One of the best things to do when in Huddersfield is go to Bradford. Ask anyone.
This view, for example, is readily available from the free-entry National Museum of Photography, right in the centre of Bradford. Simply take one of the lifts to the top floor of the museum. You can actually only take one of the lifts to the top - floor 6.
Whilst there, take a moment to peek into the projection room of the IMAX cinema, housed in the same building. It's an awesome 3D capable 70mm projection system, displaying truly awesome movies. If you get a chance, do pay a visit. The amazing films play all day, apart from Mondays.
The one we saw, featured 3D footage, supposedly set on the moon. It was narrated by Tom Hanks. The 3D effects were great, but maybe not the best subject matter for this treatment. The other 3D feature “Aliens from the deep” was probably a better bet. I'd certainly return to see that.
Heck, anything looks good on a screen as high as a multi-story car park - but in 3D - Wow! Things literally shimmer in front of one's eyes. Dirt flies up - it feels real. It's a substantial illusion, and an impressive one.
Here's Liz, on the famous magic carpet.
The rest of the museum is great, although the emphasis is very much on video rather than still photography. There's a news studio, lots of stuff on special effects, including a magic house for the children and various film and TV set mock-ups for us to film and vision mix.
We enjoyed the TV Heaven booth, playing old episodes of “The Avengers”. Liz put in a top-notch performance on the Magic Carpet, nimbly displaying my wonderful Yehlex bag. There's even a half-decent coffee shop on the ground floor, selling half-decent coffee.
If the museum and IMAX cinema aren't enough to delight you for a full day, there's an ice-rink just around the corner and, of course, all the legendary curry-houses of Bradford to enjoy.
Honestly, they should pay me for this.
It was fun.
Never been to the museum bit, but went to see the matrix there. I have frequented many loud gigs, but the sound was awesome. I also like the shop and many cool postcards we're bought. But what of the train Journey was it all you desired. What did you "cop".
Posted by: John Cooper | October 11, 2005 at 03:19 PM
The train journey was lovely, John. Really lovely.
The museum is great, well worth a look. I think I liked it better when they had more to do with still photography.
Was The Matrix show in 70mm? if so - Wow!
Posted by: AndyC | October 11, 2005 at 09:48 PM
I was somewhat disappointed in the 3D, but then I would be, not being able to see it with my one useful eye. However, at least it was in proper colours due to the new way they do it rather than totally red. I enjoyed the visit though.
Posted by: Liz Marshall | October 11, 2005 at 10:02 PM
Seriously I went there recently thought it was quite crap! IMAX was cool but the museum desperately needs renovating, a lot of things were broken and didn't work. TV heaven was quite fun. Coffee shop was overpriced in my opinion, overall unimpressed. Not helped by the fact I was with my friend 2 boys that fancied her and her 9 year old brother! Whoop dee doo!
Posted by: Louise | October 11, 2005 at 10:52 PM
I guess it's like anything, it depends who you are with and what your priorities are.
As a place for an attractive girl to take her friend, two suitors and younger sibling, maybe not. As a place to have a fairly nice time with just one friend on a not-very-bright Sunday afternoon, not bad at all.
If I was to be critical, the museum did have quite a few non-working exhibits and a lot less material overall than I remember. There were quite a few places to which I did not go, though. The IMAX is now very expensive at over a fiver for a ticket. I'd expect to pay that for a feature film, not just a short film - however good.
I remember going there with a friend, years ago, and paying not much more than that to see all the films during one day. It was fantastic, we just dived out for a coffee or a quick look at an exhibit, before diving back in for the next film. Happy days.
Also, I was in a very good mood indeed, so therefore likely to view in a positive way.
Nevertheless, thank you for your comment, I'm sure it is, in reality, crap. Or worse.
Posted by: AndyC | October 17, 2005 at 04:27 PM