Midwest’s B&B theatres selects Christie DLP Cinema projectors for its newest locations

posted by Michael Zoldessy on September 17, 2009 at 7:50 am

CYPRESS, CA — Christie, the world leader in digital cinema projection, announced that it has been selected by B&B Theatres to supply all the DLP Cinema projectors for the circuit’s two newest 10-screen multiplexes in Wildwood and Ozark, Missouri. The multiplexes, scheduled for completion in the spring of 2010, will be equipped with Christie CP2000-ZX digital cinema projectors with Christie Brilliant 3D, which allows 3D content to be projected in full 2K resolution utilizing 1.2" DMD chips from Texas Instruments (TI) (NYSE: TXN).

The 29th largest theatre company in the U.S., B&B Theatres operates a chain of more than 179 screens in 30 locations throughout Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. It is recognized by the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) as one of the oldest family-owned circuits in the Midwest. B&B started 2009 with no digital projectors, but has already digitized half of its circuit with at least one Christie digital cinema projector per complex. It is committed to installing additional Christie projectors in all of its theatres within the next year, according to B&B’s president and owner, Bob Bagby.

Kansas-based Sonic Equipment Company, a service, consulting, remodeling and new construction company for motion picture exhibitors, is responsible for B&B’s conversion efforts. Sonic is also a certified reseller of Christie’s digital projectors and currently services more than 400 screens in eight states. Christie is a major partner in Sonic’s highly successful digital roll-out strategy.

“Christie has been with us every step of the way and their excellent technical staff has helped us through the many questions that come up in transitioning so many different auditoriums,” remarked Eric L. Olson, director of operations for Sonic. “Christie’s customer service staff has been very helpful in coordinating shipments and deliveries to ensure timely installations that coordinate with new 3D openings. Christie Brilliant3D triple-flash technology is a must, as the majority of our conversions are for 3D. Thanks to Christie, business has been better than expected in every town we have converted.”

Bob Bagby noted that Christie has installed more digital projectors than any other company in the business. On Sonic’s recommendation, Bagby was drawn to Christie because the company is backed by the industry’s most experienced technicians and has a proven reputation for offering the most reliable projector in the digital cinema market at “a very competitive price.”

“Our customers love 3D, thanks to Christie Brilliant3D!” said Bagby. “We have been keeping very detailed records on attendance for 3D verses 2D, and we have found that the Christie digital projectors are paying for themselves through the extra customers who attend 3D movies.”

Added Bagby: “A movie theatre without 3D is like a bank without an ATM. In today’s environment, you just aren’t considered a real movie theatre if you don’t have 3D! That is why we are working with Sonic to aggressively install at least one Christie digital cinema projector with Christie Brilliant3D in every one of our locations. We are extremely pleased with how smooth our digital installations have been. With Christie projectors, we have not lost a single digital show!”

About Sonic Equipment Company
Sonic Equipment Company (SEC) is a total sales, service, consulting, remodeling and new construction company for motion picture exhibitors as well as a source for the installation and service of digital equipment. From building and equipping an entire theatre to diagnosing equipment problems, to finding and installing the replacement parts needed for customers' projectors, SEC has the resources, ability and desire to handle it all. They have been installing systems across the Midwest from Ohio to Texas and have begun a major conversion effort with B&B Theatres in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. SEC is currently servicing more than 400 screens and Christie is a major partner in their digital rollout. For more information, visit www.sonicequipment.com

About B&B Theatres
B&B Theatres is a family-owned and operated cinema chain in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Founded in 1924, B&B currently operates 179 screens and is the 29th largest theatre chain in the nation. They operate large multiplexes but continue to operate a number of classic small town theaters – including Elmer Senior’s Lyric Theatre in Salisbury, Missouri where it all started many years ago. Their newest complexes offer the latest in sound and comfort, including DTS surround sound in all auditoriums, stadium seating, wide screens and digital projectors with 3D capabilities. B&B Theaters maintains offices in Liberty, Salisbury, and Fulton, Missouri. For more information, visit www.bbtheatres.com

About Christie
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925), is a leader in visual solutions for world-class organizations, offering diverse applications for business, entertainment, and industry. A leading innovator in film projection since 1929 and a pioneer in digital projection systems since 1979, Christie has established a global reputation as a total service provider and the world’s single source manufacturer of a variety of display technologies and solutions. With the acquisition of Vista Controls Systems, Corp., Christie offers the most complete and advanced solutions for cinema, live venues, control rooms, business presentations, training facilities, 3D and Virtual Reality, simulation and education as well as industrial and government environments. For more information, visit www.christiedigital.com