Cinema

Meyer Sound Immerses CineExpo Amsterdam

Phil Sandberg — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:40:14 +0000

At this year’s Cinema Expo International in Amsterdam, Meyer Sound will introduce Europe’s movie industry professionals to Cinema Experience — the company’s integrated line of powerful, linear cinema sound systems. Showcased at Stand #183, the Acheron-based Cinema Experience promises a dramatically improved listening experience to match today’s high-definition visual and keep customers returning to the theaters.
“With the rise of 3D imagery, people are realizing that watching a movie at home doesn’t compare to the shared experience and impact from being in a theater, and this of course includes the sound,” says John Meyer, CEO of Meyer Sound. “Having an audio system that is loud is not enough for movies. You need one that is capable of reproducing all the information in the tracks so that the audience can have the full experience as intended by the film creators.”
Since the 2009 debut of Meyer Sound’s Cinema Experience, commercial theaters such as the Estonian Solaris Complex and the Gulf Breeze theaters in Florida have harnessed the power and transparency of the systems to give customers an immersive movie experience. An array of renowned post-production facilities have also upgraded to the Cinema Experience, including London’s legendary De Lane Lea, as well as Skywalker, ImageMovers Digital, Zoetrope and many others.
Attendees of the Cinema Expo 2010 are invited to hear the Cinema Experience in live demonstrations hosted in Suite B by Düsseldorf, Germany-based FTT, one of Meyer Sound’s cinema dealers. The demonstrations will feature Meyer Sound’s Acheron Studio loudspeakers, HMS-10 surround loudspeakers, and X-800C subwoofers, with a D-BOX cinema seating system adding to the realism. Steve Shurtz, Meyer Sound’s Cinema Experience technology director, will be on hand to host the demonstrations and answer questions.
To learn more about Cinema Expo International 2010, Europe’s largest cinema industry event, visit http://www.showest.com/filmexpo/index.jsp.

Hollywood Studios Support Technicolor 3D

Phil Sandberg — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:30:43 +0000

Following the launch of Technicolor 3D in North America, Technicolor has announced it has secured broad support from several major motion picture studios for the international release of theatrical content in the Technicolor 3D format. Studios providing international support are DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, The Weinstein Company and Warner Bros. The first international release in Technicolor 3D will be Shrek Forever After from DreamWorks Animation in Germany. Other countries included in the international launch of Technicolor 3D are the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Japan.
Technicolor 3D is designed as an affordable solution for 35mm projectors, enabling exhibitors to equip theatres for high-quality 3D at a fraction of the cost of installing a digital 3D projection system. The Technicolor 3D system utilizes a next-generation 3D lens for projectors and over-under film prints created with patent-pending digital processes to optimize the motion picture image for 35mm 3D projection. To date, Technicolor 3D has been installed on more than 200 screens in North America.
“We are very pleased to announce the progression of Technicolor 3D with the international support of five major motion picture studios” said Joe Berchtold, president of Technicolor Creative Services. “The support from these studios further demonstrate that Technicolor 3D is a viable solution to bridge the gap to digital and we are pleased to bring 3D to even more consumers in these key international territories.”
“There are a number of exhibitors around the world that don’t currently have access to the capital required to convert to digital. Until digital conversion is possible for these exhibitors overseas, we believe Technicolor 3D provides a valuable service in enabling certain theaters to show our movies in a high quality manner to audiences who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to experience them in the theater in 3D,” said Ann Daly, COO, DreamWorks Animation.
More than 20 3D titles have been announced for 2010, including Shrek Forever After and MegaMind from DreamWorks Animation/Paramount; The Last Airbender from Paramount; Cats and Dogs, Legend of the Guardians and Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1 from Warner Bros.; Despicable Me and My Soul To Take from Universal Pictures and Piranha 3D from The Weinstein Company.
Technicolor 3D employs a proprietary ―production to projection system that leverages 35mm film projectors, in use today by the majority of U.S. and international theatres, to deliver a high-quality 3D presentation to moviegoers. A patent-pending lens system splits the left and right eye images as the film runs through the projector and delivers a 3D-ready image onto a silver screen. The solution works with circular polarized glasses — identical to the ones used for existing digital 3D cinema — to ―translate the film’s content into an image that is perceived by the viewer as being three-dimensional. The silver screen can be used for the projection of both Technicolor 3D as well as digital 3D content. Technicolor 3D is available now in the U.S., Canada, select European countries, and Japan.
Visit http://www.technicolor.com

Five New IMAX Theatres for Thailand

Phil Sandberg — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:11:06 +0000

IMAX Corporation and Major Cineplex, the leading commercial theatre operator in Thailand, have announced an agreement to install five IMAX digital theatre systems in Thailand. Under the terms of the agreement, Major Cineplex will open two theatres in greater Bangkok by October, 2010.
“There has been tremendous interest in The IMAX Experience from moviegoers in Thailand and we are focused on meeting that demand with these five theatre systems,” said Vicha Poolvaraluck, Chairman of the Major Cineplex Group. “IMAX’s digital theatre system is ideal for our market as we have several premium locations and our first IMAX(R) theatre has enjoyed tremendous success.”
“This signing continues the very strong trend of adding more IMAX theatres in Asia this year,” said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. “The IMAX box office results in 2009 and the first half of 2010 are spurring the growth of our network. So far this year we have already signed 40 new IMAX locations in Asia, and we’re pleased that Major Cineplex, one of our first exhibition partners in the region and the dominant exhibitor in Thailand, is helping drive our growth by substantially increasing their IMAX commitment.”
Major Cineplex Group is the largest cinema operator in Thailand with 363 screens open at 49 locations. Several additional complexes are planned. Major Cineplex Group is also a leading Lifestyle Entertainment Company in Thailand whose business portfolio also includes entertainment bowl, karaoke, ice-skating rinks, and retail space rental. Major Cineplex Group also integrates movie production business, theatrical film distribution, and DVD distribution business through its subsidiary company, M Pictures Entertainment. Internationally, Major Cineplex Group has a joint venture with PVR Cinemas in India to develop entertainment bowling centers and is enjoying substantial growth. Some of the new IMAX theatres will go into upcoming new projects.
Visit http://www.imax.com

IMAX Expands with Wanda in China

Phil Sandberg — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:06:16 +0000

IMAX Corporation and Wanda Cinema Line Corporation, one of the fastest growing and most competitive cinema chains in China, have announced an agreement to expand their relationship with the installation of three additional IMAX systems in the cities of Quanzhou, Wuhan and Dalian.
These theatres are in addition to the four IMAX locations the exhibitor already operates and the seven IMAX locations it currently has scheduled to open. The agreement brings the total number of IMAX theatres to be operated by Wanda Cinema Line by the end of 2012 to 14. The People’s Republic of China is IMAX Corporation’s fastest-growing market, with more than 50 IMAX theatres scheduled to be operating in China by 2012.
Five of the 14 IMAX locations operated by Wanda Cinema Line are scheduled to be opened and available to consumers in time for the highly-anticipated release of Aftershock, the first Chinese film to be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience.
Incorporated in 2005, Wanda Cinema Line Corporation is a
subsidiary under the jurisdiction of Wanda Group. It operates 50 five-star cineplexes and 400 screens that
produced RMB 833 Million box offices, accounting for 15% shares of box
office in 2009. By 2010, Wanda Cinema Line will go into operation of 21
cinema cities, and with newly increased 200 screens, which makes the
total number of cinema cities reach up to 71 and with screens up to 600,
accounting for 18% shares of box office across the country. By 2012,
more than 110 cinema cities will be opened for business, with screens up
to 1,000 and RMB 3 billion of annual revenue.
“Wanda Cinema Line is committed to bringing the first-class visual and audio experience to its audiences, which coincides naturally with the premium IMAX experience. We are happy to witness the growing number of people in China who choose to go to Wanda IMAX theatres,” said Mr. Jerry Ye, General Manager of Wanda Cinema Line. “We also highly appreciate IMAX’s efforts to attract more people to their movies and begin to transfer Chinese blockbuster films, such as the upcoming release of Aftershock, the first Chinese language film to be released in the IMAX format. We appreciate IMAX’s significant efforts in China and look forward to opening more locations with IMAX in the months and years ahead.”
Speaking from the Shanghai International Film Festival, IMAX’s Chief Executive Officer Richard L. Gelfond commented, “Our momentum in China continues as we build on existing relationships with high profile exhibitors and enter the business of releasing local language IMAX releases. Wanda Cinema Line, one of the largest operators of IMAX theatres in Asia, is an outstanding theatre operator and an excellent partner. We’re proud to be associated with such a high profile brand as we continue to accelerate our network growth in the region.”
Added Mr. Gelfond, “The release of Aftershock is made possible by the growth in the IMAX theatre network in China, the consumer demand for The IMAX Experience and our ability to rapidly deploy theatres as a result of our digital projection technology. We are hopeful that Aftershock will be a springboard to additional in-language, in-market films.”
Visit http://www.imax.com

IPAF to Promote Value of Copyright

Phil Sandberg — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:54:34 +0000

As part of its on-going war on piracy, the Australian-based Intellectual Property Awareness Foundation (IPAF) is to launch a campaign promoting the value of copyright in film and television.
“At a time when accessing digital content for free has never been so easy, we’re encouraging Australians to support local business and go to the cinema, buy a genuine DVD, and choose to purchase a title from legitimate online alternatives,” said Maureen Barron, Inaugural Chair of IPAF.
IPAF serves to promote the value of the film and television industry by raising awareness and appreciation of intellectual property and its value in society. It is supported by suburban cinemas, local DVD retail and rental stores, distributors, post-production companies, Australian filmmakers, film and television agencies including the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft [AFACT], and the Motion Picture Association [MPA].
Creative agency Droga5 has been tasked with the challenge of creating a campaign for IPAF to motivate Australia’s youth to do the right thing when it comes to film & TV piracy.
“This brief requires a fresh approach from an industry that’s sometimes jaded by briefs like this,” said Barron. There’s no doubt that this is a big challenge, but it’s one we believe is achievable given the creative ability, the unconventional approach and the commitment that Droga5 offers this demanding brief. Many agencies are still grappling with using media in non-traditional ways, whereas Droga5 seems to understand this transition innately, and we’re excited about what we might be able to achieve together.”
In 2005, the Australian film industry lost a reported AUD$230 million in potential revenue, or 11% of the total market, as a result of piracy, while US$18.2 million is lost annually to piracy worldwide.
“The value of Intellectual Property is an issue as alive in our own industry as film and television’s, so this is a brief close to our hearts,” says David Nobay, Creative Chairman at Droga5.
Visit www.ipawareness.com.au and www.droga5.com.au

Kodak Developing 4K Media Block

Phil Sandberg — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:36:07 +0000

Kodak has announced that the company is developing a 4K Media Block for its digital cinema solution. The 4K Media Block will be commercially available worldwide as 4K systems become widely deployed.
“This is a next logical step for Kodak,” said Gary Einhaus, general manager of Kodak Digital Cinema. “We played an active role on the industry committees that recommended that all movies be scanned at 4K, even though virtually all are played back at 2K today. In the future, we believe that 4K systems will be another customer choice, appropriate especially for larger screens or special venues. We want to make sure exhibitors can choose Kodak systems for all of their applications.”
Einhaus emphasises that Kodak continues to invest in a broad range of technologies that will deliver a full solution to its customers. That solution currently includes the Kodak screen management server, theater management system, and network operating center. Since the company’s demonstration of the first 2K digital cinema projector in 2001, Kodak continues to do research and development in projection technology.
“With today’s Kodak system, we offer a seamless presentation where everything – pre-show, snipes, trailers, and the feature movie – can all be automatically received, migrated, scheduled, staged and played back through the same projector with consistent quality and reliability,” Einhaus said. “Frame rates, color space, even image sizing are all made consistent; lighting, masking, even audio levels can also be controlled automatically. All that is available from Kodak now.”
However, Einhaus also is quick to point out that image quality involves much more than whether the resolution of the projection system is 2K or 4K.
“Color, uniformity, contrast, bit-depth, aspect ratio, magnification, even the ‘bleed’ from one pixel to neighboring ones – all are important,” Einhaus says. “It’s misleading to correlate overall image quality with a single metric such as resolution.”
Einhaus also emphasises, that even when dealing with the attribute of resolution, the number of pixels in the projection system is not necessarily a good predictor of what people in the theater may actually see.
“The visual acuity of movie-goers and their distance from the screen; auditorium lighting, screen size and reflectivity; projection brightness and image uniformity; the quality and resolving power of the lens; and even cleanliness of the port glass are important,” said Einhaus. “And that’s true, whether there is a 2K projector or 4K projector in the booth.”
Visit www.kodak.com/go/dcinema

Kodak Showcases Networked Digital Cinema Solution

Phil Sandberg — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:31:38 +0000

Kodak Cinema World (KCW), has installed a fully automated and networked Digital Cinema Solution in its Shanghai joint-venture multiplex. All four screens are equipped with Christie 2K digital cinema projectors and Kodak Screen Manager Servers controlled by the Kodak Theatre Management System (TMS).
Located in the heart of the bustling commercial and residential district of XuJaHui, Kodak Cinema World is a premium 4-screen, modern multiplex with state-of-the-art facilities. Demonstrating the potential efficiencies and presentation advantages of digital projection, this new digital technology will also entertain the audiences in new and exciting ways. Taking advantage of the popularity of 3D movies, KCW has also
installed the first RealD 3D Cinema System in China, with plans to upgrade other screens in the near future.
Kodak digital systems can be connected – networked – not only to communicate with other systems in the multiplex but also to control the 35mm film projectors. This allows workflows to be changed in ways that make cinema operations more efficient, content handling more automated, and the whole cinema presentation more seamless. At the heart of this fully-integrated solution is the Kodak Theatre
Management System (TMS).
“Our content management becomes more efficient with the Kodak TMS. We’re no longer required to inject content and keys to each individual screen server. In one go, we are able to do the injection through the central TMS server and the content and keys will be migrated to each individual screen server as instructed,” said Mary Min, General Manager, Kodak Cinema World. “It also allows us to operate in an automated mode, as all components are networked together and function according to the pre-set film schedules.”
“As the number of digital screens in multiplex facilities grow, cinema operators will need to consider the advantages that the total management of content offers,” said Edman Chan, Director, Sales and Market Development Digital Cinema, GCC, ASEAN and Korean Markets. “The Kodak TMS provides the industry with a perfect solution. It handles both 2D and 3D content with the capability to recognize and play JPEG or MPEG compression automatically.”
Kodak Digital Cinema Systems have been installed in 17 countries, with 42 exhibition chains on more than 250 screens in more than 140 sites. Nearly half of those installations are playing digital 3D movies on a regular basis.
Visit www.kodak.com/go/dcinema

Cinedigm Enters Phase 2 with Emagine

Phil Sandberg — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:27:39 +0000

Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. (NASDAQ: CIDM) (formerly AccessIT), has announced that Emagine Entertainment, Inc. (”Emagine”), a Michigan-based cinema chain, will participate in Cinedigm’s Phase 2 digital cinema deployment program and will be the first exhibitor to do so through self-financing. Emagine is one of Cinedigm’s first Phase 1 deployment program exhibitor partners and has been utilising their networked digital cinema systems since late 2005.
In Phase 2, Cinedigm will provide networked digital cinema systems, including Christie DLP Cinema projectors, to the ten screens at Emagine’s new Woodhaven, Michigan location. Christie Managed Services will be providing the long-term service agreement for this theatre. Under this new agreement, Emagine will become a senior lender to Cinedigm’s Phase 2 deployment subsidiary. Cinedigm’s subsidiary will make regular payments to Emagine based on an agreed-upon schedule similar to those of other long-term lenders.
“We’ve had great success with Cinedigm’s digital cinema systems. Their technology has enabled us to bring unique, cutting-edge programming to our customers. Events like the live 3-D showings of the BCS and NBA games help set Emagine apart from competitors and is the reason we want to expand our relationship with Cinedigm to our new location,” said Paul Glantz, founder of Emagine. “We’re pleased that Cinedigm has worked with us to create this self-financing option which enables us to invest further in a business that is revolutionizing the movie-going experience.”
“Emagine is breaking new ground with us, creating an innovative financing template for Cinedigm’s rollout. This trend of self-funding by theatre owners is important given the ongoing growth of the theatre industry and the current lack of financing from traditional channels. We are confident that with the help of partners like Emagine, our Phase 2 deployment will continue to progress as planned,” said Bud Mayo, chairman and CEO of Cinedigm.
“Cinedigm is pleased that our first exhibitor from our Phase 1 deployment has engaged us for Phase 2. We have valued our relationship with Emagine over the years and look forward to adding their new location to the growing number of screens contracted to our Phase 2 program for up to 10,000 digital cinema projection systems,” said Chuck Goldwater, president of Cinedigm’s Media Services Group.
Cinedigm has contracted for and completed the rollout of nearly 4000 systems in forty-one US states with exhibitors including Atlas Theatres, Allen Theatres, Carmike Cinemas, Celebration! Cinema, Cinema West, Cinetopia, Dickinson Theatres, Emagine, Galaxy Cinema, Marquee Cinemas, Krikorian Premiere Theatres, MJR Theatres, Neighborhood Cinema Group, Premiere Cinema Corp., Rave Motion Picture Theatres, Showplace Cinemas, UltraStar, and Cinedigm’s own Pavilion Digital Showcase Theatre.
Its Phase 2 plan for up to an additional 10,000 screens will provide networked, turnkey Digital Cinema systems in conformance with DCI specifications.
Visit www.Cinedigm.com

Portuguese Boost for Barco

Phil Sandberg — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:22:23 +0000

Barco has been chosen by ZON Lusomundo, the largest cinema chain in Portugal, for the deployment of 213 digital cinema systems. By the end of 2010, 28 of ZON Lusomundo’s cinema complexes will be equipped with Barco digital cinema projectors.
XDC, a leading digital cinema service company in Europe, and ZON Lusomundo have signed an exclusive agreement for the deployment of 213 full digital cinema systems in ZON Lusomundo’s theatres in Portugal. Under the terms of the agreement, XDC will exclusively install Barco’s DCI-compliant 2K digital projectors in combination with their CineStore Solo G3 D-Cinema server and a fully integrated and networked solution in each complex.
“We are very proud that Barco’s digital cinema projectors have been chosen to bring digital cinema to Portugal,” comments Alain Solomon, vice president digital cinema division. “This confirms again the outstanding quality of our digital cinema projectors and services. As more cinemas will be going digital in the future, we look forward to contributing even more to the digital cinema evolution across Europe.”
Serge Plasch, Chief Executive Officer XDC says, “We are pleased to be able to work with Barco for this deployment deal. We have a longstanding business partner history with Barco and are familiar with their digital cinema projectors. We know that Barco delivers the reliability and the service we are looking for to provide to our exhibitors.“
Luis Roboredo Mota Managing Director of ZON Lusomundo cinemas states, “We will be among the most innovative cinema operators in the world. With Barco’s digital cinema projectors, not only will we be offering our spectators even better picture quality, we will also be able to extend our programming to alternative content at all of our theatres with more recorded and live 3D shows, live satellite events such as opera, concerts, and sports. In addition, going digital will allow us to become a more efficient company, lowering our operating costs whilst at the same time generating significant improvements in customer service.”
With the DP series, Barco has developed a modular digital cinema projector platform offering a cost effective solution at everyone’s desire and for every screen size. To support its rapidly growing digital cinema installed base, Barco has launched a Certified Service Partner program to establish a worldwide support network.
Visit www.xdcinema.com, www.zon.pt and www.barco.com

Singapore’s Cathay Goes Mobile with Tickets

Phil Sandberg — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:18:47 +0000

As digital technology evolves continuously, the movie-going experience with Singapore’s Cathay Cineplexes is also fast catching up, with tech-savvy movie-goers now professing their love for movies right at their fingertips.
Marrying the movie-going experience with the digital New Media platform, mobile ticketing is the newest craze for movie-lovers who enjoy an on-the-go lifestyle and the convenience and mobility of accessing movie schedules, selecting cinema seats, and buying movie tickets on their mobile phones just about anytime and anywhere in Singapore.
A recent exclusive tie-up between Cathay Cineplexes and telecommunications company SingTel allows for all SingTel users to book and purchase Cathay Cineplex movie tickets by simply downloading an application – the SingTel Box Office - for free onto their mobile phones, including the iPhone. No data charges apply for this service if the connection is accessed via the SingTel IDEAS (WAP).
Last year, Cathay Cineplexes had partnered Starhub in offering its subscribers access to Cathay Cineplexes’ online ticketing website via the Starhub Gee! portal and purchase movie tickets through their mobile phones. Cathay Cineplexes is also collaborating with mNETS, another Singapore telco, to offer mobile ticketing services to patrons. Come September 2009, a quick and straight-forward download of the mNETS application onto the mobile phone offers users the option of selecting their preferred choice of movies and purchasing movie tickets.
Suhaimi Rafdi, Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Organisation, said, “Like the digital technology scene in Singapore, the entertainment and leisure industry here is ever-changing and dynamic. Cathay Cineplexes makes continuous and conscious efforts in keeping up with the trends of New Media, and we are confident that the various mobile ticketing platforms we offer complete the movie-going experience, especially for our tech-savvy patrons.”
www.cathay.com.sg