Empire Cinema

Once known as the Movie Showplace of the Nation when owned by MGM the Empire is one of the best places to see a film in London.The major 1300 seat auditorium is starting to look a little shabby as owners UCI seem uncertain as how to operate a non multiplex venue.

When I was last here I was shown that the original ceiling of the old empire still is alive and kicking above the new 1960's one.

I attended a film at the Empire in 1975 and thought it was a lovely modern film theatre with a huge screen and great sound. I was dissapointed in the 1990's on what was done in the last renovation. I think it would be lovely if this theatre was restored and used in the same way the large Odeon in the West End is used.It could be used for premieres and the large epic films Hollywood is again producing. I believe this house is jointly owned by Paramount and Universal. brucec

this theatre is used for premieres and large epics, it recently hosted the UK premiere of Kill Bill and quentin tarrantino loves this theatre becuase of its superb stadium style main screen which has 1330 seats, second in size only to its neighbour the Odeon leicester sq 1800(ish) seats
of the two i much prefer the Empire which has much more legroom, reclining seats and a much bigger screen
the lobby was redecorated and recarpeted in 2003, lots of gold and red plush with huge leather sofas, the marquee remains rather shabby but it is rumoured that it will be restored in the near future
ps there is no remaining original plasterwork from the auditorium ceiling above the current 60's one in empire 1 or in sc2 (the former ritz)

Among the films in the big room Empire 1 are a couple of the Star Trek films, Jurassic Park, Primary Colours, Ride with the Devil...The last of the Star Treks with the original cast was a treat on the giant screen...It is a generally more comfortable experience than the Odeon Leicester Sq
In Number 2 I've seen things like Schindler's List, Carlito's Way, Gangs of New York, Henry & June, Jungle Fever...an old fashion large house not unreminiscent of being in the Beekman or Sutton in New York for a quality film...some new seats wouldn't be unappreciated
I squeezed into Number 3 for Cape Fear but wouldn't rush back considering the choices we now have in London in local multiplexes

More information and vintage postcard views of the Empire can be found here.

I can remember visiting the old Empire about 1960 as a child to see the roadshow run of Ben-Hur. It seemed like a very old but very grand, and large, theatre that seemed to fit exactly the film it was showing. The one thing I most remember, sitting in the rear stalls, was the large projection booth that had been built downstairs to project the film in 70mm (Camera 65). The screen seemed enormous even from the back of the stalls. I suppose old theatres have to move on, but I'm sure it would be listed today if it still existed in its former glory.

The Empire's main auditorium was much grander in 1975 than what I saw in the 1990's. I liked the Empire in the 1970's better than I did the big Odeon. My favorite theatre, where I saw "The Wind and the Lion" was the Dominion.brucec

Famed cinema architect George Coles was responsible for the 'new' 1962 interior refurbishment of the Empire Theatre. It was the last work of this architect who had designed so many magnificent cinemas in the UK since the early 1920's.

All that remained of the sumptious Thomas Lamb designed theatre of 1928 vintage was the facade, and that was hidden for many years behind an advertising billboard for the current attraction, until it was restored in the late 1990's. George Coles single level auditorium was on the same level as the former circle, with the front section floored over what would have been the front stalls area. The former orchestra stalls of the Empire was converted into a dance hall, now used as a disco/nightclub.

The Empire is one of the cinemas that the newly merged Odeon and UCI chains will have to dispose of, it will be offered to the highest bidder via an agency.
Given its high running costs and the struggle to get decent films to fill 1330 seats, unless one of the two other big chains buy it, its days are numbered which is a tragedy as its one of the finest auditoriums in the world (well screen one at least)

Sorry to hear that the Empire's days may be numbered. I caught a screening of "The Interpreter" last week while in London and found the large auditorium to be delightful: spacious, comfortable, large screen, curtains, the light show before the lights dimmed (changing colors around the proscenium), etc. A sense of showmanship rarely found anymore.

Saw the latest Wallace and Gromit in Empire 1. It's a very nice place to watch a film, and relatively cheap if you go in the day.

The Empire is going to be an Odeon in a few months if the UCI website is to be believed. I get the impression however that if Terra Firma can't keep it they would rather see it go into non-cinema use.

Current exterior photo at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/howardbhaas/69197153/

Here is a photograph I took of the Empire in July 1964. The Thomas Lamb exterior was hidden for almost 30 years behind that 1960's advertising cladding:
http://photobucket.com/albums/y191/KenR-UK/?action=view¤t=EmpireLeicesterSquare.jpg

Here is a link with some contemporary photos:
http://www.film-tech.com/warehouse/pics/empire/empire.html

The Empire is not going to become another Odeon...because of Odeon dominance in the west end the OFT insisted that Odeon divest itself of certain properties.Irish Cinema Chain Ward Anderson has bought the Empire.

The former stalls area which became the Empire Ballroom/nightclub since 1962 is currently closed and contracters are in that part of the building stripping out and gutting it. I believe the space is destined to become a casino.

The Empire will retain its name and money is being invested in the cinema to improve the sound baffling in the main auditorium. The rebuilding of the nightclub will hopefully also include the long talked about refurbishment and restoration of the front of the building which is in quite poor condition when you look closely.

The nightclub is opening in the near future apparently. Suprised Odeon didn't sell off the West End cinema instead.

Will the Empire still be able to get decent films with a smaller operator?

The UCI branding seems to have gone this week, it's being called 'Leicester Square's newest cinema' from what I saw on the film times poster. Surely that honour goes to either the old Warner Village or the Odeon Mezzanine if the former counts as a refubishment.

This isn't UCI anymore according to their website. I believe it's just Empire or The Empire.

Either way look at the trash it's showing now, neither The Weather Man or Last Holiday can surely pull in 1400 people even on Saturday night or possibly be worth paying £11.50 for when you could see it for half that at the local multiplex.

Unfortunatley When Odeon bought over UCI they did have control of Empire for a short while and they new fully well that they would loose Empire to another cinema brand so they off loaded all the movies that didn't have a expected high turn over to the Empire cinema and booked all premiers and summer blockbusters to the Odeon Mezzinene resulting in a monoploy of films pretty sneaky but i suppose thats capitalism? The new empire owners will have a hard job pulling summer films in as Odeon have cornered them all! The Di Vinice Code, X-Men 3, Superman and they have already had King Kong, Harry Potter, Munich and now they have V for Vendetta although the premier was held at Empire, Odeon will gain all profits! However once empire fix the sound in Screen 1 and refurb the whole cinema which i believe includes a possible new screen and an extension to screen 3 distributors and directors will be queueing up to hold they're films there and possibly bring back the glory days of the original premier theatre! But that can only happen if people continue to support the cinema. And the worlds fastest indian isnt that bad! go see it ;)

I wouldn't pay to watch it in Empire 2 or 3 when I could see it locally. That's the problem, when you have a large capacity cinema the films have to be of the King Kong and Harry Potter ilk. Even something like Narnia got played elsewhere in the West End.

The Empire Leicester Square originally contained a 4/24 Wurlitzer that was played and recorded by famed US theatre organist Jesse Crawford circa 1933. As I recall, Crawford's version of "My Love Song" was recorded here during this tour.

The organ was removed from the theatre around 40 years or so ago and has been in a private home near London ever since. The organ is in fine shape and is played regularly. It has been described as being the finest sounding Wurlitzer in a home in the UK.

Well yeah if its local and you dont want to head into town then your not gona go but thats the same for all leicester square cinemas why would you go see munich in a small Odeon west end cinema if you local one was playing it for cheaper, but if you are there anyway and you like the cinema and the idea of the movie you will go. But the reason Empire dont have King Kong or Harry Potter is because Odeon cornered the booking and made Empire impotent for the whole summer wrong but if you want to make the most money in the square for the summer then you have to be under hand to do that. Also Narnia did really well at empire and played their for three months before anyone else played it. But they wont have major blockbusters this summer until the booking becomes free again and the new empire can actually try for the big features instead of just been given scraps, if Odeom kept Empire they would have shared the blockbusters out but why do it if its a competitor,

Also i think Odeon are a bit rude and a bit look at us we have all the premiers we're something, i walked up to the front doors to get a ticket and the doors were locked and this little skinny guy walked up to the doors opened them and said 'What do you want?' in a very rude way. so i just turned round and walked away i will never go back. Empire is although dated has a definate feeling of grandure but doesnt have the attitude of 'we demand respect' like Odeon, Odeon are nothing they just try to buy grandure and just get very deluded with how sacred their cinema is.

Narnia wasn't exclusive to the Empire for more than a weekend. It played in at least five screens in the West End.

The reason Odeon have premieres and exclusive releases in Leicester Square and the West End is because they have leverage over the distributors due to their position as clear market leader.

Well of coarse but before odeon took empire over empire had roughly 12-14 premiers a year but when they cornered the square it dropped to one every two three months and it will change when the new empire company gets in full motion because odeon will not beable to stop them in bidding and showing distributors and directors that their venue is better suited to a premier than a glorified multiplex. Most directors do not like odeon for that reason but have been forced into the odeon cuz it owned the two of them. plus the sound in empire does not help but that is being changed very soon.

The Empire Cinema, Screen 1 auditorium in blue lighting:
http://flickr.com/photos/woody1969/61021021/
The Empire Cinema, Screen 1 auditorium in red lighting:
http://flickr.com/photos/woody1969/61024329/

A daytime view of the exterior when screening "The Chronicles of Narnia":
http://flickr.com/photos/woody1969/82722940/
A nightime view of the exterior:
http://flickr.com/photos/woody1969/63344808/

The Odeon Leicester Square is hardly a glorified multiplex, it's rather underwhelming but it does seat 1900. The Empire still had about a premiere a month last year.

Odeon will still be able to pick and choose premieres. I would have thought that a distributor being friendly to a chain with 100 cinemas would be more sensible than one with 12 in the UK. It wouldn't suprise me if Odeon had purposefully avoided selling to a larger operator.

The Empire is the best cinema in London, but the foyer is a bit tacky and not in the same style as the auditorium.

the thing is the premier list was equal before odeon took the empire over and then it dropped dramatically when londons council said you cant own that! And the inside will be changing along with the sound in empire one. Buying market share doe not make it a desireable cinema just a greedy one. Empirfe is much better, that is my opinion only and i will not think otherwise

The Empire is far better. Doesn't mean they are guaranteed premieres.

What's changing on the inside?

Well they will be getting many more premiers and better films trust me. Films are booked 6 months in advance so empire cant do anything for these months because terms have already been made thats why you will see a large number of late shows of older films as they are experimenting to see what people will watch because things like sin city may bring more people in than weatherman and worlds fastest and if more peole come for them expect to see some major classics that havent been on the screen in decades! but this will only happen until the cornererd films by odeon have passed then they will be free to bid and by then the cinema will be refurbished and refitted for sound. People want to book there its just odeon would not let them because they new they were going to loose it and because of the terrible echoing because UCI painted the walls that absorbed the echoing with the wrong paint.

Do you work at the Empire then? If so don't know why you'd want more premieres they're a pain in the neck, we've had a few small ones at work and nothing but complaints and stressed out directors.

Take your point about the booking. Odeon are pissing me off at the moment having closed Wardour Street and programming Panton Street with mainstream films even though they promote it as 'alternative odeon' I didn't pay £15 for Select membership for what the local idiotplex shows.

Would definitely be up for the late classic screenings, as long as they are fairly priced and in Empire 1.

i dont work for empire im just nosey about it if you know how to ask the rigth questions you get the right answers and it sounds like you do. It is the classic cinema venue it truely has seen the golden days of cinema and at the moment it is being treated like a second rate venue because a be-grudging cinema chain wasnt allowed to own it and like a little child has taken the right to fair trade and high street competition and blocked the empire getting further status and business. I just dont want to see this great venue turn slowly into a nightclub just because odeon has the market share and thinks it is better than anyone else in the square cuz it certainly is not! When the casino is finished and the empire has had its face lift it will hopefully look amazing and people will flock to support it!

I don't work for Empire. Fair point about Odeon.

I have been going to the Empire since the 70's.
It was great then & felt like an event when you went, now it is shabby but still impressive. When I saw Narnia there both the festoon curtain & the other curtains were not used, just lights projected onto the screen!
I have heard that the main Cinema is to be changed into as many as 8 screens, this would be awful as there is only the Empire & the Odeon left.
The Odeon West End has been sold to a property developer, so will be demolished I expect. It is a shame because the whole look of L.S. will be changed away from cinema. Steve

dont worry empire one will remain the same its not going to be a multiplex they have already made changes to the sound in screen one, they have carpeted the back walls and the entrances to reduce the sound bouncing off the walls and that would have cost around 20,000+ roughly so dont worry they wouldnt have done that if they were planning to split it up, it will stay a premier venue ; )

and the curtains back in operation i was there the other day the motor must have broken down or they were fixing something or estimating the refurb? but its all good now.

With Narnia it could have been the digital presentation and teething problems with the automation.

I used to visit the Empire quite often in the 1990's and knew the Technical team very well and was impressed with the Presentation as you aspect in a West End Cinema.

Sadly, the UCI mob moved in and ousted most of the "Showman Projectionists" and automated the Projection in Empire 1 and as it seams since these people had left, standards went down as well the Premieres and as the Odeon Leicester Square was refurbished in 1998 and offered a better venue for Distributors with Premieres.

However, it has since been sold to the Irish Cinema chain Ward- Anderson and is now owned by Cinema Holdings Ltd.

They are now trading as Empire Cinemas and the Empire is their Head Office.

I was informed they plan to refurbish the Empire and so it looks that the Foyer is looking better, however the front of the building is need of "Paint & Clean" as it is showing a warn state.

There has been rumours that there may be a larger screen in Empire 1, but the Curtains may not re-instated!.

Here is the link to the Empire Cinema website

http://empire-vhost.krankikom.de/

To be fair automating the projection isn't exactly lowering standards if it's done properly and works.

Still not showing the 'big' films. If this continues I may have to apply for a position :D

Poseidon gets its European premiere here today, although the film will open in Odeon Leicester Square. There is a massive sort of video wall being erected for the premiere around the entrance, very odd and completely out of place with the building itself.

<To be fair automating the projection isn't exactly lowering standards if it's done properly and works>

When it was under UCI control, they cut the Staff and ran it just like a Multiplex operation, not the sort of thing you should find in the West End?. you only to have to see Vue & UGC/Cineworld.

The Odeon Leicester Square in the main Theater still remains manual operation and it shows with the high standard of presentation as you would expect and that's why the Odeon hold more Premiers than any other West End Cinemas.

Give us a break. Odeon holds more premieres because they have more seats. Every single distributor knows the presenatation is far superior at the Empire.

More than distributors a lot of directors prefer the Empire, Tarantino is mentioned above.

The Odeon is only impressive because all the other traditional cinemas have disappeared.

If there was a level playing field in the West End and Empire, Vue and Cineworld got the big release then Odeon would run that cinema 'like a multiplex', failing that it would have been twinned or something.

Still can't see how automatic projection is something bad, just a computer instead of a hand pressing the button.If you want a good show then IMAX DMR is cheaper and better than anything the West End has to offer.

I have heard that the canopy is to be removed, lets hope so!

That would be great. Back To The Future is playing in the mornings next week and fri/sat late Pulp Fiction is on. Will try to get to both.

I am going to see BTTF at the Empire on Saturday and maybe Pulp Fiction too! Can't wait. I saw BTTF there in 1985 when I was 7! It is my favourite cinema in the world - I love the lighting as seen in above links - hypnotic - and they used to have a great laser and sound show before the film started but they stopped that when DTS digital sound came in with Jurassic Park. I've been going to the Empire my whole life. My Dad first took me there to see Temple of Doom. Saw all BTTFs there, Ghost, Schindler's List & Twins ! I used to go to the Empire 4 or 5 times a year but it's true - they don't show many of the great blockbusters anymore and I think the last time I went to the Empire was for Kill Bill 2. But the Empire is like my second home - I grew up there - and it feels like part of me - part of my childhood. Looking forward to reliving the magic and memories with BTTF this weekend. Very much hope as part of their early classics season, they show the original 1978 Superman: The Movie - that would be a dream come true !!! (Disappointed they're not showing Superman Returns there - the Odeon West End is showing it instead!)

Why bother with the 35mm showing when you can go to the IMAX for it? The 3D thing will detract from the fact you paid £13 to see another standard popcorn film.

Went to see BTTF and Pulp Fiction today, five people in former and ten in latter. BTTF print isn't great but for £5.50 you can't complain. Pulp Fiction is a must see on the big screen.

The screen has got bigger by maybe 10%, has vertical masking as well as the usual. The concave of the screen is deeper also. I think that the extra frilly bit on the curtains has gone to make way for the bigger screen. Automation was perfect.

The THX trailer showed off the new sound system well, blows Odeon out the water and is nearly as good as the bfi IMAX.

Taxi Driver is on next week, can't wait!

Hi all,

Just so you know the Taxi Driver print next week is a new copy for the anniversary re-release and will be on in Empire 1.

Also in a couple of weeks, Miami Vice will be on there. Truly the first film to take advantage of the new sound and screen installed in there a couple of weeks back.

Anyone else go to see BTTF today?

They should had launched the Empire 1 new rebuild with a 70mm film for largest/superior picture and fantastic sound, and why not in a 70mm DTS for the full Digital sound effect!.

There were some 70mm prints of "Back to the Future" a few years ago, but why show this film as it is only in a 1.85:1 Dolby "A" warn out print?.

BTTF was very worn out - grainy to be expected but many cut-out points throughout, reasonable surround sound effect but terrible sound quality for about 25 mins of the movie - like a fuzzy, video-tracking type of sound. Hope they can show more 80's movies though!

Maybe I'll go and see Miami Vice there - it is still the greatest cinema in the country and even better now with the new recliner seats and bigger screen.

But I did read some negative things about Vice - major recuts being made to the movie due to poor preview test screenings.

The Empire always had recliner seats. To be honest the poor sound on one reel didn't detract, know most of the dialogue anyway!

Playing 70mm to a packed audience of 5 people in a 1500 seat cinema would be a massive expense on the part of Empire. Appreciate the gesture they've made already.

Raiders of the Lost Ark is fantastic here. The print is very good for a repetory screening. I think the screen is out to its full extent, for a second thought perhaps it was in 70mm but doubt it. It plays in Empire 1 only in the mornings.

Will try and see Raiders in Screen 1.
Saw Temple of Doom there back in 1984!
If anyone knows of future classics showing at the Empire, please post here as early as possible so I can get a bunch of friends to come along!

The listings for most chains usually turn up online on the Tuesday before the w/c Friday.

I'll get onto finding out the upcoming classics that are going to be shown, There are some classic Bond films booked in a couple of months that I know about.

From Ken Roe's pictures this looks like it has a huge screen with a huge orchestra. Is this really the case? Though modernistic in design it reminds me of the old Times Square road show houses. If only we still had a theater like this in New York!
Anybody know the size of the 70mm screen?

The current auditorium (as seen in the photo's by Woody which I posted on March 26 2006) was originally the former balcony of the Empire (The orchestra stalls area was converted into a damce hall in 1962).

Regarding the size of the 70mm screen, I am not sure on actual size, but the cinema has just been re-furbished (June 2006) and a new larger screen has been installed. This extends 1 metre wider on each side, to what the previous screen was. It is THX certified, as is the sound system.

Unfortunately the new wider screen has mean't the removal of some of the sets of drapes(screen curtains). The Empire used to have a house curtain and a screen curtain (both travellers), and main curtain which rose in sections.

The screen is 62' by 25', might be completely off there but is what I remember from an article on their website.

The Empire as built in the 1930s held something like 3500.

You don't lose anything with the removal of the curtains, personally speaking. The only problem I have is that the image is overlaid on the curtains opening, pretty sure that you could have a policy ad which expanded in time with the automation of the curtains.

Since I have been asked recently, here is a definitive specification of Empire One since its two-week closure last month.

Screen Dimensions

Cinemascope: 18.38x7.62m, 85mm Schneider Cinelux Premiere aspheric variable-iris combined anamorphic lens
Widescreen: 14.95x8.06m, 52.5mm Schneider Cinelux Premiere aspheric variable iris lens
70mm: 18.04x8.23m, 100mm Schnieder Super Cinelux Lens
D-Cinema image sizes are as 35mm

Sound system

Dolby CP650 with CAT778 digital i/o card ensures all-digital signal path for 35mm and D-Cinema Screenings. DMA-8 also fitted for added flexibility, and DTS-6D retained for DTS screenings, and DFP-2000 for SDDS 8-channel screenings.
Dolby CP200/DA20/SA10/MPU-1 for premiere backup, and 70mm magnetic screenings (70mm tested and working!). CP200 modified with CAT64 EQ cards removed and linked out.

5x DBX 4800 loudspeaker management systems controlled via HiQNET take Digital Feeds from CP650, and Analogue from SDDS/CP200, and provide all crossover, EQ, time alignment and banked surround delay.

5x Crown CTs2000 amplifiers feed HF and Upper Mid sections of 5x JBL 4-way Custom ScreenArray stage loudspeakers
5x Crown CTs3000 amplifiers feed LF and Lower Mid sections of 5x JBL 4-way Custom ScreenArray stage loudspeakers
8x Crown CTs3000 amplifiers feed 16x JBL 4645C SVG Subwoofers
6x Crown CTs8200 8-channel amplifiers feed 42x JBL 8340A surround loudspeakers arranged as 22 (left/right side) delayed in four banks, 8 (left/right lower rear, concealed), 12 (left/right long-throw upper rear) delayed to match position and curvature of lower bank.

For the watt-counters,

Stage Channels (each) 5,000w (25,000w total)
Sub Bass Channels (total) 24,000w
Surround Channels (total) 10,500w

Total system power, 59,500w

The system is THX certified

Thunderball plays at 10.40am here from Friday.

August 2006 detail of facade here:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/218471947/

Why can't the Empire show classic films like this???

Look at the line-up for the New York Ziegfield Theatre -
Unbelievable!...

http://clearviewcinemas.com/ziegfeld-classics/index.html

The problem there, if they only get about a handfull of people a day for these early shows, would people go to see them when you have the BFI NFT Cinema in London?.

These "early specials" never get publicised anywhere other than their website, so no wonder it is poorly supported.

I expect the Empire's long term plan is for first run Premier openings judging their investment at this Cinema.

It would be nice to see 70mm screened at the Empire once again.....

I have to say, hats off to Empire Cinemas, Bell Theatre Services ( Max and Lawrence particularly), Harman, Andre Mort and all the many others involved in what they have achieved at this truly flagship cinema:

I viewed Thunderball this morning, in Panavision, in mono, and it looked and sounded fabulous for what is essentially , a 41 year old film, recorded in Westrex Recording mono technologies of the day, printed from an internegative, and just looked amazing !

The staff were courteous and friendly, and I , like many fellow cinema/film fans would love to see this massive effort publicised more: and of course, to see Empire cinemas expand this care and expertise accross all their cinemas acquired and new.

best
Kevin P

and PS:

Empire Cinemas:please spread the word more about the earlies at the Empire !

Tomorrow is 'The Spy Who Loved Me'

The problem in the West End is that distributors want their new releases played as many times as possible. Putting a load of classic films on at premium times eats in to their profits.

"would people go to see them when you have the BFI NFT Cinema in London?."

The NFT is pretty much a mini version of the Empire, nice but more expensive and having a 1400-seater between me and five others is pretty fantastic long may it continue!

I asked about 70mm and they are hoping to show some films in the format in the future.

Late shows have gone up to normal prices, I'm annoyed to say the least.

On Wednesday I went to see "World Trade Centre" at the Empire in Screen One presented in (2K) Digital Cinema.

It was the 2:15pm screening, the ticket was at £7.50 not bad for West End prices.

On entering the empty Auditorium you notice the Taps/curtains were left open and did not move at any time, as the Adverts and Trailers I only counted 30 people in a 1,300 seater Theatre!.

Through out the film you could hear at times drilling noise from a construction site below the Cinema and this is a THX approved Theatre!.

Some of the "WTC" scenes did loose a lot Black contrast and it looked like Gray scale in some of the darker scenes, most of the film looked and sounded great as well the 35mm Adverts/Trailers.

The Empire seam to lost it's "WOW" factor these days and on my way out I asked the Ticket guy about the Curtains and was told they had broken down last Sunday and was uncertain if the owners will get them fixed sooner or later.

This is a recent close-up of the Empire Cinema.

Do we know yet if CASINO ROYALE will be showing at the Empire or the inferior (in my opinion) Odeon Leicester Square ??

If you check the release schedule on www.launchingfilms.com it usually tells you the opening West End venue(s)a couple of weeks before release. Current schedule for Empire 1 seems to be The Guardian, then Sixty Six, then Starter for Ten over the next few weeks. Barnyard opens in Empire 2.

I am very curious about these new custom 4-way JBL speakers installed at the Empire,anyone knows more?thanks

Casino Royale is playing at Odeon Leicester Square.

Visited this cinema on Monday night and saw The Guardian in Dolby Digital Cinema and THX.
I was a little worried when the trailers and commericals played as the screen seemed small considering I'd read here that was now a bigger screen in stalled. During the trailers the top masking was very thick as was the side masking.
However when the movie started, the screen was much bigger, with very little top masking and more screen displayed at the sides (despite this being a film presented in 1.85.1), if it had been scope I'd understand the sides seeming in wider. It seems the new screens increased size is used more for digital presentations, which I have to say looked excellent and the sound was very good.
The curtains are now working again and a good use of lights before the film started.
Only about 40 people in the cinema though.

Visited this cinema on Monday night and saw The Guardian in Dolby Digital Cinema and THX.
I was a little worried when the trailers and commericals played as the screen seemed small considering I'd read here that was now a bigger screen in stalled. During the trailers the top masking was very thick as was the side masking.
However when the movie started, the screen was much bigger, with very little top masking and more screen displayed at the sides (despite this being a film presented in 1.85.1), if it had been scope I'd understand the sides seeming in wider. It seems the new screens increased size is used more for digital presentations, which I have to say looked excellent and the sound was very good.
The curtains are now working again and a good use of lights before the film started.
Only about 40 people in the cinema though.

My photo from April 2006:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/howardbhaas/128449432/

Already posted above was my photo from 2005:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/howardbhaas/69197153/

From the above comments, it doesn't sound like this theater can survive as is, with the huge auditorium. That would leave the Odeon Leicester Square is the one huge theater in the area.

I doubt many cinemas run on much of a profit in the West End, it is more about prestige for the chains. The local cinemas will subsidise it.

Have attended the Empire since the summertime of Wednesday September 13th 1989 for the 70mm six-track Dolby Stereo THX presentation of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, what a show what show it was totally out of this world. Ever since that day I was rather taken by its style for cinema presentation that is second to none.

Since my early days starting out as a junior projectionist for UCI at the Tower Park site based in Poole where lacing up 35mm Victoria IV projectors and running shows was kinder of entertaining. During a few days I took a day trip to London, because all I was reading in the press and certain other magazines was THX sound system.

Well has anyone would know it’s a very special event that brings the sound into you’re lap! Well maybe you’re chest whole pinching you’re stomach as well as the water from the Holy Grail is poured onto Indiana Jones’s dads wound! Still couldn’t tell where that low frequency was coming from?

Does anyone know if the laser is working in the booth, the last I heard it broke-down sometime during the mid 1990’s?

The Laser Show has not been working since about 1997 and it now seams that they could not get it repaired and no plans to have it again as it appears that at one Royal Film Premier his HRH Charles objected to it as it was "Tacky".

He was probably right, saw some pictures and it didn't look so good. To be honest the lobby is borderline tacky anyway, although the new Empire standee is a nice touch. The current lighting is far better than anything I've seen in a cinema anyway.

Shame the cheap early/late shows have gone, can't afford £13 for a ticket, that's how much I pay for an Unlimited card.

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"The Laser Show has not been working since about 1997 and it now seams that they could not get it repaired and no plans to have it again as it appears that at one Royal Film Premier his HRH Charles objected to it as it was "Tacky"."
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Mr70mm

What the hell would he know a person who’s been born with a golden spoon in his hand, tacky my foot!

Here is another photo of the Empire Cinema.

I think that those of us who have visited the Empire on one or more occasions rave about the THX sound system there. Getting a good film to play there that’s going to do huge box office returns for that site I feel is based on sound!

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was one of those films and the Star Trek films especially the Star Trek day back in October 1989 WOW astonishingly out of this world and the THX sound system really brought out the richness of the 70mm six-track Dolby Stereo presentation to very high standards that I don’t think has been equalled anywhere else in the United Kingdom except at the Empire!

Not sure how well “A Good Year” is doing at the moment but with 56KW of JBL THX sound power I’d say it doing moderate business, does anyone know for sure?

The problem Empire have is they can't get films exclusively. Virtually everything in Empire 1 plays at Cineworld Trocadero and Odeon Tottenham Court Road. Can't say it has looked busy recently. Also the concessions (where the money is) is really small, if there are queues people won't buy the food. If you look at Odeon, Vue and Cineworld's flagships the kiosks are probably double or triple the capacity. I'd get rid of the popcorn holders they have and put a couple more till points in.

As for the sound, I think there is a general trend towards price over quality as seen by the boom in illegal media downloading. Also Empire haven't marketed widely enough or well enough the fact that that cinema is as nice as it is.

Insignificant to the point of "off EDI" and no one knows what "THX means anymore" best describes this run, Andy.

That is suprising. Maybe you can answer this Al, how does the Empire compare with other West End sites showing the same film?

HAPPY FEET is showing at The Empire from tomorrow.

And whilst I would now make an effort to go to the IMAX London for certain films (like Happy Feet / Superman Returns / Batman Begins), I would prefer to see it at The Empire this weekend - I think the sound is much better than IMAX, although IMAX claim to have more power in terms of watts !

Sound at the Waterloo IMAX has 11,600 Watts Sound accordig to their website whereas The Empire Screen 1 has 56,000 Watts. And The Empire has a bigger 35mm screen than any other in London.

sinelinden, cjc

I would do this take an SPL db meter with you! This way it will be able to judge the level of power of presentation.

There is still only one cinema that has pinched me and that was Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade at the Empire via the original THX specification back in 1989.

When I say pinched I mean that, just when the water from the cup, the Holy Grail was poured onto Indiana’s dad I felt a pinching low frequency that was right in the stomach I Kidd you not all!

I was seated about 4 rows from the front in one of the middle rocker chairs, so I was pretty close to the screen! I’m never going to forget that part in the film never it was incredible now that was power of atmosphere sheer presentation that not even the Bournemouth IMAX cinema has achieved, sure it’s got over 10KW of power provided by the Sonics loudspeaker array.

But the Empire is still the number #1 for film sound presentation! I would like very much to see hear and feel the power of the Empire unleashed on me again not sure when? I’ll keep checking the films coming soon and do a little research on that film based upon it’s soundtrack this will hopefully sale me the film based on the type of theme if it an Action, Sci-Fi, Horror, or other hopefully I’ll be making my way from Bournemouth to the Empire Leicester square…

When I saw THE INCREDIBLES there a couple years ago, the sound effects in the film took full advantage of the Empire's sound system - brilliant sound then.

One of the best sound experiences I can remember at the Empire is FORREST GUMP - during the Vietnam scene, when it's all quiet, raining and then suddenly the bombs and bullets hit and the sound system went NUTS !!!

When I saw THE INCREDIBLES there a couple years ago, the sound effects in the film took full advantage of the Empire's sound system - brilliant sound then.

One of the best sound experiences I can remember at the Empire is FORREST GUMP - during the Vietnam scene, when it's all quiet, raining and then suddenly the bombs and bullets hit and the sound system went NUTS !!!

I was talking about admissions. Personally think that the BFI IMAX sounds better because most films in the format use the system very well.

Andy, the Empire will outgross most West End sites due to their prices but the results do not reflect the excellent presentation they provide in the big screen. At least not yet.

LOL, Mate I’m still suffering the after-effects of the Empire’s sound system from the late 1989’s to the mid 1990’s the flashbacks are very vivid.

Star Trek III was kicking me when captain Kirk was kicking the Klingon in the face, I have had enough of you! The audience like that bit! It was in your chest, now that was seated in the middle row, the royals sit. When the U.S.S. Enterprise final went up it went UP! BOOM! It felt like someone kicking me in the face damn!

tjhyman

You mentioned “Forrest Gump” I read an article somewhere that the Empire used the stars above the screen to great affect during the opening of the film is this true?

Anyone know if it neon lighting that colours the Empire’s auditorium? Neon is my first guess or is it something other something more exotic and it is. It’s the only cinema in the UK that knows how to create an atmosphere and that light system is incredible.

Also does anyone know the cost of that lighting system?

I have plans to do something similar in my home cinema using neon lighting with three primary colours and a computerised lighting controller.

Here’s a basic idea of the type of neon light that I’m using now.

http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/289508/299922.jpg

Compared to the Empire the Empire is light-years ahead with there own technique which is absolutely indispensable.

http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/47069/288073.jpg

I don't remember if the stars were used for Forrest Gump, but I would assume they were.

I saw HAPPY FEET there last night - absolutely crystal clear digital projection on the 62ft wide screen! Sound was not used to its fullest for the movie though, and was not all that loud, compared to most movies shown there! A cute movie that looks great on the Empire.

Saw Happy Feet at the Trocadero, same thing with the sound not utilising the system, must be the film.

You have to remember this could be down to two several things one the dynamic range on the film mix might be too high! Therefore the projectionist has set the fader level on the Dolby CP-200 from mark “7” to “6” or worse “5.5”!

On the other hand the fader is set to mark “7” and the mix really isn’t that great, but I’m sure if you where too see it elsewhere, you’ll notice the differences between the films soundtrack.

Happy Feet

What aspect ratio was the film in sounds like a 1.85:1 presentation?

Surprisingly, it was a 2.35:1 ratio - looked great spread out across the 62 feet of Empire's screen!

Whatever volume you played the film at, if the mix was bad (in this case I felt the music didn't have enough bass and was too quiet behind the vocal), it would still show up.

Not suprised at the film being in scope, lot of opportunity to show off the CG environment.

Happy New Year to you all

So what’s new at the Empire I know I can look at the sites now showing now list, but what’s new on your latest Empire JBL THX 56KW power experience?

Going to Apocalypto on Friday, must be the first 'exclusive' the Empire has got in a very long time.

cjc

This is the new Mel Gibson film hmm, sounds tempting to go along to I mean £20.00 for travel return, ticket for the Empire yeah £30.00 pounds should be well worth the JBL THX 56KW experience!

Apocalypto is a digital presentation. Fantastic picture and sound quality. A lot of opportunity with the forest setting to show off the sound system. Good film as well!

What’s the cubic volume size of the Empire?

What is the lowest frequency the sub bass array can possibly generate and highest sound pressure level?

The front of The Empire is at this time undergoing a transformation. Fankly what ever they do to it it will be million times better than what they had till a few weeks ago. The dreadful canopy that carried the word 'Empire' that looked like it had been written by Walt Disney has been taken away and hopefuly destroyed never to be seen again on such a fantastic facade!!! According to a report that the Evening Standard carried a few weeks back which included an artists immpession of what it will look like- its going to go back to an old fashioned iron work canopy. From what i recall from the painting it resembled the new canopys on Londons Victoria Palace & Novello theatres- both of which are stunning. If im corresct its an Irish company who are takeing over the running of The Empire. It needs a lot of work inside to bring it up to a standard exceptable today. Its gone to look very old and tatty in the auditorium recently, maybe because a take over was known for awhile! Back in the 80s this really was a showcase theatre where they had a great pre-performance laser and light show before those fantastic curtains opened onto a huge screen. I look forward to a visit in the future to see whats been done. If anyone has more detailed news of whats going on maybe they would care to fill in the gaps! (Hello, Mr. Roe)

Plans have been passed for the 'opening up' of the balcony above the entrance doors. This will be used as a 'platform' for stars to greet fans when premiers are held at the cinema (similar to the one at the Odeon, Leicester Square.

Why thank you Mr Dependable! Yea i forgot about that part- sounds great. Wouldnt it be fantastic if they took away all that 80s decor in the foyer and tarted up the auditorium for todays audiences. Ive seen many a great movie here in what is a truly great theatre

The new marquee and balcony is up. Better than the old one, I kinda like it but some may not.

I don’t know about changing the auditorium I think it should be left as it is it looks fantastic I mean out of this WORLD!
I liked the look of the outside during the late 1980’s with the word EMPIRE all lit up it looked the part and the advertisement of 70mm Dolby films in THX made it all so very tempting to step inside.
I seem to remember when the Warner West End was all knocked down except the front that remained that was a nice touch, so I hope they don’t go too far over the top with the front of the EMPIRE.

By the way is there any pictures of this conversion? I know that Fred, who once projected at the EMPIRE does some really neat looking videos on Youtube, I wonder if he’s covering this issue?

I may be wrong but i hope im not- the auditorium is a listed building.

I see, well I think it should be left alone why change perfection.

Well I’m looking forwards to travailing up to London on 11th July for DIE HARD LIVE FREE in THX and 56KW of JBL sound power sounds too tempting, see you there in the early hours of the morning.

Also I heard from the (Team Leader) at the EMPIRE, who I was speaking to on the phone last Friday night that the new look outside looks fantastic!

Here’s a nice but rather rare occasion to see the director and stars from of Apollo 13 at the CIC Empire Leicester square.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnLpZcX-5ms

A couple of recent exteriors so you can judge for yourself about the new look marquee:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/807824473/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/807824489/

Well i remember ages ago the reports were that they were going to put up a more traditional new marquee. I do like this one even tho it doesnt look that exciting, its 100% better than what they ve just rippedd down. Thanks for the pics Ian. I'll be in town tomorrow and will take a proper look.

I don’t like the typeface that the designer used as anyone got a bullet please! Bring back the late 1980’s look that rocked.

Prior marquee seen lit up a little bit in my Oct 2005 photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/howardbhaas/69197153/

It lit up much, in changing different colors.

Looking at the photos that Ian posted above (which indicate to me that new marquee is boring) it doesn't appear new marquee lights up? Is that at least a balcony people can stand enter from inside the theater?

Now this did catch the eyes attention it was glittery dazzling like the stars that are placed above the screen in Empire #1.
http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/47069/275633.jpg
http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/47069/275634.jpg
http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/47069/275666.jpg

Found this Youtube Video of the famous Empire Leicester Square screen 1 yeah this is where I’ll be popping up to sometime soon for DIE HARD JBL 56KW THX sound power!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOBe43QIde4&mode=related&search=

Andy,
Thanks for finding that wonderful photo of the dazzling marquee (your first ecoustics link above).
As to utube, I hope more people can film (and post on utube or somewhere) vintage movie theater auditoriums while they are still here. The Odeon West End is slated for replacement, and I'd love to see a short film of the 2 auditoriums & the foyer section with the photos of people throughout the years who have visited.

Wow! What do you mean by 'replacment'. I was manager there back in the 80s and always thought it would close and be redeveloped. Id be interestd in what you know.

It was called 'Leicester Square Theatre' then. A much nicer name than 'Odeon West End'

I posted something on the Odeon West End page some time ago. I've read on the Internet that Odeon West End to be demolished for a hotel. Cinema preservationists suggested they'd like to keep the facade, but I haven't read that has been determined yet.

Has anyone recently seen a film in Empire 1 (Screen 1)?.
Last Saturday I visited the Empire to see "Transformers", although the Auditorium was fairly busy it lacked the Empire Cinema I knew a few years ago!.

There were No Adverts, just a few Trailers with a Bottom Black line on the screen and NO Logo/Intro/THX anywhere and can you belive it on the Feature change from the Trailers to the main film the Tabs were left open and you just sat in the Dark watching the Masking go out to scope!!.

Where is the Presentation gone these days?, I was told later that it was now Company Policy to present it this way (?), shame on them and what a high Ticket price of £13.00 for a poor West End Cinema experience.

Still a great Cinema, but poor Screen Presentation......

Yes I was hoping to see DIE HARD in THX yesterday, well I didn’t know ity was only on for three-weeks so does anyone have some rope? LOL just kidding I was given a brief tour of Empire screen ones booth yesterday morning before the first show started. The booth is mega and totally untouchable!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w118/Brainstorm3417/EmpireLeicesterSquareplacingtheTran.jpg
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http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w118/Brainstorm3417/Empireneonlightingsystemrighthandsi.jpg
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http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w118/Brainstorm3417/EmpirenenoJBLsurround8340.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w118/Brainstorm3417/Empiremestandingbackdarklighting.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w118/Brainstorm3417/Empirelookinguptowardsboothattherea.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w118/Brainstorm3417/Empirelookingdowntowardsthefrontdar.jpg

I was sat in the front row along with a new friend who overheard my name while calling on the intercom and was rather surprised to see me there has he’s only read a few posts on different forums sites where I have shown great interest in the Empire and the THX sound system program.

I measured nearly 120dbc on the SPL db metre towards the final battle with transformers transforming the streets into a battle zone, it was right at a point where the sound all the mid and highs where faded down and the mighty JBL 4645C cluster array of x16 dropped down mighty DEEP!!!

The rest of the mighty Crown amplifiers are housed behind the THX baffle with cable runs travelling down from the booth so all the control is handled from there, booth surround amplifiers are housed in the booth.

Empire Leicester Square 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipx-ryxGkMk&session=-Tzf0pZAq_sjzAWoaTUTKPPAHJqE6ePkqJm6MTbVPKnXVBAU0e1WMiU8g5j_YTZ-_K5OF0ETf2elzuL-F-WmZuqOWRhHZBv9iuF0dPX3QqzwxHWoAHoqmwVMOtGfXf-krjPXKL1UYM-8bZOMm4qMweemYqhdKEIV0t3rXhoh7-N0vxvTMtDPivVHbi_ABV7_wJK9q5Jt_Lfs8f-oGLH-p4k9vIGA6oUhTs8yy9RRbBE=

Transformers what a load of bollocks!

After getting of the shock of missing DIE HARD in THX and after sitting though another gruelling Michael Bay load of loud nonsense that made no sense to duologue intelligibility not when its spoken a fast paces where you’d need at least a few moments for it to settle down instead you end up listening to cacophony of dialogue that overlaps and overlaps into sheer load of loud Michael Armageddon bollocks Bay up there on the screen!

Yes this is the worse film I have even sat though since Pearl Harbor 2001, I’m never going to see anymore of his trash load of bollocks until he can really prove he can make a film that makes sense without fast dialogue, I mean really what is the rush if the film is 153minuts at least pace the dialogue slowly.

The sound system at the Empire was great 10/10 but would never do justice to Michael Bay, I feel sorry for Kevin O’Connell, as I don’t see him winning an award for this but sometime fate as a strange way of twisting things around for the better who knows he might, maybe?

I only have a few Michael Bay films on DVD The Rock Armageddon but that’s as far as it goes I might, might buy Transformers on DVD the very least rent it for sound test on my JBL THX sound system later in the year or when even it comes out, hell I’m not going to lose any sleep over it. Armageddon!

Here is a 1988 shot of the Empire:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/1082582231/

The London Empire 1928 by Thomas Lamb and John Meacham was a very close copy of the E.F.Albee Theatre of 1927 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The frontage of each were duplicates and their entrance lobbies were identical. Long live the original Empire Theater.

Well I wouldn’t know I’ve only been attending the Empire since September 13th 1989.

When I was visiting London in April, workers were doing something in the back, entering opposite the Prince Charles theater. I think they were installing the movie theater chain HQ and/or other offices in the upper reaches of the Empire? One told me there was decoration in there. Perhaps from 1928 from original auditorium/balcony?

Love the youtube video on the old laser shows.
Can anyone tell me who did the music for the main Laser Show 1?
It sounds very similar to the Miami Vice tv theme !!

And BRING BACK THE LASER SHOW !!!

I could ask around.

Just heard from a source a former Empire projectionist, that Empire is to transformer, there’s that word again transform! Yes, the foyer into Empire 4, has anyone seen any construction going on up there recently?

The Empire was a better theatre in the 1970's than it is today. The Empire should rival the Odeon if the owners would have done a better job renovating this theatre. The Empire was the flagship theatre for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer from the time it was built until the late 1960's when they sold it. It was considered the showplace of the nation and was owned by Hollywood's most powerful studio at the time.Its amazing when people dont'r realize what they have and let an asset such as the Empire delcine. I was more impressed with the Empire in the 1970's than I was with Odeon.bruce

This place certianly lost its sparkle around the mid 80s. The owners since then just seem to have no interest in the presentation of the movies or the upkeep of what could be an amazing cinematic experience. Its in the very heart on londons movie district for gods sake and look at it- it looks like some run down ABC cinema in the 80s. I wont go there now.

Wow its not that bad now with the new JBL sound system 56KW THX! I guess the laser show is a slight kick in the teeth because it doesn’t make a first impression like it did between 1989 and 1995 which was the last time I can remember the laser show, unless it was a few years before?

I went in to watch something in Empire 3, which despite being small is a very nice place to catch something late in its run. Looks like the new auditorium is where the toilets were, there are new loos at the far end of the foyer which are reminiscent of those in the Casino below, which incidentally is very nice.

The bar area is being redeveloped, was told the concessions stand is moving to the wall opposite the Empire 1 entrances which was much-needed.

'The Empire should rival the Odeon if the owners would have done a better job renovating this theatre.'

So wrong. Empire is the best-kept of all the cinemas in the area. The lack of premieres is to do with the number of seats compared to Odeon and the lack of 'big' films is to do with the relative power of the chains with distributors. You would be better venting your anger at Odeon who get away with charging their prices for less than spectacular and sometimes awful auditoria.

LOL I guess by have the concession stand in front of Empire 1 will minimize the running distance because even when I’ve attended a film I’m practically running flat-out to the concession stand and back to Empire 1.

Here is a 2008 view.

To bad that the original balistrate porch railing is somewhat hidden by the new boxy marquee,but I suppose some would call that progress.

I have heard reports that Screen 4 & 5 building works are well underway and will be only 2K D-Cinema and no 35mm projectors!.

Well I’ll be popping up to the Empire Leicester square this May to see Indiana Jones in THX I guess a photo opportunity is in order to see how things are developing with screens 4 & 5.

This Sunday Empire Leicester square screen 1 will be holding a one day Bond screening of “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977) www.imdb.com/title/tt0076752/ in one the UK’s largest THX screens that boasts and incredible 56KW JBL customized THX certified.

I have gotten off the phone with projection, and was told that technical crewmembers will be attending the screening, including director Lewis Gilbert. www.imdb.com/name/nm0318150/

Performance starts on Sunday April 20th at 14:00
Tickets are £13.50p free seating, throughout Empire 1, 1130 seats.

I’ll be getting my couch ticket this week for Sunday’s Bondastic THX showing, miss this no way, its been 31 years since, I’ve seen this on large screen at Bournemouth’s Gaumont screen 2 summertime,1977 and that was in 35mm scope 2.35:1, optical mono sound.

Technical cinema information
www.empirecinemas.co.uk/index.php?page=cinemainfo&tbx_site_id=5

So does anyone else have any updates on the Empire any digital pictures that you would like to share and hare are few of mine from The Spy Who Loved Me. April 20th 2008.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireLeicestersquareSunday202008Em.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireLeicestersquareSunday20200-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireLeicestersquareSunday20200-2.jpg

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http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireLeicestersquareSunday20200-9.jpg
“Please don’t blame me, blame them” was rough quote that Mr. Gilbert said to the audience, with slight chuckle of laughter.

screens 4 & 5 open next week, the first new screens on Leicester Square for 20 years! They will also be the only digital only screens on the square. Welcome to the 21st century.

Screens 4 &5 opened today.

Wow I’d hath to make trip up there soon and have a look, thou chances are I’d see film in the 56KW THX JBL screen 1.

Does anyone here no what precise year the THX sound system was installed on the first THX installation around late 1980’s and what the first films were that featured in THX in Empire screen 1? Thanks.

the coloured lighting in auditorium 1 is neon, pink, blue and yellow.

For the sake of clarification, there are only two pieces of original 1927 plasterwork left in the Empire. One is hidden behind the righthand wall of auditorium 1, the other is hidden above the mirrored ceiling tiles in the entrance lobby. Anyone who tells you differently is incorrect.

On the right hand side, hmm I wonder if this is visible at the front while looking in-between where the neon lighting system is placed. I have some pictures of the left hand side only. I’ll take some new pictures this May when Star Trek opens on May 7th.

Found this on Google image under a few keywords. STAR TREK the motion picture 1979 at the EMPIRE 1979, this would have been around December as I seem to recall seeing at the local ABC screen 1 Bournemouth.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/StarTrekthemotionpictureEMPIRE.jpg

The day out at London’s famous Leicester Square, wasn’t a bad day, all in all it was pucker.

The X-Files I want to Believe wasn’t a an all, too bad film and I’d rate it with 3 ½ stars.

Now to the meat of things the Dolby SR-D soundtrack wasn’t as powerful as Transformers on the new 56KW JBL THX sound system, or as powerful as some of the 70mm films that I’ve heard and felt on the original THX JBL specification that was only 13KW.

It was loud sure it had few lows but the sound system was only reproducing what is on the soundtrack as faithfully and richly than any other sub standard cinema system.

The most SPL db level was around from 110 to 115dbc while high ranges where considerably less on the mix. The snowplough crashing into the car was plenty loud and while there was no gunshots fired in the film was a little disappointing, but I’d take the snowplough anytime in the day and night as well.

Now if I can try and decipher my, shorthand writing on the notepad as I wrote a few descriptions on what was happening, now let’s see…

The presentation was a Dolby cinema digital screening and thou I did notice grain structure at, oh bugger I thought I noted the time, it was when Scully and Mulder where in bed and scene was darkly lit on the certain parts, I was sure I could see some visible pixilation movement, in the dark portions of the image, but it was the grain.

If you squint slightly you’re eye will soften the roughness of the grain out and that’s what I noticed when trying that out, it was mealy to see just how good digital projection was, thou I’m sure the film was 35mm to digital transfer, kinder like a 35mm to 70mm blow-up and not an original high definition HD film process, still no scratches in the vertical or horizontal or little specks of golf balls.

42 minutes into the film I noticed like many off screen sound effects over the widest THX screen in the UK a door handle being levered down (Right channel) as Scully enters a board hearing at the medical centre where she now works.

At 1 hour 18 minutes I could almost swore I saw X-Files creator (Chris Carter) sat down on bench in hallway on the left hand side of the screen for brief moment.

Music wasn’t too bad by Mark Snow who set the theme tone and is now part of TV and film history, just whistling a few bars and someone will say, X-files.

There was funny little gag in the film with film where Mulder and Scully go back to the FBI and Mulder notices a picture of most unpopular US president George W. Bush and an X-Files tune is played with slight laughter in the cinema.

I almost forget to mention, before the film started the non-sync was playing the (Mark Snow) score over what sounded like inner left and inner right or left extra and right extra as the sound was very tightly narrowed, while sat front and centre row.

Anyway on with the little picture show now and I took more than the last visit.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire2.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire3.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire4.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire5.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire6.jpg

I took a few pictures with management permission of Empire 5 one of two new digital auditoriums that opened at Empire recently.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire7.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire8.jpg

Due to the low light level I could barely tell what model JBL was behind the screen, but from the rough guess I would say its single 15” bass cab for LCR didn’t get a shot of the HF but I would say its part of the package.

Not sure if the was sub because I did have peek under the black masking below and in front of the middle and saw no sub, unless its mounted on the stage behind the screen in-between the left and centre or right ad centre?

The surrounds liked like JBL 8330 thou the angle of the enclosure was different and it was very dark and the camera flash didn’t illuminate enough for a good view. I’ll try better on my next visit which maybe the new James Bond film opening in October I think?

All seating is rockers the best of the best for real true cinema comfort.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire9.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire10.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire11.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire12.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire13.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire14.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire15.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire16.jpg

The chap here pictured with his back to the camera I had a little chat with him. He was from Sweden and I asked if they had anything like this over his county. “No not of this size” I guess from looking at the picture before I spoke with him, he was just gob-smacked because he was just looking it over, I’m sure hi jaw was on the floor somewhere? LOL

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire17.jpg

Seat “23” front and centre is mine!!!!

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire18.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire19.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire20.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire21.jpg

Also after the screening of X-Files I want to Believe there was crowed of girls outside in the foyer that have just come out of private screening of the X-files and that is what puzzled me? I think they each paid £17 pounds while I paid £10pounds and saw it on the largest and loudest THX screen the whole of Europe, but they where quite happy and pleased with the screening. There was slight auctioning of an X-Files I what to Believe cinema promotion board that went for, £150 pounds!

The bidding started at £5pounds and then I placed a bid of £20 pounds and that was it for me, because the biding whet up and up and up, £150pounds, wtf! LOL

LOL I guess there the Scully (Gillian Anderson) fans!:D

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire22.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire23.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire24.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire25.jpg

The bidding was conducted outside over in Leicester Square common, this where you can sit and think or conduct bidding sessions, :D on an X-Files movie promotion cardboard board, £150pounds, lord knows how that girl was going to get that thing home it stood up at nearly 5 feet 7”!

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire26.jpg

I almost left out a few more pictures of the Empire. Its like a lunar trip its not a routine trip I take each week the cost is £20.00 pounds travailing and admission is £10.00 plus underground £5.00 and refreshments so its around £45.00 and that is huge amount of money.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire30.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire27.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire28.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire29.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireX-filesJBLTHXEmpire31.jpg

widescreen view of EMPIRE 1
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/EmpireLeicesterSquarescreenwide.jpg

Though secondary research I’ve found some more rare images of the Empire Leicester Square saved the images and edited them down. I like the way the cinema looked back around 1983 interesting how its gone though slight cosmetic change over the years.

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/EmpireLeicesterSquare1980.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/EmpireLeicesterSquare19801.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/EmpireLeicesterSquare19802.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/IndianaJones34/EmpireLeicesterSquare19803.jpg

Found some additional pictures of the Empire Leicester Square with some early pictures of Empire 3 that is located upstairs.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2385/2105830722_df4bd509e4.jpg?v=0

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2117/2105828666_b9402119f3.jpg?v=0

Empire Leicester Square 1948
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/2105019205_dac0d8fc6c.jpg?v=0

September 1984
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2352/2105793676_43b649b578.jpg?v=0

January 1985
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2418/2105011457_2b3277b724.jpg?v=0

March 1986
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2214/2105794860_4a9ba93e6e.jpg?v=0

May 1984
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2115/2105020303_06c69bcd08.jpg?v=0

October 1984
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2228/2105804200_47b78f89b9.jpg?v=0
1986

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2060/2105805994_19d96a5cab.jpg?v=0

August 1988
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2419/2105807410_4467f9280e.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2321/2105810206_98f73c815e.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2043/2105812234_8105cb4a7e.jpg?v=0

1st June 1986
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2363/2105035479_84f045bc01.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2303/2105037121_3f6c9728bd.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2102/2105817336_94a43e9465.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2310/2105819354_de88f96b62.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2038/2105822748_64857fe31e.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/2105045845_8f53ff145f.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2238/2105047799_d52e62aaf0.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2300/2105827764_4d38def5e6.jpg?v=0

I didn’t take as many as I expected as the Trekies seemed to have gone into some kind of habitation or where clocking there true appearance in casual dress which did seem a bit odd.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/StarTrekEMPIREfoyer.jpg
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/StarTrekEMPIREfoyer1.jpg
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/StarTrekEMPIREfoyer2.jpg
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/StarTrekEMPIREoutside1.jpg
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn73/EmpireLeicesterSquare3417/StarTrekEMPIREoutside3.jpg

I’m interested dressing up thou I did go fully clothed and not naked! It’s the original shows films that I like the most and this new one of course which turned out more than brilliant, in fact. Fantastically out of this world in six-track Dolby digital THX sound system.

Sat up front and centre as I said and the screen THX size is to die for in scope. Nice selection of Star Trek theme music that was playing over the JBL stage and surrounds while the neon lighting goes thou its usual changing of colour and mixing of random colours is always pleasing to see.

Got some video on phone camera I’m getting friend to help me load it up on Saturday as it’s a bit tricky, unlike my digital camera which is easy

The sound was reference quality throughout from start to finish. The opening made scene no, I’m not going to say. Bass and subwoofer track rumbled effortlessly without strain with lots and lots of slam and deep depth effects. Practically when Nero creates a black hole!

Warp speed sound effects came with fast snapping sharp attacks that jolted me in the rocker seat.

The Foley effects footsteps like when Nero leaps down to grab Kirk slammed me in the chest, larger then life it was. The phaser effects where very hot on the mid to high range had sonic believability I could feel the impacts on to bodies of Nero’s men or ricocheting off metal structures within his ship.

Surrounds was clear on most occasional effects that came in. Doors hissing on what sounded like centre back to me and few sidewall surround effects of the Enterprises interior. Oh and the ship herself looked awesome on the EMPIRE screen wow she is a beautifully ship.

Second viewing sat in the circle thou its not what I’d call upstairs as someone at box-office said. The floor sloops upwards and the upwards I’d hardly qualify it as upstairs, unlike Odeon Leicester Square which does have an upstairs or baloney that I won’t even bother with anymore.

Anyway enough of OLS screen 6 okay!

Sound was just as positive with hard hitting smooth effects in the middle thou a few db lower of course than the front. dialogue centre stage and effects and music of different blend was solid up front as it was in the middle. Nice and warm on Sarek played by (Ben Cross) Those JBL 4642 five-screen LF. Soft whispery dialogue speech with Spock and Uhura “I’m sorry” was crystal JBL THX clear!

Oh I forget to take a few pictures of up and coming EMPIRE 6 which is in the slow building contraction at the moment should be opened in six weeks.

I heard rumours that EMPIRE 3 is going to be modified. I think I was so overwhelmed with logical emotion LOL that I have forget to take the odd 1 hundred pictures. I apologize I’ll do better next time around which might be Terminator 4 with Terminating JBL 56KW THX! :D

I, too, enjoyed "Star Trek" seeing it last week. 2 curtains were used. THX trailer was shown. Projection was perfect on the huge screen. Sound was fantastic as AndySummers indicates.

Projection was spot I like it and the atmosphere as well.

Doubt I’d be travelling to London for at least few months as Empire cleaned me out that day. God damn bank changes! LOL Where was you sitting Howard?

I’ve just read that Empire 1 installed Dolby 3D this May 26th so looks like its smarting up tenfold making cinema still the original medium.
http://investor.dolby.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=385777

Current status of EMPIRE

Auditorium information for EMPIRE LEICESTER SQUARE.

Number of seats and the sound system in each screen:

Screen 1: THX – 56K Watt certified sound system.
1330 seats
8 Wheelchair Spaces

Screen 2: (former Ritz Cinema adjacent)
349 seats
DDS

Screen 4: DIGITAL CINEMA
96 seats
2 Wheelchair Spaces

Screen 5: DIGITAL CINEMA
48 seats

Screen 6: DIGITAL CINEMA
26 seats

COMING SOON - SCREENS 7, 8 & 9.

Since the Curzon Soho down the street with constant rumbling tube noise is also THX certified, what does that really mean?

I've never been to the Curzon Soho, but THX quality of sound & picture presentation seems met at the Empire.

I was sitting in the Circle.

The point Al is making is that THX just means you spent the money on a THX certificate, you can achieve perfect presentation without one. You can hear the tube rumbling in several West End houses.

If anyone knows where they've found the space for Empire 6,7,8 and 9 please elaborate, that's an impressive achievement.

In order to utitlize every bit of space in the building profitably, the extra screens have been created out of what was in the days of UCI's management, a film booking room and a management board room.

Recently, the Empire has become a 'premiere' cinema again, with distributors favouring it after it lost out to the re-vamped Odeon, Leicester Square. "Bruno" premiered on 17th June 2009, and "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" had its European Premiere on 7th July 2009.

It is great to see Empire Cinemas maximising the potential of this truly wonderful cinema and also regaining its Premier status.Screen one has to be the best movie experience in not only London but the whole of the U.K.It well deserves to be Movie Showplace of the Nation once again.

To confirm -
Empire 6 - open - 23 seats
Empire 7 - open - 58 seats
Empire 8 - open - 48 seats (formerly screen 3)
Empire 9 - in construction - 42 seats

(Empire 3) They’ve divided screen up is that what they’ve done because that that was 70 plus seat cinema.

EMPIRE RULES becuase its the best looking and best sounding cineam around with JBL 56KW THX sound system, now then!

The Empire Theatre, photographed at night in November 1955:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/allhails/2808549818/

^^^^Oh, wow that was when cars could drive down the square till what sometime around the 1980’s?

I was at the Empire this Friday for Toy Story Dolby 3D via Empire’s still impressive JBL 56KW THX sound system.

The show was flawless in picture and sound 10/10!

The only issue with 3D glasses is (peripheral vision) so I can see the frame on the sides of my eyes and it was annoying because it’s in the way of the onscreen action.

Maybe they can improve on it in the future. Or maybe 3D contact-lenses that way there won’t be any distraction.

Other than that it was flawless.

The SPL db at front and centre hit 115db at times a bit less than usual 120dbc. I later learned that chief projectionist on site that day said (fader was at 6) so rather than 7 as there was (only a few) in for the first 12:30pm show.

I said (I could take it at 7) LOL

I guess the fader went to mark 7 during the later part of the day.

I have nearly 150 pictures of the day and that will take nearly a few days to upload on that slow photobucket site now which has gotten real slow since the new software.

Still there is an alternative! Link to Lansing Heritage Forums where I’ve been covering it cinema with my own and some secondary research pictures of the Empire.

The Empire Leicester Square London a JBL installation!
http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=13057

Now that saves me at least 150 or so pictures to upload. The pictures have been loaded directly onto the site for quicker view and I still have at least 20 more to upload.

Also pictures of screens 6, 7, 8 and 9 I took a few of 5 and 6 last year.

Word is there will be a tenth 10th Empire screen coming soon! WOW at least ten is round number LOL.

The World Premiere of Walt Disney's "A Christmas Carol" will be held simultaneously at 3 London West End cinemas on 3rd November 2009. The 'A' List World Premiere will be at the Empire Leicester Square, while the other World Premiere's will be at the Odeon Leicester Square and both screens at the Odeon West End, Leicester Square. The film will be screened in Digital 3D in all cinemas. Following this, "A Christmas Carol" will have its premiere public run at the Empire Cinema.

Well I’m going up for the Dolby digital cinema 2D experience of 2012 at the Empire Leicester Square. 3D films aren’t have a huge impact on me I mean I found myself looking around when Sid was off-screen on the rear surrounds while he tortured Toys in his back yard.

World premiere of Sherlock Holmes, Dec. 14 here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mycine/4186604700/

I went to the old Empire in 1960 to see 'Ben-Hur' and I was stunned MGM's premier cinema was a dump the screen may have been big but there were poles hoiding up the balcony which must have blocked viewing from some of the seats no wonder it was gutted.