Cineworld Cinema - Leicester Square
5 Leicester Square,
London,
WC2H 7NA
5 Leicester Square,
London,
WC2H 7NA
42 people
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Showing 126 - 150 of 722 comments
joeswin: The signage illumination and the LED colour dot matrix display certainly need attention as they’re not working properly anymore!
(Albeit IMO the current canopy always looked dreadful…!)
No planning application for a replacement (or alterations to the existing) are listed at the moment.
The 2006 planning application for the existing canopy and signage.
As can be seen from this application, it was made on behalf of London Clubs Management. The cinema is sublet from the Casino who hold the head lease (building owned by London and Regional Properties)—no idea what the arrangements are but it might reasonably be surmised that Cineworld can’t redo the canopy/signage unilaterally.
There is a building control application dated March 2017 for a full refubishment of the Casino. That scheme doesn’t seem to have been taken forward but it might be the case that an overhaul is in the pipeline.
From my previous post linking to a conceptual proposal for complete redevelopment of the Empire site by London and Regional Properties, the casino is branded as “Caesars Palace” in the drawings of the facade and as Caesars Entertainment now operate the casino it might be the case that any replacement would take that name along with Cineworld branding.
IOW, I’d guess a refresh is due but not just yet…
Do you think they plan on renewing the canopy and signage outside the cinema, its starting to look quite shabby especially as Vue and Odeon have, or are currently updating theirs?
So part of the reason that Cineworld Empire, Leicester Square was closed briefly at the start of 2018 was to convert one of the auditoriums to 4DX and make changes to the main foyer area? Any other changes?
Have watched a number of movies at this flagship cinema over the past three decades and there have certainly been a number of changes made internally over that period.
Looking forward to the next visit…
The Wurlitzer Organ of the Empire Leicester Square Installed at the Home of Mr. Len Rawle.
A few facts according to this document:
Zappomatic: Hmm, I’d assumed they do sequential numbering of Screens 1-3 from the front-to-back (or left-to-right) of the foyer…
The former Screen 4 (96 seats) is the one that uses the space that was previously toilets; you took a photo of it from the foyer in a stripped out state a couple of months ago.
I, too, found that performances were scheduled for Screen 2 a couple of days ago. I can’t remember what seating layout was shown, though. (i.e. Whether it was the former Screen 4 or 5!)
Incidentally, there is an article on these screens in the September 2008 issue of Cinema Technology Magazine—complete with a picture taken from the roof above the former Screen 5 showing Swiss Centre in a mostly demolished state!
I may be mixing up my screen numbers. However it seems that a few days after my post all performances in screen 2 were cancelled so either someone programmed that screen by mistake (meaning we could still see a revised seating plan) or things are taking longer than planned.
Now I’m getting confused. Isn’t Screen 2 the former Screen 4? Also had a good look through listings on the Cineworld site for Friday this week, couldn’t find any performances in Screens 1 or 2…
Addendum to previous post: This scheme seems to be somewhat “pie in the sky” in terms of its feasibility given the potential constraints on adding significant basement depth with numerous adjacent properties and obscuring windows of the Premier Inn and the new hotel (Hotel Indigo) in 1-4 Leicester Sq. (The cross-sectional view doesn’t make sense at all in terms of cinema auditoria size and positioning, but of course that could soon be changed were this project taken forward.)
Screen 2 (formerly screen 5) is now bookable for performances from next Thursday. Layout and seat count is unchanged.
I hope theatreofvarieties' suggestion that London & Regional Properties (who own 5-6 Leicester Square) weren’t planning on demolishing the building any time soon was correct (also, decades left on the cinema lease…)
But here’s a nightmare conceptual proposal commissioned by L&R to create an utter carbuncle with below ground cinemas:
The Empire Leicester Square Redevelopment Project.
Cineworld will be doing a large scale rollout of laser projection:
Cineworld Group Signs Deal for 600 Movie Screens Worldwide with Barco Laser Projectors.
IMAX and Cineworld Group Sign Agreement to Install New IMAX with Laser Experience in 55 Cineworld and Regal IMAX Locations.
Hopefully, this means that the LSQ Superscreen will benefit from new Barco laser projectors.
Chapman Taylor – Cineworld Leicester Square – Refurbishment of a World-Famous Movie Premiere Location.
Architectual practice Chapman Taylor now have a project page for the refurbishment, which includes a number of photos.
According to the page, the lobby areas are 660 sq. metres (=7100 sq. ft.) in area.
I (finally!) managed to have a “proper” visit to the Cineworld (Empire) LSQ today; alas, I should have heeded my earlier apprehension over seeing “Avengers: Infinity War”—I did see it in the 4DX auditorium, and I will post comments on that part of the cinema on the Cineworld Cinema – Leicester Square 4DX page, and this comment will cover aspects applicable to the venue as a whole.
Having had a chance to have a thorough look at the main foyer section area under the IMAX stadia, it did feel more spacious and comfortable than the “old” foyer, and certainly one can sit and relax in the sofas, which, whilst not the omega of luxury, are a definite improvement over what was there before, and they certainly look very attractive.
My previous observations about the very high fit-out standard continue to apply, except that, from what I could tell, the cove LED lighting is simply LED tape that’s been—perhaps slightly hastily—adhered to the surface. My previous concern that the foyer would be too dark wasn’t the case—it was certainly the LED display modules that made it look that way by comparison—but I’d put a question mark over the long term performance of the installation.
The reflectively lacquered stretched fabric ceiling also gives a sense of height in a space lacking it; I had to remind myself that I was looking at a reflection, and not a magically raised ceiling!
On this occasion, a forgettable selection of background music was playing throughout the main foyer area and upper vestibule, to a medicore standard of sound quality. I’m sure what was playing during my last visit was considerably louder, and seemed to have a fair bit of low frequency energy, and watching Zappomatic’s video again— in which the music seems to be played over speakers in the upper vestibule only—it seems that I’m not misremembering.
However, it must be said that the arrangement of LED display modules on the stair risers and on the curved wall section rather break the rules of showmanship, with the “finale” coming first, and, at least in the case of the 4DX, a progressive dive towards a largely featureless black box. Also, the black wall above the entrance section, with its lower ceiling, I found jarring on exiting the venue; the marble cladding served to “ease” one back into the brighter outside world. Whether that was ever an intended aspect of the 1962 design, it’s these subtle features and thought that make places special.
The foyer air conditioning was excellent, and exactly what was called for to cool off on a hot day. (Which was not the case in the 4DX!)
I had a brief conversation with a member of staff, who worked there prior to the Cineworld acquisition; they were positive about how things were going under Cineworld, and said that it (foyer refurbishment/4DX) had been a “long build,” but that it had been “worth it.”
Asked if Cineworld intended to refurbish the IMAX and Superscreen, they said that they did not that think they were at the present time, as they were only completed a few years ago.
They seemed to have their antennas up and picked up that I might be concerned about “corporatisation” of the cinema, and on telling them that I thought that the new foyer looked fantastic, they said “but it did mean the loss of the classic look that it had,” but that they supposed that it was a move “onto better and brighter things.”
Finally, the staff are to be commended for first rate and very willing customer service throughout my visit—not just as I experienced it, but from what I observed of their interactions with others. Whether or not Cineworld truly understand the special nature of what they are stewarding, and it seems that they do but perhaps not deeply enough, it’s most certainly still being run as a flagship West End venue.
Zappomatic: Hmm, guess that means seating replacements for the IMAX and Superscreen (and any decorative changes they might care to make) aren’t scheduled any time soon then. Not that they are in need of an overhaul!
At long last the Empire Cinemas logo has been removed from the seats in the Superscreen. Still no sign of when screens 1 and 2 (formerly 4 and 5) will reopen but I look forward to seeing what they’ve done with them.
Chapman Taylor have posted a news item on the project:
Cineworld Leicester Square Opens.
It says that the foyer areas were designed by Innebo Architects of Warsaw, whilst the 4DX is attributed to Chapman Taylor’s leisure team.
Excerpts:
“Cineworld Leicester Square, formerly Empire, is a world-famous cinema in the heart of London’s leading entertainment district. […]
“The refurbishment of the […] cinema’s lobbies [has been to the] highest standards of finishing […]
“This refurbishment helps put this renowned film venue at the industry’s cutting-edge. We wish Cineworld all the very best success with this landmark development.”
Renderings on Innebo Architects' site.
It can be seen that the foyer design has evolved a bit since those images were created, with changes to the ceiling adjacent to the entrance doors, auditorium entrances, concealed lighting, and large wall signs.
Innebo Architects' “portfolio” pages show that they have been involved in several projects for Cineworld Group on an international basis, with the current house imaging style, whoever conceived it, shared across Cineworld and Cinema City sites.
That being said, I did manage today to have a quick look at the new foyer from the lower vestibule, and I’ve uploaded a few photos.
From what I could see there, the fit-out has been completed to a very high standard indeed. I’m not sure if the dark grey wall finishes are paint, but they are extremely smooth and flat—and no roller or paintbrush marks or wonky plasterwork in sight.
The glossy lacquered stretched fabric ceiling is stunning, and the concealed lighting actually provides quite even illumination when seen in person.
There was music playing at the top of the vestibule/stairs, as could be heard in Zappomatic’s YouTube video; however, I was slightly surprised that it wasn’t audible externally. (I assume they don’t have licencing for this?)
The LED display modules fronting the step risers and the curved wall are very bright compared to the surrounding environment; and perhaps the new foyer is actually too dark, or perceptually they result in the impression of relative darkness, but it felt like stepping into a cinematic environment rather than a “graduated” progression into one.
The “gold” squares in the ceiling appear to simply be acrylic/perspex with a dotted pattern somehow applied. Disappointing, but they still look attractive.
The black marble to the left of the vestibule/adjacent to the 4DX entrance has been retained.
Overall absolutely fantastic, and it feels like you’ve entered the “Rolls Royce” of cinemas, with a definite sense of occasion and anticipation. The only question is whether wear and tear will take its toll—there are already a couple of scuffs on the corner of one of the new dark grey walls.
Bravo Cineworld!
Perhaps against my better judgement, I was going to check out the 4DX today to see “Avengers: Infinity War.” Unbelievably, the IMAX, Superscreen and 4DX are all heavily booked, even for the earliest screenings!
For the 19:15 performance in the Superscreen, there are just over 20 non-balcony seats remaining at this time, side seats in row “B” and one far left seat in row “C.”
I’ve posted several links to articles with photos of the 4DX and refurbished foyer on the Cineworld Cinema – Leicester Square 4DX page.
From one of these articles:
“Cineworld’s vice president of operations UK and Ireland Shaun Jones said the Empire in Leicester Square had long been ‘the home of film for the UK.’
“‘All the Hollywood greats were here, when you think of cinema and the West End, the Empire is the cinema you think of,’ he said.
“‘It’s not really had a transformation for many years; we want to bring it up to a modern and technical standard [sic], but equally we want to carry on with the tradition of the Empire by hosting key film events.
“‘It’s really important for us to keep that heritage going.’”
No sign of a new license application with update plans yet, just a new “Change of DPS” (Designated Premises Supervisor) application with no documents.
Thanks Zappomatic, I enjoyed your video.
Good grief, the vestibule up from LSQ reminds me of the Trocadero back in the “Segaworld” days, with its curved video wall (and seemingly the Spice Girls' “Generation Next” Pepsi advert blasted out every 5 minutes over the Turbosound speakers!) I suspect it won’t be to the taste of some around here, but I like being bombarded by video and sound. ;–)
Not sure the main foyer section under the IMAX stadia is as warm and welcoming as before, but I’ll have to see in person. Those sofas can’t be any worse than the previous!
Looks like the left entrance doors/vormitory to the IMAX aren’t intended to be used given that there appears to be no signage?
Now back to having a lie down after the dreadful hot weather… :–(
As promised, here’s a short video of the new foyer: https://youtu.be/er5pqy9F_OY
Apologies for the shaky camera work!
Just visiting for the first time since the completion of the foyer refurb and it looks great! They’ve taken Empire’s padded door theme and run with it, with all doors covered in black suede padding and the entire back wall under the sloped ceiling! There’s lots of sofa seating, so it does still feel like a place to linger.
Refurb stops abruptly at the screen 5 and 6 landing although new signage is in place.
I’ll upload some video later tonight, and a couple of photos in just a moment.
Strangely the IMAX appears to have retained its padded doors albeit with simplified door handles, which looks a bit out of place.
On my visit the other day the wall had lines drawn on it to mark where the strips would be attached.
Thanks for the Twitter link.
Not impressed by the concealed lighting installation in general, and I see the large “gold” panels are still sagging.
As a whole it looks impressive, though—definitely better than I’d expected!
Interesting, doesn’t seem to be something that appears among Eomac’s sample photos, but a quick Google search leads to a number of suppliers, at least one of which boasts their product yields a “seamless” finish. Wonder if they will replace the IMAX’s ceiling (though persumably not with reflective material!) as this all seems “no expense spared”…
I guess the right wall is simply painted with Perspex/acrylic strips attached?
A few more photos found on Twitter: https://twitter.com/filmfanstevie/status/984472470076915714?s=21