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Technology
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June 4, 2010
IMAX and AMC to develop more IMAX-lite theaters for 2011
According to Reuters, AMC Entertainment, the 2nd largest theater operator in North America, and IMAX, the leader in 70mm and digital technology, will open 25-35 new IMAX Digital theaters in 2011 and extend the lease of current theaters to 10 years.
Imax and AMC intend to open 15 to 25 new Imax theaters in 2011 in both new markets and some markets where AMC already operates Imax theaters in North America, the two companies said in a joint statement.
Upon completion of the full roll-out, AMC will operate between 125 and 135 Imax theaters, the companies said.
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June 1, 2010
Landmark Cinemas purchases Christie’s New 4K-ready Solaria
KITCHENER, ONTARIO, CANADA — Christie, a global leader in digital cinema, announced that Landmark Cinemas has selected Christie Solaria Series 4K-ready digital cinema projectors for installation in six multiplexes across Western Canada. Landmark Cinemas will thrill audiences with the latest 3D box office hits using the Christie CP2230 and Christie CP2220 projectors, which utilize Academy Award1-winning DLP Cinema technology from Texas Instruments (TI) (NYSE: TXN). Landmark Cinemas is Canada’s largest regional movie exhibition circuit, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta.
Privately owned and operated since 1965, Landmark Cinemas currently operates 31 cinema complexes, with a combined total of 108 screens in 27 locations throughout western Canada and the Yukon. The partners that make up the ownership group have strong roots to film exhibition. Their passion for the movies trickles down to all of their 600+ employees.
“Every Landmark Cinemas theatre offers its customers the very best in entertainment value. We strive to make the theatre-going experience the best possible,” said Neil Campbell, COO and Partner, Landmark Cinemas of Canada. “3D has become an enormous game changer that has revived the exhibition industry. Now, with the additional Christie projectors, we can maximize our 8- and 10-screen complexes by doubling up our 3D presentations.”
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May 6, 2010
Roger Ebert not bullish on 3-D
In a recent opinion piece written for Newsweek magazine, critic Roger Ebert offers nine reasons why he is less than enthusiastic about the current resurgence of 3-D. While not opposed to 3-D as an option for presenting certain films, he feels 3-D will add nothing to certain kinds of films. Among other minuses, he cites the added admission cost and the pressure on exhibitors to install and present 3-D; he also laments the seemingly imminent demise of analog projection. If Hollywood really is interested in using technology to improve picture quality and audience involvement, he would like to see, instead of universal 3-D, further development of processes such as Showscan and MaxiVision48.
3-D is a waste of a perfectly good dimension. Hollywood’s current crazy stampede toward it is suicidal. It adds nothing essential to the moviegoing experience. For some, it is an annoying distraction. For others, it creates nausea and headaches. It is driven largely to sell expensive projection equipment and add a $5 to $7.50 surcharge on already expensive movie tickets. Its image is noticeably darker than standard 2-D. It is unsuitable for grown-up films of any seriousness. It limits the freedom of directors to make films as they choose. For moviegoers in the PG-13 and R ranges, it only rarely provides an experience worth paying a premium for.
Read the whole article in Newsweek.
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April 9, 2010
Christie brings entertainment to Haitain earthquake victims
CYPRESS, CA — Running until April 11th, the Cinepolis Foundation’s social outreach program entitled “Let’s all go to Cinepolis Haiti” will screen 11 movies on donated Christie digital cinema projectors reaching more than 70,000 people devastated by the February 12th earthquake.
“Let’s all go to Cinepolis Haiti” is a joint effort between the Cinepolis Foundation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, as well as the support of the Ministry of Culture of Haiti, FilmAid International, DOR Internacional and Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. This partnership aids in the reconstruction of Haiti by promoting positive messages and by bringing a moment of relaxation and joy as the country continues its recovery.
Lorena Guillen-Laris, Executive Director of Cinepolis Foundation notes: ‘Let’s all go to Cinepolis Haiti’ seeks to provide glimmers of hope and moments of family life that contribute to the emotional state of our Haitian brothers and sisters. We want to laugh, dream and be inspired by positive messages. The short films will encourage them to be strong and move forward.
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April 2, 2010
Could the 3D fad die like it did during the 50’s?
According to an article in theWall Street Journal,), the recent glut of 3D films have moviegoers confused, leaving the future of 3D movies in doubt.
But for movies that are shot in 2-D and converted later, the retrofitting seems to be an afterthought, a ploy designed to rake in more bucks at the box office rather than proffer a mind-altering experience. In “Alice,” for example, save for a whizzing tea cup or two, the viewer barely notices the effect. The whole point of 3-D is for the mode to exceed previous limitations and provide the audience with an experience that formerly was unimaginable. If the film doesn’t do that, who will find it compelling once the novelty wears off?
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March 31, 2010
Historic Oklahoma Theater on front lines of 3D Evolution
PRYOR, OK — As more 3D movies are being released, there is a shortage of screens available for these films to play them on. Tulsa only has one theater that has 3 3D screens, and only 10 3D screens in the entire metro area. Though it may surprise some, the next theater in Northeast Oklahoma to have 3 3D screens isn’t a chain multiplex, but the 93 year old Allred Theater of Pryor, Oklahoma. According to its owner, Gene Oliver, it will be the first theater in the state with total conversion to digital projection with 3 3D screens.
Read the story at Tulsa World.
Allred Theater conversion report at Pryor Daily Times.
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March 24, 2010
Independent theaters continue rapid pace of digital cinema deployments
CYPRESS, CA — Christie, a global leader in digital cinema, announced that Sonic Equipment Company has ordered 100 Christie Solaria Series 4K-ready Series 2 digital cinema projectors, which utilize Academy Award1-winning DLP Cinema technology from Texas Instruments (TI) (NYSE: TXN). As part of the Cinedigm Phase 2 digital cinema deployment plan, the Christie projectors will be installed in theaters across the United States, to upgrade existing multiplexes and as part of new theater constructions. Sonic Equipment will also now offer Christie Managed Services to all its customers, making available a comprehensive suite of technical support and maintenance services to perfectly match their customers' needs, from basic to the most robust, 24-hour, year-round support.
Kansas-based Sonic Equipment Company, which also offers full-service consulting, remodeling and new construction to motion picture exhibitors, is also a certified reseller of Christie digital cinema projectors. With more than 400 screens across thirteen states, they have been rapidly expanding over the past several years to become one of the industry’s fastest growing companies. Christie is a major partner in Sonic’s highly successful digital rollout strategy, which calls for the installation of hundreds of additional projectors in many new locations this year.
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March 18, 2010
Avatar might be rereleased this fall in a longer version
According to USA Today, James Cameron in an interview with the newspaper said that this fall his highest grossing movie ever, Avatar, might return in 3D in an extended version.
Q: When is Avatar coming out in 3D on Blu-ray?
A: We’re not officially announcing it right now but I’m hoping for fall. The wildcard is that we might be re-releasing the movie this fall. It’s kind of gotten stomped out (in theaters) because of Alice in Wonderland. The word we’re getting back from exhibitors is we probably left a couple of hundred million dollars on the table as a result. The question is the appetite still going to be there after the summer glut of movies. We’re going to assess that. We’re talking about maybe adding in additional footage and doing something creative.
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March 17, 2010
Theater chain buys 60 Christie 4K-Ready Projectors
CYPRESS, CA — Christie, a global leader in digital cinema, announced that Studio Movie Grill (SMG) has selected its 4K-ready Solaria™ Series digital cinema projectors for 60 screens in multiplexes across Texas, Missouri and Georgia. SMG audiences watch the latest first-run movies while enjoying restaurant-style table service with upscale foods that include gourmet pizza, BBQ ribs and fresh salads. SMG pioneered the in-theater dining concept and is considered the number one theater of its kind in Texas for close to 10 years. The chain will install the Christie CP2220 and Christie CP2230 projectors, which are based on Texas Instruments' (TI) (NYSE: TXN) Series 2 DLP Cinema technology and are fully upgradeable to 4K.
SMG is recognized for continuously raising the bar on the quality of entertainment outside the home. It strives to provide audiences with a total immersion of their senses that includes great tasting food, exceptional service, and a spectacular movie-viewing experience.
“The contrast and brightness of Christie digital cinema projectors are unparalleled. We foresee a much lower cost of operation while providing a new level of excitement for our audiences, especially with all the great new 3D movies coming down the pipeline this year,” remarked founder and President, Brian Schultz of Studio Movie Grill.
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March 16, 2010
More 3-D advertising coming
Looking for a new way to attract advertiser dollars, the increase in 3-D projectors in theaters will also bring more 3-D ads.
The number of theaters that could handle 3-D advertising has limited 3-D cinema advertising. Screenvision aired the first 3-D ad for Wrigley last May, which aired for five weeks in more than 400 theaters. By the end of the year, only 7,736 theaters had digital projectors, per the Motion Picture Association of America.
With more film studios producing 3-D films, theaters are gearing up to attract moviegoers and lure advertisers with a new way to promote brands.
Read more in Media Week.