Manchester Printworks is one of just 30 cinemas in the world screening a special version of Oppenheimer
With people leaving the film 'absolutely devastated', our curiosity was already piqued, but now we have even more reason to go along and watch this almost certain box office smash.
Manchester’s Vue cinema at the Printworks is one of just 30 movie theatres around the world that are set to show a very special screening of the new Christopher Nolan film, Oppenheimer.
The soon-to-be-released three-hour epic from the man behind some of the most iconic films of the past two decades (The Dark Night, Interstellar, Dunkirk and more) is set to be the biggest release of the year and the Vue Printworks is among the select few getting to show a very unique version of it.
Oppenheimer is the first film to be shot on black and white IMAX cameras in cinema history — a method created by the production crew specifically for this movie — and combines both IMAX 65mm and Panavision 65mm film before being projected in the large-scale 70mm format
The result is a glorious resolution one of the most visually impressive pictures ever made and, better still, Printworks is one of just a handful of cinemas anywhere on the planet that will be showing the film in fully 70mm IMAX screenings, i.e. the very best way to watch any big release.
The film is based on the famous physicist, J. Robert Oppenheimer, known as ‘the father of the atomic bomb’.Starting Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr. and more, Oppenheimer switches between B&W and colourVue Printworks Manchester is set to show Oppenheimer on the biggest screens and in the highest quality possible (Credit: Universal)
As explained by Nolan himself earlier this month, “the sharpness, clarity and depth of the image is unparalleled” when you shoot on 70mm film, which he has been doing since his seminal Batman, and which allows you to “let the screen disappear”.
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In his words: “You’re getting a feeling of 3D without the glasses. You’ve got a huge screen and you’re filling the peripheral vision of the audience. You’re immersing them in the world of the film.”
Just in case the exclusivity hasn’t quite sunk in yet, this specific Vue location is the only other place in the UK outside of London that will be screening this unique and fully-optimised print of Oppenheimer when it releases on 21 July. It’s going to be a cinematic experience like no other.
Manchester institution ‘a little emotional’ after receiving a visit from rock icon Hayley Williams
Daisy Jackson
Rock icon Hayley Williams has been spotted shopping at Manchester institution Afflecks.
The legendary independent retail emporium said it was ‘feeling a little emotional’ after its halls were graced with rock royalty.
And not only did the Paramore frontwoman and acclaimed solo singer-songwriter come for a browse, she even gave Afflecks a shout-out on stage later that night.
Hayley Williams headlined two solo shows at Manchester Academy on Monday and Tuesday this week.
The shows are in support of her third studio album, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party.
And despite being known globally as one of music’s best lead vocalists, this is actually Hayley Williams’ first solo tour (her previous dates were cancelled because of Covid).
While on stage in front of fans last night, she said: “I’ve learnt some Mancunian, and I’ve been to Afflecks!”
It sounds like she’s as lovely as she is legendary, with Afflecks saying that the star hung around to chat and take photos.
Sharing photos of the star inside the building, Afflecks wrote: “So a very special visitor stopped by Afflecks yesterday…
“A huge thank you to Hayley Williams for taking the time to visit us, say hello, and pose for a photo. She was so super lovely, kind, and welcoming, and to top it all off she even gave Afflecks a shout-out during last night’s show.
“Safe to say we’re feeling a little emotional about it. Thank you again Hayley for supporting Manchester’s small businesses.”
Prestigious Edinburgh TV Festival to move to Manchester for first time in 50 years
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester will become the new host city for the TV Festival from 2027 onwards it was announced today.
For the first time in five decades, following an extensive consultation and competitive bidding process – which was launched in 2025 – the prestigious festival is set to move from its home in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh to our region from 2027 onwards, beating out other major northern cities like Newcastle in the process.
As part of a UK-wide strategic review into the event’s long-term future, the Festival’s board of directors say the review was undertaken in order to ‘examine how the TV Festival could continue to grow’ amid increasing challenges around accessibility, affordability, and sustainability across the television industry.
Greater Manchester‘s ‘successful and comprehensive’ bid included commitments around affordability, infrastructure, industry partnership, and long-term growth potential.
Plans include holding the Festival in locations in the newly developed St. John’s creative and cultural district.
“Greater Manchester presented a vision for the Festival that combined genuine creative ambition and future-facing energy with practical accessibility and affordability for delegates,” commented Campbell Glennie, who is the CEO of the TV Festival and The TV Foundation.
“This means we can radically reduce the costs associated with attending the Festival as well as the cost of passes.
“The city reflects the expanding ambition of the UK television industry, while still offering the scale, connectivity and unique cultural identity needed for an event of this significance – it gives us the strongest platform to grow the Festival’s reach and impact in the years ahead.”
Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council, said being chosen as TV Festival hosts is ‘brilliant news’ for Greater Manchester, adding: “It speaks to the growth, success and strength of our screen sector in the city region and the strong partnerships and talent we have here.”
The final Edinburgh edition of the TV Festival will take place this August, and dates and further details for the TV Festival in 2027 will be shared later this year.
Danny Jones -
28th June 2023 
