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Gary Biddlestone, maintenance and projectionist from the Majestic Cinema in Bridgnorth, with the old 35 millimetre film reels and projector which are now obsolete because a new digital projector is being installed.
It’s the end of an era at a Shropshire cinema, which is moving into the digital age after replacing its 1940s projector.
The Majestic Cinema in Bridgnorth has taken delivery of a state-of-the-art model which will take pride of place in its main auditorium. It means it will be able to show the latest 3D films.
Cinema manager James Frizzell said the two non-digital projectors in the other two screens would remain at the cinema, which opened in 1937 and has its original features, including art deco decorations.
Mr Frizzell said: “We try to keep it as authentic as possible because most of the cinemas now just want to sell you popcorn and don’t care about the picture. We take pride in the viewing.”
He said they had now had to go digital to “keep up with the times”.
Mr Frizzell, who has been at the cinema for four years, said he was used to the clattering of the 1940s projector whereas the digital models were “so quiet”.
But he said they had to upgrade to cater for film companies wanting to promote their 3D films.
The new projector is due to be used from next Friday, with plans eventually for all three screens going digital.
Mr Frizzell said: “I think it will be great for the customers, they will love it.”
But he added: “The whole trade I have learned is becoming obsolete, which is a real shame.
“A lot of staff think the romance has gone out of it. It’s the end of an era for projectionists throughout the country.”
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For those who still want the authentic reel-to-reel service, Ludlow Assembly Rooms has yet to replace its vintage projector.
The projectionist is a spectacle of antiquity, too!
These old-style reels cost a fortune to produce and deliver to the last remaining cinemas that use them in the backwaters of Britain.
Maybe the release of more 3D films will finally finish them off.
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Glad to hear The Majestic is still going. I remember queueing round the block to go and watch films there.
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Get Ready for Low Definition and Colour Irregularity.
Also remember that not everyone has complete eye balance making three dimensional analogues like film and TV second rate.
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