Cinema Takeover Plan at Hyde Park Picture House
In the heart of Leeds, England, the Hyde Park Picture House continues to uphold a rich tradition of authentic film screenings. The historic cinema, established in the early 1910s, has retained a pair of 1960s-era Cinemeccanica projectors, the "Vic 8" 35mm models, which play a crucial role in the venue's unique presentation of films.
Cinemeccanica, an Italian manufacturer renowned for its robust and reliable projectors, produced the "Vic 8" series from the 1950s through the 1970s. These projectors became a staple in cinemas worldwide due to their durability and ease of maintenance. The Hyde Park Picture House likely acquired its projectors during a period of cinema expansion and technological transition in the 1960s.
Today, the cinema maintains these projectors with a hands-on, traditional approach. The process for screening a feature film involves painstakingly splicing together six smaller 35mm reels to create two larger spools, which are then loaded onto the twin "Vic 8" projectors for seamless projection. This method ensures that feature-length films can be shown uninterrupted, just as they would have been in the analogue era.
Projectionists at the cinema perform regular maintenance, including cleaning film path components, adjusting tension, and keeping the mechanical parts well-lubricated. The staff and volunteers are trained in the specific requirements of these classic machines, preserving both the equipment and the experience for modern audiences. The continued use of these projectors allows the venue to offer unique, historically authentic film screenings that differ from modern digital presentations.
The Hyde Park Picture House's dedication to maintaining and using these vintage projectors ensures that classic films are shown as they were originally intended, reflecting a commitment to cinematic history and craft.
In a recent development, 11 students visited the cinema on Tuesday evening for a tour led by engagement officer Sylvia Baber. The tour included visits to both screens at Hyde Park Picture House, as well as a visit to the projection room. Sylvia spoke about the rich history of the cinema during the tour and presented how film programming works at the venue. The students were also provided insight into the history of screening films at Hyde Park Picture House.
As part of their learning experience, the students will be programming and facilitating their own screening at Hyde Park Picture House as part of their reRun slot. Ticket details for the students' screening, scheduled for Sunday, January 19th, will be released next month (December). This screening will be a significant part of the reRun slot, offering students a chance to contribute to the ongoing legacy of the Hyde Park Picture House.
[1] Hyde Park Picture House (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from https://hydeparkpicturehouse.co.uk/about-us/ [2] Hyde Park Picture House (n.d.). Projectors. Retrieved from https://hydeparkpicturehouse.co.uk/projectors/
- The Hyde Park Picture House, in Leeds, England, extends its commitment to authentic film screenings not only to the on-screen entertainment but also to the equipment, as it continues to employ 1960s-era Cinemeccanica projectors for its 'Vic 8' series, showcasing a strong connection between its 'lifestyle' and 'fashion-and-beauty' (in preserving traditional methods) in the 'home-and-garden' (cinema) context.
- More than just a cinema, the Hyde Park Picture House in Leeds offers a unique blend of 'lifestyle', 'fashion-and-beauty', and 'home-and-garden' as it educates students about cinema history and teaches them how to program and facilitate their own screenings, ensuring that the legacy of the venue continues to thrive and evolve.
