Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: At-Bristol Imax To Close

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Posted by Ben Wales (Member # 92) on 02-16-2007, 06:25 PM:

Although I did hear about this a few weeks ago about the pending closure of the Bristol (UK) Imax Theatre Closure at the end of March 2007, it is now confirmed on their website.

"At-Bristol today announced a proposed new focus for the science centre designed to strengthen its position as a leading educational destination and give it long-term financial sustainability.

The science centre will now concentrate primarily on providing interactive exhibitions and programmes in Explore and the Planetarium, which are very popular with the public and schools. It will also continue to provide high quality science-based exhibition and education services to schools and colleges, as well as its programme of continuing professional development for science teachers through the Science Learning Centre.

Under these proposals, Wildwalk and the IMAX Theatre will cease to operate from April 2007. Both attractions are less popular with the public and expensive to operate.

The proposed changes will mean that the charity will need to restructure and reduce staffing levels by approximately 45 positions, and it is now entering into a period of consultation with all potentially affected members of staff."

Posted by Caleb Johnstone-Cowan (Member # 3710) on 02-16-2007, 06:57 PM:

What happens to these ex-IMAX venues? It is a big thing to just stop operating. The one we had next to us in the Trocadero was abandoned and is still there in some shape or form, guessing the projector was removed though.

Posted by Cameron Glendinning (Member # 3516) on 02-16-2007, 08:30 PM:

Interesting question Caleb. I guess they sit there empty until the cinema next door takes it over! I have heard that the Queensland IMAX is now are running 35mm, but it was part of a multiplex. I suspect some were converted to 8/70mm in a bid to cut costs.

I have visited your box when it was an MGM in 93, what happened to the old arthouse metro that was entered through a side lane downstairs? I liked the trocadero back then it had commercial multi, arthouse twin, and an Imax under one roof!

Posted by Caleb Johnstone-Cowan (Member # 3710) on 02-17-2007, 01:09 PM:

The Metro shut, couldn't afford to keep going. Real shame since they showed good stuff. It's still there just locked up. If only I had the money! Probably couldn't compete with UGC who owned the Trocadero multiplex and Haymarket and showed a lot of arthouse in both, still do as Cineworld.

The IMAX will go as part of the hotel development, as will the arcade.

I never worked in projection at the Trocadero, but the booth upstairs was rearranged in 2003, might have encroached on the IMAX site a little. Lost the DP75s from downstairs which is a shame, would you have been there to see 70mm interlock on Lethal Weapon 3? The company didn't want the cost and hassle of 70mm, shame really since no-one bothers in the West End anymore.

Posted by Sam King (Member # 4029) on 03-28-2007, 06:59 PM:

quote: Caleb Johnstone-Cowan
I never worked in projection at the Trocadero, but the booth upstairs was rearranged in 2003, might have encroached on the IMAX site a little. Lost the DP75s from downstairs which is a shame, would you have been there to see 70mm interlock on Lethal Weapon 3? The company didn't want the cost and hassle of 70mm, shame really since no-one bothers in the West End anymore.

A 70mm interlock, do my eyes decieve me? I must see pictures!

Posted by Caleb Johnstone-Cowan (Member # 3710) on 03-28-2007, 09:28 PM:

Way before my time, I'm 21. Don't know if anyone would have pictures, I'll ask if I see the projectionists there. The 35/70mm interlock rollers are still in situ. I think the Lethal Weapon premiere and run was the only time 70mm was shown in the cinema. From what I understand whilst blow-up prints were active the MGM Trocadero didn't need the extra custom as all seven screens would sell out on the weekend.

I doubt the Trocadero IMAX would have got 5/70 prints, as it would have had to compete with Odeon, the Warner, the CIC/UCI Empire and Plaza, and MGM for a West End run of a 70mm print, which it would never have got against those companies. I don't know about the past but the current system is Odeon get first pick on films, vue and Cineworld share any remaining 'big' films and the Empire gets by somehow.