Leicester Square’s iconic Odeon will be the first in Britain to offer eye-popping cinema technology when it re-opens next month after a multi-million-pound refit.
The main screen at the historic home to London’s glittering premieres has been upgraded to Dolby Cinema specification with dual-laser projection to generate deeper blacks, richer colour and ultra-detailed sound which, combined with deluxe recliner seats, will “magically” immerse viewers in film.
The team behind the 11-month project say it blends the glamour of the original venue, first opened in 1937, with state-of-the-art luxury and technology. Heritage features, such as the historic Compton organ and the “Flying Ladies”, have been restored while the new Oscar’s Bar, named after Odeon founder Oscar Deutsch, offers views across Leicester Square from a glass-enclosed balcony.
Artists’ impressions of what the cinema will look like when it is unveiled from behind its hoardings have been released ahead of the opening, scheduled before Christmas.
The venue’s red carpet has played host to every film star from the golden age of the silver screen, with other historic moments including Muhammad Ali’s weigh-in for his title defence against Henry Cooper in 1966. Elizabeth Hurley was pictured there with Hugh Grant in 1994 wearing “that” Versace dress at the premiere of Four Weddings And A Funeral.
Woody Allen and Ursula Andress were at the Odeon in 1966 for the 20th Royal Film Performance. In 2015 Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Daisy Ridley were among the stars of Star Wars: The Force Awakens to grace its red carpet.
The Odeon is expected to host its first premiere in the new year, and Odeon Cinemas’ MD Mark Way said: “No other cinema will offer this level of luxury and technology.”
