Delaware Tech students visit the Cube at Movies at Midway

A group of Delaware Technical Community College communications students recently received a behind-the-scenes tour of Movies at Midway’s state-of-the-art theater, the Cube, in Lewes.

Theater Manager Brooke Lowe demonstrated the digital projection facility, including the premium, large-format auditorium theatrical venue, the Cube. Students were shown examples of the previous 35-millimeter projection process and the newer, all-digital format that theaters now show.

The Cube includes a 51-speaker, eight-subwoofer system that features Dolby Atmos technology. “The speakers are designed to give a full, three-dimensional sound throughout the theater, so when someone on screen has someone behind them, it literally sounds like it’s behind you in the theater,” said Lowe. The projector is equipped to screen films at a higher frame rate than the average 24 frames per second of most films. Higher frame rates mean less blurring and sharper image clarity.

Following the tour of the projection booth, students experienced the nuances of the facility firsthand with a screening of “Captain Marvel.” After the screening, Lowe led them behind the 58-by-24-foot screen.

“It was interesting seeing the size difference for screening films in traditional format and then seeing them formatted for The Cube,” said Jack Kyritsis.

“I really enjoyed the experience,” said Savannah Swanson. “I didn’t realize just how much prep went into screening a film in the theater, so I have a new appreciation for that.”

“Many students in the program are studying and creating films of their own, so giving them the opportunity to view the entire process in person is much more enticing than reading about it in a textbook,” said Department Chair Rob Rector.