the upholstry of choice, there is a less viable environment for dust mites and other nasties to be harboured. (And, dare I say, you could always take leather wipes to clean the seat?!)

Although there was the “bed bug” issue in various NYC movie theatres…!

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Feb 2, 2019 at 6:37 pm

SethLewis: Throw your legs over the seat in front? Tut, tut!

I don’t know about “less and less” affordable? Premium options are increasingly available, but on the flipside are “unlimited” cards, and older multiplexes in need of a major overhaul are the new “fleapits.”

Albeit, the new Vue Bromley, for instance, offers all-recliner seating at £7.99 “all day, every day”—not significantly higher than “fleapit” prices.

I’m quite happy with non-recliner seating—but hey, if it’s there, I’m not going to say “no!”

(I, too, haven’t seen any of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy!)

As for “overanalysing”—I think I’m well and truly cursed now—it was only in my pre-teen years that I could just turn up and watch the film—and it’s only got worse since then! :–(

CF100
CF100 commented about Cineworld Cinema - Leicester Square on Feb 1, 2019 at 5:09 pm

Zappomatic: Seems like a rather random alteration. Was the carpet worn?

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Feb 1, 2019 at 12:26 am

curmudgeon: LOL, goodness!

I really don’t want to rest my head against some putrid patron’s filthy dandruff (or worse)

I am baffled as to why this is a problem that would occur with recliner seating?

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Feb 1, 2019 at 12:25 am

Kers: Thank you for the photos and update.

This reveals a number of “snagging” issues, e.g. the fabric around where the flying ladies will land is loose; the underside of the sloping section above the proscenium has not been covered – assuming it should be covered.

The fabric just has to be “poked” into the profile track that holds it tensioned in place.

I’d imagine that the uncovered section to which you refer perhaps are air conditioning vents that are yet (?) to have grilles attached.

The proscenium end does look better with white concealed lighting installed and operational, although from your photos, it appears to be a distinctly cold white. The “leakage” onto the sides of the screen looks dreadful.

Alas, low power sidewall decorative feature lighting is all that is to be found in cinema fit-out supplier catalogues, and I suspect that it would require a specific effort and awareness to specify the high powered lighting needed to wash the walls.

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Jan 31, 2019 at 12:53 am

I wonder what the priorities are for fellow Cinema Treasure contributors?

Are tabs and decorative lighting more important than picture/sound quality? Or comfort (seating, etc.)?

(I mean in a general sense, rather than specifically in relation to the Odeon Leicester Square.)

Obviously, this is a somewhat synthetic question as the answer would surely be “both” or “why should one need to choose?” and the experience of visiting a cinema is a total package from entering the door (or before; the “film perforation” tiles on the platform walls in LSQ Underground station “foreshadowing” watching a movie, for example.)

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Jan 31, 2019 at 12:32 am

joeswin: Thank you for finding that out and relaying the information here. A terrible shame.

Incidentally, I dreamt last night that I visited the OLS and the building work had resumed, with a JCB just outside the LSQ frontage handling excavated rubble, with a large trench in front of the entrance. They were allowing public tours of the cinema; the auditorium sidewall/ceiling colour had reverted back to white. I asked various people whether curtains were due to be installed and most did not know, although one said “no… this is after all a business and this does not affect presentation.”

I think I need to go on a cinema “detox” programme! ;–)

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Jan 27, 2019 at 4:36 pm

FanaticalAboutOdeon:

Given the new screen is very similar in size to the old one, there would have been no reason to remove the proscenium arch […] so there would have to be a very good reason for meddling with the theatre’s skeleton in this area and I just don’t see one.

I don’t think it is being suggested here that the proscenium opening may have been widened? No such widening is shown in the up-to-date licensing plans. As mentioned, I could imagine, perhaps, that it might have been slightly narrowed if acoustic material had been attached around its edge.

Factually, the screen is not large in relation to the auditorium’s size; and it’s not even that large in absolute size, either, as “premium large format” auditoria in multiplexes grow in size—a recent example is the Cineworld Watford IMAX (with Laser) (opened December 2018) with its ~22m (~72ft.) wide screen (1.9:1.)

Of course, whether it is desirable for the OLS to be equipped with a larger screen is another matter, as is the practicability and cost-benefit of such; including, as you say, tampering with the “skeleton” were such to be placed within the existent proscenium opening.

From 1968 until January of last year, the plain ceiling section where the downward slope of the ceiling accelerated to meet the top of the arch, invariably glowed during brighter scenes rather like an elongated cloud.

I’m assuming that the ‘67 refurbishment involved the removal of the original ceiling? Did the replacement—other than, of course, being smooth— follow the exact profile of the original?

Now, the ceiling from just above the arch to a point roughly midway between stage and balcony is both flat and lower and flat fronted. Presumably this addition contains some of the speakers and, were it to be open at the rear or stage end, might potentially contain some stage lighting.

IIRC, some of the articles on the OLS refurbishment have said that it covers over some of the ceiling speakers, and this does seem plausible. Clearly, the finish is stretched fabric. There is no reason that the profiles used to hold/tension the stretch fabric couldn’t have been curved (as shown in photos uploaded by TheatreofVarieties, the old Empire 1’s curved steels were moved up and then the stretched fabric profiles were attached to them.) In the case of the OLS, it looks as if straight trusses have been suspended to enable “rigging” of the speakers, and stretched fabric then used to cover over. (Presumably, there is plenty of acoustic absorption fitted behind also.)

Thank you very much for the information on the Victoria Palace Theatre refurbishment works, and thank you to Ian for those fascinating photos uploaded on Flickr.

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Jan 13, 2019 at 5:05 pm

Brief portfolio page on Malishev Engineers' site, “Odeon Leicester Square Main Entrance.”

To quote (sic,) it “featur[es] several openings with glass fins, bespoke set of door frames and simply large glass units all designed to accommodate substantial blast loading for the whole system, including structural silicone.”

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Jan 11, 2019 at 12:11 am

Thank you Ian and Kers for your accounts.


Kers:

except the heating system had failed, so the auditorium was extremely chilly

Oh dear! It was extremely cold yesterday—at least by the standards of this island’s temperate climate! Hopefully it wasn’t totally unbearable?

I was told that engineers spent a week perfecting the sound system.

If I may ask, from where did you obtain this information?

The screen has been moved up from the previous position and does not appear to be angled in the way the old screen was. One now has to look up at the screen, although not a problem in Row H if you use the recliner. The screen also looked – to my eyes anyway – slightly smaller than before. Perhaps a consequence of moving the screen upwards? I would welcome others peoples' opinion on the screen size.

Comparing Ian’s flickr-uploaded photo of the refurbished auditorium with a photo of the OLS auditorium from rear circle, it does seem that the screen has been raised up slightly, albeit looking at other photos of the refurbished auditorium with the organ raised up, it would appear that, were it positioned any lower, then it would have partially obstructed the view of the screen from the front stalls?

It does very much look like the angle has changed.

Unless the proscenium opening has been reduced in size (e.g. addition of acoustic absorption on edges)—and that would presumably be a matter of a few inches—then the screen looks about the same size?

the digital safety curtain, which is also animated and has a tune!

Good grief, it is shown after all!

Odeon employs a doorman/woman to open and close the main doors on to the street

D'oh! That’s the word I had been looking for. I suspect it won’t, but I hope that is continued.

Regarding auditorium fill rates—it is now off-season. Good to hear that it did well over Christmas/New Year.

Now, about the film…

…?

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Jan 8, 2019 at 4:01 pm

FanaticalAboutOdeon: Many thanks for posting your detailed account.


I stopped by the OLS a couple of days ago—albeit only having a quick look around the foyers—mostly the circle lounge/“Oscar’s Bar.”

The ambience achieved from start to finish—the doors from Leicester Square being manually opened for patrons on entry (I wonder if this will occur on a permanent basis?)—is one of overwhelming supreme luxury and quality.

The glass box is a wonderful addition, appearing to be well-insulated, and the seating looked very comfortable indeed.

A couple of additional points:

-The high specification of finishes continues into the toilets-at circle level, white marble tiled walls in the access to the male toilets extends into the toilets.

-A number of snags could be seen, including paint edge lines that ought to be tidied up, and two holes in the plasterboard ceiling of the circle lounge were visible, one with wiring left hanging. In the male toilets at circle level, on attempting to dispense some soap from a bottle, it fell off what appeared to be an incompete fixture!

-The “knocking through” of the ground level foyer into the former “Studios” foyer is very effective, and the seating was well used with patrons looking very relaxed in their surroundings.

-The clock in the ground level foyer still appeared to be stuck.


Hopefully the famous ladies will be “flying in” to their splay wall positions soon—making it possible to attend a performance in a completed auditorium!

CF100
CF100 commented about Curtains on Jan 4, 2019 at 11:16 pm

Fantastic to see this!

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Jan 2, 2019 at 10:45 pm

Kers: Thanks for the heads-up, looks like I’ll be able to sit in the Royal Circle for “free "thanks to Odeon’s complementary Gift Voucher following the cancellation of the first day of open to the public scheduled programming. (I also have another £25 Odeon Gift Voucher that was a Christmas present!)


LARGE_screen_format: The ticket prices vary depending on demand, FanaticalAboutOdeon has discussed the idea behind “flex” pricing and where it comes from. I don’t think this is an indication of Odeon “listening” to the “backlash,” which in any case is altogether too late now?

(i.e. The most serious problem as I saw it was launching with £40+ tickets which inevitably lead to dissemination of this as being the ticket price, rather than it being the highest priced seats under a high demand situation. It does not seem like a fantastic idea when the cinema has been closed for the best part of a year and needs to reestablish/expand business?)

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Dec 31, 2018 at 8:19 pm

A Happy New Year to all!


DavidZornig: Thanks for the link, interesting to see the foyer back then!


Looks like the OLS will close on the 3rd January 2019, reopening on the 11th with “Stan and Ollie” programmed for the main auditorium. (Marked as “Dolby Cinema Screen” on Odeon’s booking pages, but it’s certainly not listed as a Dolby Cinema “enhanced” release on Dolby’s site.)

CF100
CF100 commented about IMAX Theatre Sydney on Dec 31, 2018 at 8:11 pm

15/70 IMAX Projector Installation.

CF100
CF100 commented about Cineworld Watford - Main Foyer. on Dec 28, 2018 at 11:58 pm

Addendum: The booth for the IMAX is above the main foyer, with the sloped ceiling to the left of this photo being under the stadia for its seating. Peak low frequencies from the IMAX certainly “leak” into this area!

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Dec 26, 2018 at 7:03 pm

moviebuff82: Many happy returns. :–)

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Dec 24, 2018 at 10:40 pm

A Merry Christmas to all…

CF100
CF100 commented about Odeon Luxe London Leicester Square on Dec 23, 2018 at 7:22 pm

Thank you FanaticalAboutOdeon.

I think LARGE_screen_format had in mind by “video wall entrance” was something like this:

YouTube video of AMC Dolby Cinema auditorium entrance.

It’s basically a video wall along a curved corridor that “snakes” around under the booth/rear of the seating, connecting to the vomitory into the auditorium.

Some ISENSE auditoria feature a similar entrance, albeit with “environmental” mood setting content rather than fast moving trailers.


Obviously, this is straightforward enough with a typical multiplex layout, but the OLS has 4 entrances to the auditorium (1 stalls, 3 circle level.) Incorporating it at stalls level would be at the expense of the added facilities in the the space that was formerly part of the rear stalls. It also clearly is not the design direction that Odeon have chosen for the refurbishment. (Else the black marble wall finishes in the circle, for instance, could have been LED display module screens instead!)

CF100
CF100 commented about Empire Cinemas - London Haymarket on Dec 23, 2018 at 12:05 am

Kers: See OLS projector alignment example.

A bit of “cropping” should not be a problem, or is even desirable.

I’ve seen some “scope” films having with slight black “bars” to the left/right edges on some shots and not others, which is extremely irritating.

In the old CRT days, TVs invariably “overscanned” the image, with the edges cropped. TVs today still have an (anachronistically named!) “overscan” option setting, and sometimes it’s factory set to “ON.”

Anything that needs to be seen does not belong in the very edges of the frame. (This, of course, gets complicated by the existence of the IMAX-exclusive versions of films having scenes in 1.43 or 1.9:1 ratios, whilst the standard theatrical release is cropped to scope, but that’s another story…)

In any case, how did you find the picture/sound quality?