Mike to revive long-lost cinema experience in Sidmouth

A photo of a scene from part of the film (Image: Archant)

Former cinematographer Mike Edgecumbe has organised for a landmark film to be projected onto a huge, curved screen at the Methodist Hall on Saturday, January 26, from 7pm.

The 69-year-old wants to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Cinerama – the earliest form of widescreen – by showing This is Cinerama - the first film to utilise the format.

The movie will be projected onto a huge curved screen with ‘digital mapping’ simulating a 146 degree picture image measuring four metres by 11 metres.

Full stereophonic surround sound will mean viewers will get the same experience as more than 20 million people who saw the original roadshow version.

Mike, of Winslade Road, said: “The film starts with an exciting roller coaster ride and then, with narration by Lowell Thomas and supported by beautiful orchestral and choral music, you travel around the world with Cinerama, from Venice to Madrid, from Edinburgh Castle to La Scala opera house in Milan, and concluding with a great flight across America and through the Grand Canyon in the nose of a B-25 aeroplane.

“You can really experience this cinema classic once again in this unique ‘Smilebox’ curved screen simulation.”

The event has been authorised by Jeffery Masino, of Flicker Alley, an American company that specialises in bringing film history to new audiences, the Pacific Theatres Group and Cinerama Inc.

It is being organised under the umbrella of The Caroline Fellowship but has been financed by Mike and his wife, Joan, with the entire proceeds going to Unicef.

Admission tickets are £7 and are available from Paragon Books or on the door. Early booking is advisable.

There will be free refreshments available in the interval.

Anyone is unable to get to Paragon Books to pre-book tickets can call Mike on 01395 512511.

If the event is a success, Mike hopes to screen Windjammer in the same process in aid of Sidmouth Lifeboat.