Dukes Cinema Re-Launch with the new Dolby eX digital surround sound system
The recent innovative world cinema season and the diverse, stimulating programme of films currently on offer at the Dukes cinema have given it a reputation as one of the most daring, sophisticated and credible film art houses outside of London. As the Warners cinema/shopping complex is being rapidly built to dominate the Lancaster City centre skyline, the Dukes can confidently continue to offer cinemagoers in the area a real alternative and an unrivalled opportunity to catch the most varied, rich and exceptional range of films in the North West. The programme includes a substantial choice of new releases such as House of Mirth, Billy Elliot, Purely Belter, The Yards and In the Mood for Love plus a mini-series of psycho-horror films including the Japanese film Ring. On top of this there are substantial retrospectives of the directors Tarkovsky and Paradjanov that integrate other related screenings and a rare personal appearance by Armenian actress Nora Armani.
A lottery award has enabled the Dukes to update its sound system with a state-of-the-art Dolby eX digital surround sound system to be fitted mid-January which far exceeds what most other venues have. This will give the filmgoer a much improved and more thrilling cinema experience. The new system does not necessarily mean that the soundtrack will be louder, but that it will be able to maintain an excellent clarity of sound throughout, in extremes of loudness and quietness.
As well as the films themselves there are supporting film education offers. For all films screened at the Dukes there are programme notes available for audience members to read. For the retrospective seasons there will be more detailed notes written by Film Officer Tim Young which will contextualise and make accessible the films for those unfamiliar with the works being exhibited. The Dukes are also offering a ten-week Contemporary Cinema - Images and Issues course in conjunction with Lancaster University. This is all part of the Dukes policy to bring a wide a range of films to as many people as possible and to increase understanding and enjoyment of the cinema in today's fast paced film industry. The Dukes are committed to offering an alternative for those who wish to see more than just the mainstream films.
To show off the system to its fullest potential the Dukes have programmed some movies that have soundtracks specially designed for eX digital format including Joan of Arc, Fight Club, Toy Story 2 and Gladiator. There is also a Big Noise! gala night planned for Friday 2nd February when The Phantom Menace will be screened and special guests are invited to re-launch the Dukes cinema!
It is a time for celebration at the Dukes as the cinema goes from strength to strength and people from the Lancaster and Morecambe area can carry on enjoying many films from a variety of exciting filmmakers while enjoying the benefits of a new sound system with a glass of their favourite tipple from the Dukes bar.
[Lakesuk.com editor's note: you can find photographs of the cinema equipment in our backstage tour of the Dukes]