Widescreen Weekend

Immerse yourself in the magic of the silver screen at Widescreen Weekend, which runs from the 28th of September to the 2nd of October 2023; immerse yourself in an unparalleled festival celebrating the captivating world of large-screen formats and legendary cinema technologies. From the nostalgic allure of timeless classics to the mind-bending spectacles of modern cinema, Widescreen Weekend is your gateway to the past, present, and future of film.

 

 

70th Anniversary of CinemaScope

This year, the festival is celebrating the 70th Anniversary of CinemaScope-the anamorphic process which involves squeezing a widescreen image into a 35mm frame. “It was made to combat television and to bring people back to the cinema but also to make films look more epic,” Sally Folkard, Head of Screen and Cultural Engagement says. “Our festival this year will celebrate the history and legacy of CinemaScope 70 years on through a programme of both classic Hollywood and world cinema, including Kagaaz Ke Phool, the first South Asian film in CinemaScope, and Bradford legend Billy Liar.”

Fantasy Fanatics Rejoice: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Calling all fantasy enthusiasts! Prepare for an unforgettable journey with an all-night screening of The Lord of the Rings. This iconic film trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, pushed the boundaries of visual effects and storytelling, setting new standards for epic filmmaking. Embark on a quest through Middleearth and relive the magic that captivated the world.

Special screenings of Tarantino’s Western masterpiece The Hateful Eight and cinematic gem Roma

There will also be special 70mm screenings of films you may not get to see anywhere else. Shot in Ultra Panavision 70 for the first time in nearly 50 years, and given a roadshow-style limited release eight years ago, is Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight. Another limited screening is the film Roma, which had a really limited release in cinema before going straight to Netflix. Full of soul and heart, it’s best on the big screen.

Experience the pinnacle of big-screen history: Cinerama

The high point of the festival is the marvel of Cinerama. “Cinerama is three projectors all working at the exact same time, and they project onto a big, deeply curved screen. It’s a complicated and unique process as you need three projectors, a specialised screen and multiple projectionists. Pictureville Cinema is the only cinema in the world that still operates Cinerama,” Sally explains.

Don’t Miss Out! Secure Your Seats Today!

Whether you’re a cinephile seeking classic enchantment, a fantasy lover chasing epic quests, or an admirer of cinematic innovation, Widescreen Weekend has something extraordinary in store for you. Visit scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk for ticket information and festival details. 28th of September to the 2nd of October 2023.

NorthernLife Sep/Oct 23