Manchester filmgoers were treated to a new cinema spectacle last week as Vue Printworks showcased their upgraded IMAX screen fitted with the latest laser vison technology.
Premiered in tandem with the release of the new Harry Potter spin off film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, lucky audience members were treated to a plethora of visual experiences as we discovered more about J.K. Rowling’s captivating wizarding world.
Moving seamlessly from the grounds of early 20th century Paris to the tranquil magical landscape of the much loved Hogwarts School, not to mention the appearance of a fresh faced Albus Dumbledore portrayed acutely by Jude Law, the immersive and dynamic picture coupled with the 3D sound stage added to the already unique cinema experience with mesmeric accuracy and precision.
Becoming one of just a few venues in the world to boast the innovative technology, in what is already the second biggest IMAX screen in Europe, the new technology uses laser projection to deliver brighter resolution images, complete with an enhanced audio system on a 3D sound stage to bring audiences even closer to the action than ever before.
With the film bringing together an aesthetic array of creatures and dimensions, not to mention the countless ‘potterisms’ for hardened fans, director David Yates again proved to be a fine touch at bringing a darker and very human undertone to a franchise that has been culpable of getting carried away with its fantastical elements in the past and the new technology certainly aided that creative vison well.
One couple, who admitted their love for everything Potter after the film, said: “I think your imagination is the most powerful thing and I think this kind of technology simply just fills in the gaps to create that immersion.
Watching #FantasticBeasts in IMAX? You’ll be experiencing our brand new laser vision technology – tell us what you think after you see the film! https://t.co/OWBY2wpMkx
— The Printworks (@The_Printworks) November 15, 2018
“We are a big Harry Potter fans and when you think how far the technology has come since we were first introduced to the Wizarding world on the big screen in 2001, it really is remarkable.”
Another viewer added: “It really feels like there is a suspension of disbelief when you’re in there due to the 3D soundstage and the action quite literally hits you from all angles.
“It’s as close as you can get to a holographic representation of what’s going on and I think it does the technology a disservice by just describing it as a bigger screen as I think it provides something that is a lot more than that.”
The 20-metre long screen, which weighs a huge 170 stone, took 15 people to carry to the site in central Manchester, and was fitted last Wednesday just in time for the release of the new instalment of the Harry Potter spin off franchise.
Speaking on the new technology Ian Harris, general manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said: “We’re extremely proud to be the only cinema in the region with this technology.
“The investment represents our commitment to providing the people of Manchester with the highest quality big screen entertainment and, with so many unmissable films and events coming to our screens in the coming months, we can’t wait for our customers to come and enjoy it with us!”
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is in cinemas now with tickets available for the new IMAX at https://www.myvue.com/cinema/manchester-printworks/whats-on
