Widescreen Weekend

Last year, we celebrated the 70th Anniversary of CinemaScope, the groundbreaking anamorphic process created by Twentieth Century-Fox that took cinema by storm in 1953. It was only right that for our 2024 edition we would also explore the legacy of the rival system that Paramount Pictures went on to debut a year later—VistaVision.

Their trademarked process was developed to be unlike most other types of filmmaking, as VistaVision involves turning the film stock on its side, so that the perforations are at the top and bottom of the image - instead of on the left and right. This allowed for an image space double the size of traditional 35mm, meaning for a much higher image quality. However, after only seven years the format fell out of favour, primarily due to advancements in film stock and processes that made VistaVision near obsolete aside from its enduring popularity in special effects for films like Star Wars, Aliens and more recently Interstellar.

Despite its brief history, the result of Paramount’s efforts was a sample of fantastic films from wonderful filmmakers in high-definition and exceptional colour including the legendary Alfred Hitchcock, who used the process on several of his films. This September, we will be celebrating both the cinematic process as well as how Hitchcock utilised the format to magnificent effect.

While the spaghetti westerns of Sergio Leone and others are rightly acclaimed for their innovative use of widescreen, the format has been strikingly deployed in many other Italian film genres—from comedies to crime pictures, horror movies to war dramas.

This strand provides a rare chance to savour masterful examples of Italian widescreen film from across the decades, including a very special screening of Federico Fellini’s classic La Dolce Vita (1960) to mark the centenary of its star, the great Marcello Mastroianni.

We’re delighted to be bringing this strand to the festival with guest programmer Dr Pasquale Iannone, Lecturer in Film Studies at the University of Edinburgh. He is also a critic and broadcaster (Sight & Sound, BBC Radio).

From intoxicating first glances to the final declaration of affection, historical romances have captivated audiences throughout the entirety of cinema. With film sensations like Gone with the Wind all the way to streaming giants like Bridgerton—we can’t seem to distract ourselves from the sumptuous costuming, grand gestures and poetic prose of the period drama. Our favourite historical epics often contain fantastic love stories that not only drive the narrative but also bring a human element to the grandeur of their settings.

This year, our special themed strand will explore widescreen films concerned with lovers throughout history and literature, which inspired beautiful and epic films. This strand will explore both classic and contemporary examples of historical romances and celebrate the timeless appeal of romantic stories set in the past, where every glance, touch and word carry the weight of history and the promise of eternal love.

We can’t wait to welcome our festival audience back to Pictureville for our fan favourite events including Sunday’s Cineramacana—our ‘show and tell’ of film curios and rare pieces of forgotten print. In addition, we’re delighted to confirm that we’ll be screening a brand-new digital restoration of La Fayette (1962), specially formatted for our curved Cinerama screen. 

While Bradford has a wide range of options for stays in the city, we’re delighted to be partnering with the Leonardo Hotel Bradford for the festival this year. This means that our festival delegates can claim 15% off the best available rate. 

To receive the discount, head to their website using the link below and enter code ‘WIDE’ in the promo code box. This offer is only available to book on their website and is not in conjunction with any other offers.

The Leonardo Hotel Bradford is right at the heart of the city, just a 4-minute walk from the museum and a 10-minute walk from Bradford Interchange and Forster Square. If you’re driving to the hotel, you can park up at the convenient NCP car park located behind the building. 

Room amenities include:

• Spacious room for up to 3 adults or 2 adults/2 children sharing.
• Free WiFi
• Flatscreen TV with Freeview
• Hair dryer
• Tea and coffee refreshment dock
• Spacious bathroom with complimentary toiletries
• Spacious well-lit work area
• Selection of pillows available for your comfort
• Rooms available for guests with reduced mobility

Have a look at the Leonardo Hotel website for more information and to book your stay.

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Contact details

Enquiries: widescreenweekend@scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk

Communications Manager: Brittany Noppe
brittany.noppe@scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk

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