Odeon Marble Arch (1967-1996)
Opening in 1967, the Odeon was the largest cinema constructed in the post-war years. The screen, measuring 75 feet (23 m) by 30 feet (9.1 m), with a depth of curvature of 17 feet (5.2 m), was the largest in the country. Projection was level, beaming from the rear of the stalls, allowing for an even image.
The cinema was constructed to showcase films in the various 70mm processes, as well as conventional 35mm films, allowing for considerable spectable. Presentations included: Far from the Madding Crowd, A Bridge Too Far, Aliens, Die Hard, Return of the Jedi, Lawrence of Arabia.
Seating was 1360 in total, split between a spaciously raked circle (front and rear) and stalls (stepped towards the rear). Sight-lines were excellent throughout.
The auditorium was a cavernous space, with textured panelling on both side walls, partially concealing curtained backing. Variable lighting was installed in the outer rim of the ceiling to play different coloured schemes over the walls during intermissions. A single set of tabs (curtains) revealed the immense screen. Foyer areas were reached via escalator from a ground floor box office with a fish pond in the upper foyer. A somewhat flatter screen was installed following the revival of Lawrence of Arabia to allow for a less distorted view of the desert skylines. Digital sound was installed in the 1990s, including ceiling speakers.
A special screening in September 1996 of Richard Attenborough's Gandhi in 70mm and six-track magnetic sound marked the end of the Odeon as a single-screen cinema.
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