HowardBHaas: Thank you for confirming the dimensions of the old screen.
davepring: Odeon Covent Garden has tabs in several screens but sadly I have not seen those used for several years.
I have uploaded photographs which show the new screen in both flat and scope dimensions. Additional lighting is now operational which provides more visibility at the stage end. This reveals a number of “snagging” issues, e.g. the fabric around where the flying ladies will land is loose; the underside of the sloping section above the proscenium has not been covered – assuming it should be covered.
Also if you look to the right of the screen masking, the black “tabs” I mentioned can be seen. If these are not tabs I wonder what purpose they serve.
I note that no performances are scheduled for 31/1 and there are some gaps in the programme over the next few days. This could mean further works will be undertaken during this period.
I visited OLS again on 17/1 to see Stan & Ollie and had a closer look at the stage end. The arch is, of course, still there. It did not especially stand out to me first time around, with the new colour scheme and lighting.
If the old screen was 47' wide the height would presumably be 20' for scope and 21.4' for 70mm/2.20:1. My friend and I both think the new screen looks smaller, I might take a tape measure next time.😊
The auditorium was again freezing and the flying ladies still notable for their absence, and my friend’s seat number had fallen off. Someone posted on Twitter that a screening of Glass had to be abandoned for technical reasons, so Odeon have not got it quite right just yet.
Good news – the side masking is now closed for the ads and trailers, and opened as the Dolby Cinema promo starts. The effect is somewhat more professional.
We also spotted what appeared to be black curtains hung either side of the proscenium, which were not there for Mary Poppins. I asked a member of staff if they are in fact curtains and received a completely non-committal answer (I don’t think he knew!). I will try to get a pic next time.
It was very cold – in fact I had to use my coat as a blanket at one point!
A member of staff told me about the sound system.
Thinking further about the screen, I am not sure if a lower position (as it used to be) would affect sight lines from the front stalls. Was that a problem before? I never sat that far forward in the old seating. The main problem with sightlines previously was if you were either short and/or had a tall person sitting in front, there could be an obstructed view. Also, the sightlines at the very back of the stalls was a problem for some people, as was the front row of the circle. These issues have now been fixed by changing the position of the screen.
I do not know how the screen now appears when viewed from the Royal Circle. From the stalls the old screen was angled up, from the circle (as far as I can remember) it looked ‘square on’.
As to the size, it would be helpful to have the screen measurements for ‘before’ and ‘after’ – that would give us the definitive answer. The proscenium arch, as was, appears to have gone, although it was very dark when I visited. I am seeing Stan & Ollie this week (from stalls Row G this time) so have another chance to experience the new set up – also going with a friend so will get another opinion.
I attended the 5.15pm performance of Mary Poppins Returns yesterday (9th Jan). I sat in the Stalls Row H, in the centre.
There are just 9 rows in the stalls, which are now stepped (one step on Rows C-F and two each on Rows G-I).
Picture, sound, comfort all top notch (except the heating system had failed, so the auditorium was extremely chilly). I was told that engineers spent a week perfecting the sound system.
As others have alluded, the proscenium end leaves something to be desired. The Flying Ladies are still grounded and there are sadly no tabs. There is side masking in place, inexplicably left open before the film. There did appear to be a vertical mask that moved slightly downwards before the feature, so I fail to understand why Odeon does not start with the side masking closed, as at other sites – that would look so much more professional!
The screen has been moved up from the previous position and does not appear to be angled in the way the old screen was. One now has to look up at the screen, although not a problem in Row H if you use the recliner. The screen also looked – to my eyes anyway – slightly smaller than before. Perhaps a consequence of moving the screen upwards? I would welcome others peoples' opinion on the screen size.
The screen initially greets the audience with a static caption which simply displays the name of the cinema, this is followed by the standard CGI ‘O’ ident that played here previously. Following the adverts and trailers we get to see, big drum roll….the digital safety curtain, which is also animated and has a tune! The film itself is almost an anti-climax.
Some nice touches – Odeon employs a doorman/woman to open and close the main doors on to the street, all the staff I spoke to are very friendly and helpful, and you even get presented with a souvenir programme on the way out.
The clock and lift were still out of action – engineers were on site!
So how is business? Intially, Mary Poppins Returns was playing to audiences of around 600, but just 25 tickets has been sold 15 minutes prior to my screening. There were only 8 other people in the stalls.
I also mentioned the prices in an earlier post. My ticket cost £14.25 including booking fee and 10% member discount, a big drop from the opening week prices and cheaper than Vue or Picturehouse Central. Stan & Ollie (opening 11th Jan) appears to be maintaining the lower prices and Glass (starts 18th Jan) opening night is £30.75 Royal Circle and £20.75 in the stalls.
NB my earlier comments about Circle/Stalls were based on the online booking system referring to the stalls and Royal Circle as Luxe Recliner, albeit with four price options. The first time visitor might not realise these seats are split between ‘upstairs’ and ‘downstairs’. There are references to Royal Circle etc elsewhere and it is good to see the signage in place. Looking forward to my first visit!
Further to my post of 2/9/18, I have since been back to Screen 1 a couple of times and I am pleased to say that the projected image does now completely fills the screen. Although I do wonder if the centre of the image is slightly cropped top and bottom. At a tenner per ticket this is probably the best value for money in the west end.
CF100: 100% agree. The top prices, £40 Royal Circle and £35 Middle Stalls, are surely the highest ever admission charges for a cinema in the UK – and by some margin. As a comparison, I believe the highest equivalent prices for the OLS pre-refit were £26/£21 for The Last Jedi. Even pre-refit the price varied by film and length of run. We now have additional variations by time and a 7 tier price structure, previously 3. E.g. £35 in the stalls on 21/12 at 7.45pm is reduced to £15 on 3/1 at 10am. Presumably the 10% reduction for Odeon members applies too.
Ultimately Odeon will only continue with ludicrous prices if the customer pays. Perusing the seating plan for opening night the Royal Circle is sold out, but still plenty of Luxe recliners available downstairs.
Incidentally, terminology such as Royal Circle and Stalls seems to be defunct. Even the cinema itself is now being referred to as “London Leicester Square – Odeon Luxe”.
That’s a shame. I was really looking forward to Thursday. This refit did feel like it was going down to the wire, even before the “dress rehearsal” got cancelled.
At least with the £25 gift card I can almost afford to see Mary Poppins Returns 😂😂😂
“the seats weren’t in yet”. That is cutting it fine? I’ve got a ticket for Stan and Ollie on the 20th (I believe that is the first perf open to the general public) – I don’t want to sit on the floor!
Screen 1 is now back in use as a cinema following the early closure of Brief Encounter, which ended on 22nd July. Screen 1 reopened on 31st August showing Christopher Robin. A new, larger, screen and new seating has been fitted. The new screen lacks side-masking and is somewhat curved. Since the projected image is a straight throw on to the screen this unfortunately leaves gaps around the edges, as the picture does not line up with the curvature of the screen. This is not a mega-issue and hopefully they can fix this (I was told by a member of staff the changes were only just finished in time for the reopening). I also spotted that rows of light bulbs have been installed underneath the canopy but I do not know if this was pre or post Brief Encounter. Screen 1 is a great place to see a film and fantastic value for money by West End standards. I have uploaded several pictures.
HowardBHaas: Thank you for confirming the dimensions of the old screen.
davepring: Odeon Covent Garden has tabs in several screens but sadly I have not seen those used for several years.
I have uploaded photographs which show the new screen in both flat and scope dimensions. Additional lighting is now operational which provides more visibility at the stage end. This reveals a number of “snagging” issues, e.g. the fabric around where the flying ladies will land is loose; the underside of the sloping section above the proscenium has not been covered – assuming it should be covered.
Also if you look to the right of the screen masking, the black “tabs” I mentioned can be seen. If these are not tabs I wonder what purpose they serve.
I note that no performances are scheduled for 31/1 and there are some gaps in the programme over the next few days. This could mean further works will be undertaken during this period.
Fanatical About Odeon:
I visited OLS again on 17/1 to see Stan & Ollie and had a closer look at the stage end. The arch is, of course, still there. It did not especially stand out to me first time around, with the new colour scheme and lighting.
If the old screen was 47' wide the height would presumably be 20' for scope and 21.4' for 70mm/2.20:1. My friend and I both think the new screen looks smaller, I might take a tape measure next time.😊
The auditorium was again freezing and the flying ladies still notable for their absence, and my friend’s seat number had fallen off. Someone posted on Twitter that a screening of Glass had to be abandoned for technical reasons, so Odeon have not got it quite right just yet.
Good news – the side masking is now closed for the ads and trailers, and opened as the Dolby Cinema promo starts. The effect is somewhat more professional.
We also spotted what appeared to be black curtains hung either side of the proscenium, which were not there for Mary Poppins. I asked a member of staff if they are in fact curtains and received a completely non-committal answer (I don’t think he knew!). I will try to get a pic next time.
CF100:
Thank you for your comments:
It was very cold – in fact I had to use my coat as a blanket at one point!
A member of staff told me about the sound system.
Thinking further about the screen, I am not sure if a lower position (as it used to be) would affect sight lines from the front stalls. Was that a problem before? I never sat that far forward in the old seating. The main problem with sightlines previously was if you were either short and/or had a tall person sitting in front, there could be an obstructed view. Also, the sightlines at the very back of the stalls was a problem for some people, as was the front row of the circle. These issues have now been fixed by changing the position of the screen.
I do not know how the screen now appears when viewed from the Royal Circle. From the stalls the old screen was angled up, from the circle (as far as I can remember) it looked ‘square on’.
As to the size, it would be helpful to have the screen measurements for ‘before’ and ‘after’ – that would give us the definitive answer. The proscenium arch, as was, appears to have gone, although it was very dark when I visited. I am seeing Stan & Ollie this week (from stalls Row G this time) so have another chance to experience the new set up – also going with a friend so will get another opinion.
I attended the 5.15pm performance of Mary Poppins Returns yesterday (9th Jan). I sat in the Stalls Row H, in the centre. There are just 9 rows in the stalls, which are now stepped (one step on Rows C-F and two each on Rows G-I).
Picture, sound, comfort all top notch (except the heating system had failed, so the auditorium was extremely chilly). I was told that engineers spent a week perfecting the sound system.
As others have alluded, the proscenium end leaves something to be desired. The Flying Ladies are still grounded and there are sadly no tabs. There is side masking in place, inexplicably left open before the film. There did appear to be a vertical mask that moved slightly downwards before the feature, so I fail to understand why Odeon does not start with the side masking closed, as at other sites – that would look so much more professional!
The screen has been moved up from the previous position and does not appear to be angled in the way the old screen was. One now has to look up at the screen, although not a problem in Row H if you use the recliner. The screen also looked – to my eyes anyway – slightly smaller than before. Perhaps a consequence of moving the screen upwards? I would welcome others peoples' opinion on the screen size.
The screen initially greets the audience with a static caption which simply displays the name of the cinema, this is followed by the standard CGI ‘O’ ident that played here previously. Following the adverts and trailers we get to see, big drum roll….the digital safety curtain, which is also animated and has a tune! The film itself is almost an anti-climax.
Some nice touches – Odeon employs a doorman/woman to open and close the main doors on to the street, all the staff I spoke to are very friendly and helpful, and you even get presented with a souvenir programme on the way out.
The clock and lift were still out of action – engineers were on site!
So how is business? Intially, Mary Poppins Returns was playing to audiences of around 600, but just 25 tickets has been sold 15 minutes prior to my screening. There were only 8 other people in the stalls.
I also mentioned the prices in an earlier post. My ticket cost £14.25 including booking fee and 10% member discount, a big drop from the opening week prices and cheaper than Vue or Picturehouse Central. Stan & Ollie (opening 11th Jan) appears to be maintaining the lower prices and Glass (starts 18th Jan) opening night is £30.75 Royal Circle and £20.75 in the stalls.
Now, about the film….
Tickets now on sale for 4th-10th Jan for the Dolby Cinema Screen.
Royal Circle down to £25, centre stalls £20.
NB my earlier comments about Circle/Stalls were based on the online booking system referring to the stalls and Royal Circle as Luxe Recliner, albeit with four price options. The first time visitor might not realise these seats are split between ‘upstairs’ and ‘downstairs’. There are references to Royal Circle etc elsewhere and it is good to see the signage in place. Looking forward to my first visit!
antovolk: thank you – it is fantastic to see this iconic cinema open for business.
Further to my post of 2/9/18, I have since been back to Screen 1 a couple of times and I am pleased to say that the projected image does now completely fills the screen. Although I do wonder if the centre of the image is slightly cropped top and bottom. At a tenner per ticket this is probably the best value for money in the west end.
CF100: 100% agree. The top prices, £40 Royal Circle and £35 Middle Stalls, are surely the highest ever admission charges for a cinema in the UK – and by some margin. As a comparison, I believe the highest equivalent prices for the OLS pre-refit were £26/£21 for The Last Jedi. Even pre-refit the price varied by film and length of run. We now have additional variations by time and a 7 tier price structure, previously 3. E.g. £35 in the stalls on 21/12 at 7.45pm is reduced to £15 on 3/1 at 10am. Presumably the 10% reduction for Odeon members applies too.
Ultimately Odeon will only continue with ludicrous prices if the customer pays. Perusing the seating plan for opening night the Royal Circle is sold out, but still plenty of Luxe recliners available downstairs.
Incidentally, terminology such as Royal Circle and Stalls seems to be defunct. Even the cinema itself is now being referred to as “London Leicester Square – Odeon Luxe”.
That’s a shame. I was really looking forward to Thursday. This refit did feel like it was going down to the wire, even before the “dress rehearsal” got cancelled.
At least with the £25 gift card I can almost afford to see Mary Poppins Returns 😂😂😂
“the seats weren’t in yet”. That is cutting it fine? I’ve got a ticket for Stan and Ollie on the 20th (I believe that is the first perf open to the general public) – I don’t want to sit on the floor!
Screen 1 is now back in use as a cinema following the early closure of Brief Encounter, which ended on 22nd July. Screen 1 reopened on 31st August showing Christopher Robin. A new, larger, screen and new seating has been fitted. The new screen lacks side-masking and is somewhat curved. Since the projected image is a straight throw on to the screen this unfortunately leaves gaps around the edges, as the picture does not line up with the curvature of the screen. This is not a mega-issue and hopefully they can fix this (I was told by a member of staff the changes were only just finished in time for the reopening). I also spotted that rows of light bulbs have been installed underneath the canopy but I do not know if this was pre or post Brief Encounter. Screen 1 is a great place to see a film and fantastic value for money by West End standards. I have uploaded several pictures.