Magic Hour

CONFESSIONS

NEIL'S STORY

The home cinema dream was born as long ago as 1980 when, as a skinny spotty 17 year old, I used to skive off college, jump on a tube and head to London’s repertory cinemas. The programming of such loved independents as the SCALA, ELECTRIC and PARIS PULLMAN was ambitious, exciting and varied. During a crazy two year period, I was seeing about 5 films week……and then videos arrived!

The video cassette and its huge bulky recorder would change my viewing habits with immediate effect. Although pre-recorded tapes were initially expensive (around Ł40 each), the ability to obtain rented videos meant that I could mimic the programming of my favourite cinemas and hold film evenings with my friends. These gatherings have continued to this very day, including annual hallowe’en all-day sessions.

Videos were replaced with laserdiscs, the TV screen increased in size and the sound improved from mono to stereo to Dolby Pro Logic. But, the advent of DVD and Dolby Digital Surround Sound made it apparent that I was missing out on the total cinematic experience. Limitations of the size and shape of the room and the semi-detached environment were a constant source of annoyance.

Converting the garage into a cinema was an idea first conceived last year and I contacted Pounds TV (naming Jonathan Ross, Frank Skinner, David Baddiel, John Thomson (and now the Irvings) as their prestigious client list). The meeting went well and after a chat with their builders a start date was issued.

Three Weeks Later - MAGICHOUR was born.

Your hosts

CAROLYN'S STORY

My first ‘date’ with Neil was to the Odeon, Leicester Square - that should have prepared me for what was to come!

I always liked Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe and Grease but nothing compared to seeing my first Kieslowski film in an independent cinema in the big city (London!). Incidently, this was long before Neil had even heard of him! I do have to acknowledge, however, that he has introduced me to many directors - even literally at the London Film Festival. He has encouraged a laziness in me where I simply wait for the latest jewel that arrives in a white DVD size box! As we prepared to move, I looked at houses in terms of space, rooms, the area and Neil… well he would look in terms of the cinematic qualities!! Not wanting to destroy the lounge I foolishly suggested converting the garage. I never really thought about it seriously until, in March, Neil announced the money was in the bank and we should go and see Pounds TV - me and my big mouth!

I initially envisaged a dual-purpose room, with a window, and light walls, and a coffee table!! Gradually, however, I came to reason ‘if you’re going to have a home cinema, why not do it properly’. So here we are with our dark room, black ceiling and red walls and carpets (the neighbours must have thought we were opening a brothel - actually the neon sign saying ‘Magic Hour’ didn’t help!).

Now it is here, I have to say this is the only way to watch a film. I could never imagine how superb it was going to be - atmospheric, beautiful, loud, involving - even the Pounds experts say it is one of the best home cinemas on account of its sole purpose. So enjoy my friends and leave your popcorn on the doorstep!