Dolby and Odeon to launch Dolby Cinemas in the UK

It's been a long time coming but the UK is finally jumping aboard the good ship Dolby Cinema. Seven high-tech cinemas are set to launch "over the next several years", showcasing Dolby's state of the art video and audio technology.

This means Dolby Vision laser projector systems with high-grade optics, image processing, HDR, and "a contrast ration that far exceeds that of any other image technology on the market today."

It goes without saying the picture in these new cinemas will be complemented by all-singing, all-dancing Dolby Atmos audio rigs.

And then there's the promise of reclining seats. If you tend to wait until the latest blockbusters are released on 4K Blu-ray, could the prospect of a comfy chair tempt you out of hiding?

Mark Way, Managing Director of Odeon Cinema Group said, "this is a game changer in the UK, and our guests are going to love the stunning quality of Dolby Cinema. We're very excited to be partnering with Dolby to be the first cinemas to offer this experience in seven Odeon cinemas across the country."

There are still a few questions that need to be answered, though. There's no word on where these Dolby Cinemas will be situated or when we can expect the first one to open in the UK. We also don't know how much a ticket will cost. At a guess we'd imagine around the £15-£20 mark - we've reached out to Dolby and Odeon for comment.

Besides the UK news, Dolby has also announced Germany will be getting its first Dolby Cinema in late 2018. Situated at the Mathäser Palast in Munich, it will arrive partnership with the Kinopolis movie theatre group.

Read more:

6 things we learned at a brand new Dolby Cinema

Sonos talks Dolby Atmos, DTS, sound quality and Beam soundbar

Dolby Atmos: What is it? How can you get it?

Dolby Vision HDR: everything you need to know

HDR10 vs Dolby Vision: which is better?

Andy Madden

Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.