June 2009
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2009-06-23
Tribute to Picture House projectionist, who died during screening - A MUCH-loved projectionist has died while screening a film at a Calderdale cinema
Source: Hebden Bridge Times
2009-06-23
Europe plans for digital conversion - BRUSSELS — The European Commission has unveiled three options for ways to help European cinemas convert to digital projection. A decision will be made at the end of July.
Source: Variety
2009-06-23
TI leaping into 4K fray - Texas Instruments has announced that its "next generation technology platform" for digital projection will include a 4K option, providing four times as many pixels as standard 2K projectors, and it has already lined up exhibitor Cinemark to buy its 4K tech.
Source: Variety
2009-06-23
Cinemark and Barco Sign Exclusive Partnership for the Delivery of Enhanced DLP Cinema® 4K Digital Projection - Rancho Cordova, CA, 18 June 2009 — Digital cinema pioneer Barco is proud to announce that Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), the world's second largest motion picture exhibitor, has entered into an exclusive agreement with Barco. As part of this agreement, Cinemark is also partnering with the DLP Cinema® product group from Texas Instruments (TI) (NYSE: TXN) and media server provider Doremi to secure the industry's best-in-class and brightest digital cinema solution. This group of partners, representing more than 100 years in combined cinema expertise, will employ the full spectrum of Barco's upcoming new family of enhanced DLP Cinema next generation 4K projectors.
Source: Barco Press Release
2009-06-23
Opening night for York’s revamped Odeon cinema in Blossom Street - LAST-MINUTE finishing touches were today being put to York’s revamped Odeon cinema as it prepares to unveil its new look.
Source: The Press
2009-06-23
Cinemark Plans To Install 4K Digital Cinema Projection Across The Circuit - PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK - News), the world’s second largest motion picture exhibitor, today announced that it has partnered with digital cinema pioneer Barco, DLP Cinema technology provider Texas Instruments and media server provider Doremi to install the industry’s biggest & brightest 4K digital cinema solution in more than 3,000 screens. The agreement also includes plans for Cinemark’s international locations in Latin America, which would bring the overall deployment to more than 4,600 screens.
Source: Yahoo
2009-06-23
Picture House gets a facelift - The Picture House on Bridge Street is being spruced up by owners JD Wetherspoon.
Source: Express and Star
2009-06-23
CineExpo: The Third Degree - The Princess Quay cinemas, which sit atop a scenic tri-level shopping complex in the Northern England town of Kingston Upon Hull, regularly play the hottest Hollywood movies -- but their projectionists have never run a single foot of film through the sprockets of a projector.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
2009-06-23
Lib Dems respond to latest cinema claims - Local Liberal Democrat councillors have met for a second time with the UK’s largest independent cinema operators to discuss the historic former EMD building in Walthamstow – on the same day that the Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration appeared to dash resident’s hopes that the venue would ever be restored as a cinema.
Source: Waltham Forest Lib Dems
2009-06-23
Christie sets 4K upgrade for next year - A day after DLP Cinema said it would make 4K chips available to digital-cinema vendors in 2010, Christie Digital confirmed Thursday that it will have 4K projectors on the market by the end of next year
Source: THR
2009-06-23
Barco showcases high brightness 3D projection at Cinema Expo - Recognizing the enormous appeal of 3D cinema to theater owners and moviegoers, digital cinema pioneer Barco will showcase the industry's brightest projectors at Cinema Expo International, Amsterdam.
Source: DCinema Today
2009-06-23
Exploiting the Imax premium - With 374 screens globally, Imax Corp holds a strong position in the premium cinema market. While historically screening in the 3D format (mainly educational or nature presentations), the growth in narrative 3D features in the schedules has seen the format become an increasingly important part of Imax’s business model.
Source: Screendaily
2009-06-23
Cinemark and Barco Sign Exclusive Partnership for the Delivery of Enhanced DLP Cinema® 4K Digital Projection - Digital cinema pioneer Barco is proud to announce that Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), the world's second largest motion picture exhibitor, has entered into an exclusive agreement with Barco. As part of this agreement, Cinemark is also partnering with the DLP Cinema® product group from Texas Instruments (TI) (NYSE: TXN) and media server provider Doremi to secure the industry's best-in-class and brightest digital cinema solution. This group of partners, representing more than 100 years in combined cinema expertise, will employ the full spectrum of Barco's upcoming new family of enhanced DLP Cinema next generation 4K projectors.
Source: DCinema Today
2009-06-23
Harry Atkins, who saw original opening of the Odeon cinema in York, is VIP guest at Reel relaunch - WHEN York’s Odeon cinema was opened back in 1937, schoolboy Harry Atkins stood on the pavement across Blossom Street and watched the glittering ceremony unfold.
Source: The Press
2009-06-23
Doremi Cinema to Build 4K Integrated Media Block for DLP Cinema® Next Generation Electronic Platform - BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Industry leader Doremi Cinema announced today it will repackage its current 4K server technology into a 4K integrated media block (IMB) for DLP Cinema® next generation electronics. This will secure a full solution for Texas Instruments’ and their OEM’s upcoming 2K and 4K projectors.
Source: Businesswire
2009-06-23
German Film Board moves on d-cinema - COLOGNE, Germany -- The German Film Board (FFA) has pledged up to €40 million ($56 million) over the next five years to help convert German cinemas to digital technology.
Source: THR
2009-06-23
Call for 3D Olympics screenings - Digital technology could enable the 2012 Olympics to be shown in 3D in cinemas across the UK, former film producer Lord Puttnam has said.
Source: BBC News
2009-06-23
Imax signs deal with Odeon & UCI Cinemas Group - NEW YORK (AP) - Imax Corp. said Monday that it signed a deal with European exhibitor Odeon & UCI Cinemas Group to install one of its digital projection systems in the Gateshead complex in Northeast England. [More information on this story can be found at Google News
Source: MSN
2009-06-23
Recalling a golden era for the silver screen - CINEMA-lovers with fond memories of Worcester’s oldest working silver screen are being asked to share their experiences ahead of a gala event marking its 60th anniversary.
Source: Berrows Journal
2009-06-23
Talks to begin over development - Plans for a multi-screen cinema, restaurants and new shops are being discussed later as part of a scheme to transform Hereford.
Source: BBC News
2009-06-23
The cinema snack that gives you the snap, crackle and pop - Popcorn boosts sexual performance and sperm count, claims men's magazine
Source: The Guardian
2009-06-23
Cineworld relaunches learning and development scheme - Cineworld cinemas has rebranded its learning and development function to encourage staff to recognise and appreciate career advancement at the firm.
Source: HR Magazine
2009-06-23
Barco to further strengthen technology leadership in digital cinema - Barco is pleased to announce a new range of DLP Cinema® based digital cinema projectors. From next year onwards the company will market a full range of 2K and 4K-ready projectors, meeting the needs of small and large screen theater owners at the lowest cost of ownership. Last week Cinemark Holdings, Inc. and Barco already announced an exclusive partnership, closing the first deal ever for enhanced DLP Cinema® 4K digital projectors, reconfirming Barco's pioneering position in the digital cinema market.
Source: DCinema Today
2009-06-23
RealD Releases Install Numbers - Los Angeles-based RealD, a developer of 3D movie projection equipment, has released its latest install numbers, saying over the weekend that it now has over 8,700 screens contracted, and over 3,200 screens installed with its technology. In addition, the firm said it saw 400% growth in Europe in the first half of the year. RealD makes 3D projection equipment which attached to digital cinema hardware to project the recent crop of new, 3D movies. The firm attributed the growth in Europe to new deals in France, Germany, Austria, and Ireland. The firm now has 2,000 screens under contract and over 750 screens installed in Europe, the firm said. RealD said that there are over 40 films currently slated for released on RealD 3D.
Source: SocalTech
2009-06-18
Council chiefs support cinema project - AMBITIOUS plans for a state-of-the-art cinema in Newquay have taken a giant leap forwards, after town council chiefs gave the project their support.
Source: This is Plymouth
2009-06-18
A cinema for Crystal Palace? - Residents campaigning for a cinema to help regenerate the Crystal Place Triangle got a boost this week when independent cinema chain City Screen confirmed it was interested in opening a cinema in the area.
Source: Your local guardian
2009-06-18
Cinema fate still undecided - After months of public debate, the future of the heritage-listed Chelsea cinema is still uncertain.
Source: ABC
2009-06-18
IMAX Signs Theatre Deal With Big Cinemas in India - IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX TSX: IMX) and BIG Cinemas, a division of Adlabs Films Ltd, a Reliance ADA Group company and Indias largest entertainment conglomerate, today announced an agreement to install IMAXs new digital projection system in BIG Cinemas flagship IMAX(R) theatre in the heart of Mumbai. The installation is scheduled to be completed in July 2009, and will mark the first digital IMAX location in India.
Source: PR News Wire
2009-06-18
Yorks revamped Odeon cinema all ready to reopen on Friday - YORK’S revamped Odeon cinema will unveil its new look on Friday – bringing an end to a three-year wait for the city centre picturehouse to reopen.
Source: The Press
2009-06-18
Film fans take a look at new cinema plans - DETAILED plans for a state-of-the-art cinema in Newquay have been revealed to the public.
Source: This is Cornwall
2009-06-18
Tributes after projectionist dies during Hebden Bridge Picture House screening - A MUCH-loved projectionist has died while screening a film at a Calderdale cinema.
Source: Halifax Courier
2009-06-18
Crystal Palace Gala Bingo site to become evangelical church not cinema - Dreams of the silver screen coming to Crystal Palace have been dealt a blow.
Source: Croydon Guardian
2009-06-18
SmartJog strikes digital server deal with Europalaces - French cinema chain Europalaces, which owns Gaumont and Pathe cinemas, has struck a deal to use SmartJog Digital Cinema Central Library Servers.
Source: Screen Daily
2009-06-18
Doremi Digitises French Cinema Chains - Doremi Cinema will equip a total of 130 individual cinema screens with digital servers, the company has announced
Source: Digital Production Me
2009-06-18
NFB and Shorefast Announce E-Cinema On the Rock - The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) and the Shorefast Foundation will establish Newfoundland
Source: Media Caster Magazine
2009-06-16
3D Screens Now Number Over 5,000 Worldwide - New DIGDIA report examines the why, how and opportunities of Digital 3D Entertainment from the theater to the home.
Source: PRWEB
2009-06-16
Thieves and vandals 'take over' cinema - DONCASTER'S historic Odeon cinema has been destroyed by thieves and vandals who have taken over the derelict building, a cafe owner has claimed.
Source: Doncaster Freepress
2009-06-16
Chelsea cinema offered lifeline - The South Australian Government has offered $25,000 to help keep the Chelsea cinema in public hands.
Source: ABC.NET
2009-06-16
Cinergy Cinemas opens in copperas Cove - Truly a grand opening, Cinergy Cinemas pulled out all the stops Saturday for its official grand-opening party.
Source: KDH News
2009-06-16
Movie royalty: Cinema Expo crowns U.K.'s Odeon & UCI Cinemas - Like most royalty, Cinema Expo International Exhibitor of the Year Award honoree Odeon & UCI Cinemas Group—Europe’s leading circuit—has a fine pedigree and rich history. Founded in 1930 by Oscar Deutsch, then acquired by the J Arthur Rank film production and distribution entity in 1941, the original Odeon remained with The Rank Organisation for 58 years more.
Source: Film Journal
2009-06-16
Lovefilm to sell? Netflix in the frame - It looks like Amazon, which now owns just under a third of Lovefilm in the UK (and merged it with its UK and German DVD rental businesses last year), and the remaining shareholders consisting of Arts Alliance Media, Index Ventures, Balderton Capital, DFJ Esprit and company management all want a “liquidity event”. In others words, they probably want to sell LoveFilm. It’s clear Netflix in the US would be a natural fit, as hinted in the FT.
Source: Techcrunch
2009-06-13
Odeons £500,000 revamp to wow film fans - EXETER’S Odeon cinema has completed a major £500,000 revamp.
Source: This is Exeter
2009-06-13
Cineworld install Xen kiosks nationwide - Cinema giant, Cineworld have rolled out Protouch’s award-winning Xen X5 and Xen X4 across a selection of its cinemas nationwide
Source: Protouchblog [blog]
2009-06-13
A Bright Picture - New York’s Ziegfeld Theatre has upgraded its 3D capabilities with the installation of the new NEC NC2500S-A digital cinema projector. As Hollywood studios begin requiring a higher level of brightness for 3D movie releases, NEC says it is the only provider to offer all pre-existing customers this new feature in their current models with a simple upgrade. The upgrade was made in time for the opening of Disney’s latest 3D release Up.
Source: Digital Cinema Report
2009-06-13
London Calling - London’s Empire Leicester Square has become Europe’s first auditorium to utilize the new Dolby 3D Digital Cinema large screen system. The Empire installed the Dolby 3D system in time for the United Kingdom premiere of Walt Disney Pictures’ Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience. The movie premiered in front of an invited audience of more than 1,300 guests. With its 20-meter screen, the Empire boasts one of the largest screens in the country.
Source: Digital Cinema Report
2009-06-13
Raising the Stakes - Regal Entertainment Group, the largest motion picture exhibitor in the world, has announced an agreement to install Sony 4K digital projection systems across Regal’s entire circuit over the next three to five years, which – when completed – would create the most extensive 4K deployment in the world. Like it or not, this is one of the biggest developments to date in the short history of digital cinema. This announcement did not happen in a vacuum there are underlying issues that helped drive this agreement, among them the current state of the global economy. One thing is certain: the competition in this business has heated up and the Regal-Sony announcement has significantly raised the stakes in the ongoing digital cinema roll out.
Source: Digital Cinema Report
2009-06-13
First-Ever LIVE Virtual Nationwide Theatrical Premiere Hosted by Cinedigm - Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. (NASDAQ: CIDM) announced today that it will host the first-ever, live virtual Q&A between a film cast and theatre audiences nationwide as a part of the June 19, 2009 opening night of the feature film “The Narrows.”
Source: DCinema Today
2009-06-13
Seacoast community wants to take the Ioka theater into the future - EXETER — With a dancing digital universe as backdrop, Marc Murai, co-campaign manager for the SaveTheIoka.com, introduced himself on Sunday, May 31 to the dozen members of the third focus group. They came inside on a beautiful spring day to learn more about the efforts to save the theater and to share ideas on what it should become.
Source: Sea Coast Online
2009-06-13
ITV sells Carlton Screen Advertisings Irish operation - LONDON - Carlton Screen Advertisings Ireland operation has been sold to Irish media executive Dermot Hanrahan for an undisclosed sum, following an 18-month disposal programme.
Source: Media Week
2009-06-13
The Seven IMAX Wonders of the World - Far from your local cineplexs marginally enhanced "IMAX Experience," these seven theatres are the best, the biggest, and the craziest thunderdomes IMAX has to offer.
Source: Gizmodo
2009-06-13
Jaggers cinema plea - Sir Mick Jagger has joined a campaign to save a historic building which is facing closure in London.
Source: Yahoo
2009-06-13
Where are the UKs best cinemas? - We need your help to find the best picturehouses across the nation in which to experience movie magic
Source: Guardian
2009-06-13
3D vision seen paying off for entertainment firms - LONDON (Reuters) - Digital 3D looks set to be a key revenue earner for businesses from cinema chains to software developers as companies bank on the fast-improving format ushering in a new age of entertainment.
Source: Reuters
2009-06-13
Jagger backs saving Stones venue - Sir Mick Jagger has backed a campaign to save a historic cinema where the Rolling Stones played in the 1960s
Source: BBC News
2009-06-13
Kinoton Expands D-Cinema Customer Support - As recently announced, Kinoton will soon be present with D-Cinema systems in more than 25 countries. Kinoton’s success in the Digital Cinema market is accompanied with a rising demand of professional service and support concerning the new D-Cinema technology. Therefore the German cinema technology manufacturer has further improved its comprehensive support concept for D-Cinema customers.
Source: DCinema Today
2009-06-13
Minister calls in plans for Odeon - CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after culture minister Mike Russell ordered an inquiry into plans to demolish a historic cinema.
Source: Scotsman
2009-06-13
Christie supports independent theatres converting to digital - Leading digital-cinema projection company Christie announced initiatives to help independent theatres gain the full benefits of digital and 3D cinema. In conjunction with its authorized digital-cinema resellers, Christie has developed customizable programs that provide marketing and sales support, technical advice and expertise, maintain spare parts inventory, and deliver a streamlined RMA process to resolve issues quickly and speed up the advanced warranty replacement process.
Source: Film Journal
2009-06-13
Carmike Cinemas Appoints Current Chairman, S. David Passman III, President and Chief Executive Officer - Carmike Cinemas, Inc. (NASDAQ: CKEC - News), a leading digital cinema and 3D motion picture exhibitor, today announced that effective immediately, S. David Passman III, the Company’s Chairman of the Board, has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer and that current Board member, Roland C. Smith, will succeed Mr. Passman as Carmike’s Chairman of the Board. Fred Van Noy remains with Carmike as Chief Operating Officer and Richard B. Hare continues as Chief Financial Officer.
Source: Yahoo
2009-06-13
Barco to Supply 80 Projectors to Cap Cinema - 80 2k DLP projectors will be installed at Cap Cinemas across France, part of a move to bolster growth. Though there were no financial details divulged although with the average cost of one Barco projector pegged at $63,830, you can more or less get an idea of how much the whole deal would cost.
Source: Cybertheater
2009-06-13
Facelifted Odeon cinema in Blossom Street to show Transformers 2 on June 19 opening day - YORK’S former Odeon cinema looks set to reopen on Friday, June 19, with a premiere screening of one of the summer’s blockbuster movies, Transformers 2.
Source: The Press
2009-06-13
Cinema club gets thumbs up from residents - A SURVEY into a possible cinema club in Barnard Castle has returned encouraging results.
Source: The Northern Echo
2009-06-13
Showtime for the film pirates - Just before the opening credits roll at an early UK screening of Mamma Mia in a quiet provincial cinema, there is some fumbling with a small camera in the auditorium followed by total silence.
Source: FT
2009-06-13
Businessman fails in bid for new town cinema - A SURREY entrepreneur who planned to set up an independent cinema in Guildford town centre has failed in his bid to secure the premises.
Source: Get Surrey
2009-06-13
Osram raises bar on LED performance for projection apps - Sunnyvale, CA, June 3, 2009 — OSRAM Opto Semiconductors has expanded its LED portfolio for the projection market with two new LEDs, OSTAR Compact and OSTAR Power Projection. OSTAR Compact is designed for small, efficient systems in cell phones, PDAs and MP4 players. OSTAR Power Projection is targeted at high-performance projection applications such as home cinema systems with displays of 70 inches and more. OSRAM’s LED portfolio now provides full coverage of the projection system range from 1 W all the way up to 300 W
Source: EETimes
2009-06-13
Cinemeccanica and Barco Take Leading Role in French Digital Cinema Roll-Out - Cinemeccanica and digital cinema pioneer Barco are proud to announce a milestone contract with French exhibitor Cap Cinéma. Under the terms of the agreement, both companies will install eighty 2K DLP digital projectors in Cap Cinéma theaters across France.
Source: DCinema Today
2009-06-13
The Empire, London, UK, Premieres Jonas Brothers in 3D with Barco - Barco, a global leader in digital cinema projection technology, is proud to announce that Empire cinemas have chosen Barcos digital cinema projectors for their Premier screen in The Empire, Leicester Square, one of the most prestigious theatres in London. The Empire is the first venue in Europe with the new Dolby 3D large screen solution utilizing Barco digital cinema projectors.
Source: DCinema Today
2009-06-13
IMAX launches US$70.1-million share offering - Giant-screen movie theater company IMAX Corp. said its public offering of 9.8 million common shares has been priced at US$7.15 a share, with gross proceeds expected to be US$70.1-million.
Source: Financial Post
2009-06-13
HDMI spec updated to 1.4, adds unwanted complexity - The group that defines the HDMI connection specification has hammered out a 1.4 update, and will publish the spec next month. It brings welcome future-proofing to video resolution handling, but the number of possible cables and connectors is starting to proliferate.
Source: Arstechnica.com
2009-06-13
Calling all digital projectionists….. - Calling all digital projectionists…..
Since the installation of digital projection equipment many cinemas have been experimenting with various forms of Alternative Content and what is now becoming known as Live Cinema, generally using satellite feeds to provide the content. These systems have so far been assembled on a rather ad-hoc basis, with varying degrees of success and a frequently a fair bit of stress for the projection teams.
It has become obvious that there is a need to provide common guidelines as to what equipment should be used and how it should be put together, so as to enable projection teams to put on the best possible digital show with the least possible hassle.
To help to establish such guidelines, the UK Digital TV Group has set up a sub work group on Live Cinema, which is Chaired by Peter Wilson of HDDC Ltd., who is a BKSTS member and well known to Cinema Technology magazine readers. Work started in December 2008 to study live content delivery to Cinemas, and the group is taking input from all parties, including Producers, Distributors, Exhibitors, system Integrators, Satellite service operators etc.
The output from the group will not be official standards (it is expected that many existing technical standards for digital cinema will also cover Alternative content and Live Cinema), but practical reference documents providing recommended practices. The early meetings of the group have had presentations from Odeon and Arts Alliance , from Arqiva and the Audio study group, and the first study group that was set up is looking at audio for Live Cinema. New study groups have been established for Ingest & Communications, led by Arqiva, and for Hardware Integration, led by Arts Alliance.
Since projectionists have an absolutely key role to play in Live Cinema, their practical experiences will be extremely valuable to the study group, so Peter Wilson is inviting all projectionists with some experience of digital projection and alternative content to let him know of their most important concerns regarding such shows. It would be helpful to have details of any problems that have been encountered during ‘Live’ and ‘Alternative Content’ performances, of the possible reasons for these, and of the ways in which they were overcome. Any suggestions for improving current practices or introducing new ways of working that might be useful to others in the business will be gratefully received and acknowledged.
If you can help, please contact Jim Slater
Source: Press Release
2009-06-13
Dual projection techniques make the best of 3D - The 3D revolution might be here, but not all film experiences are created equal. The process used to shoot and project a 3D movie can mean the difference between just a bit of added depth or total cinematic immersion.
Source: Freep
2009-06-13
Jarvis Cocker opposes ugly Hoxton cinema plans - Jarvis Cocker has reacted furiously towards plans to build a cinema and office complex next to his east London house.
Source: NME
2009-06-13
Should Imax tell moviegoers the size of its screens? - As you may remember from our recent coverage, "Parks and Recreation" costar Aziz Ansari caused a huge flap when he put up an outraged post on his blog excoriating Imax after he went to see "Star Trek" at the Imax Experience at the AMC complex in Burbank -- and discovered the supposedly giant Imax screen was barely any bigger than an average-sized theater screen. Feeling ripped off (after all, hed paid an extra $5), he blasted Imax for "duping" its customers and "whoring out their brand name." Whats worse, everyone in the blogosphere picked up the story, adding snarky touches of their own, resulting in a full-bore PR disaster for the company.
Source: LA Times Blog
2009-06-13
New group to examine future for cinema projection - Cinema representatives have formed a working group to examine the future for cinema projection.
Source: BECTU
2009-06-13
beware phony IMAX screens - I’ve been telling my friends in New York City for months now: Don’t pay extra for any IMAX showings unless it’s at the AMC Lincoln Square, which is the only genuine IMAX screen in NYC. Even the one at the American Museum of Natural History -- which shows only nature documentaries, not blockbuster flicks -- is retrofitted from what was clearly not even originally a movie theater, just an auditorium.
Source: Flick Filosopher [Blog]
2009-06-13
Red Bridge will reopen as an art house movie theater - The Fine Arts Theatre Group — independent movie exhibitors who operate the Glenwood Arts, Rio and Leawood theaters in Johnson County — have acquired the former Red Bridge 4 Cinema at Red Bridge Road and Holmes.
Source: Kansas City
2009-06-13
Former cinema faces demolition after fire - A HISTORIC former cinema in Glasgow is facing demolition after fire ripped through it in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Source: Scotsman
2009-06-13
Cinema ordered to pay $10K in damages for search - A Quebec court has ordered a cinema to pay $10,000 in damages after staff searched patrons bags and turned up smuggled snacks and birth control pills -- and in the process violated their privacy rights.
Source: CTV
2009-06-13
DTS Digital Cinema and Qube Cinema Form Strategic Sales and Marketing Alliance - DTS Digital Cinema and Qube Cinema have announced a co-branding strategic alliance to develop and market numerous digital cinema products including a digital cinema server, a theatre management system, an enhanced digital cinema mastering solution and other allied products. The alliance will bring together the best of both companies’ strengths to form a strong commercial and technology presence in the digital cinema marketplace.
Source: DPKARANS [Blog]
2009-06-13
Empire Leicester Square is Europe’s First Theatre with Dolby 3D for Large Screens - Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: DLB), announced today that the Empire Leicester Square has become Europe’s first auditorium to utilize the new Dolby® 3D Digital Cinema large screen solution. The Empire installed the Dolby 3D system in time for the United Kingdom premiere of Walt Disney Pictures’ Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience. The movie will premiere in front of an invited audience of more than 1,300 guests.
Source: Business Wire
2009-06-13
Bradford named UNESCO City of Film - The northern English city of Bradford has scored a global first by being named the first ever United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization City of Film.
Source: THR
2009-06-13
Cinemeccanica & Barco expand D-Cinema roll-out in France - Cinemeccanica and Barco have signed another digital cinema deployment deal in France. Both companies have signed a contract with Cinéville for the installation of thirty Barco 2K digital cinema projectors in five multiplexes.
Source: Business of Cinema
2009-06-13
Empire Leicester Square installs large-screen Dolby 3D system - The Empire Leicester Square in London has become Europes first auditorium to utilize the new Dolby 3D Digital Cinema large-screen solution. The Empire installed the Dolby 3D system in time for the United Kingdom premiere of Walt Disney Pictures Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience. The movie will premiere in front of an invited audience of more than 1,300 guests.
Source: Film Journal
2009-06-13
Cinemagoing continues to rise - Cinema admissions are continuing to climb with a year-on-year increase of 41% for April on the previous year, according to latest Cinema Advertising Association figures (CAA).
Source: Mad
2009-06-13
Cinema audiences boom as people look to escape recession - Cinema audiences have jumped this year, as consumers flock to watch comedies and teenage fare to escape the recession, according to industry figures.
Source: Daily Telegraph
2009-06-13
Leading cinema ad firms consider merger - A potential merger between National CineMedia and Screenvision, which together have control over most of the ads seen in movie theaters, could have antitrust implications, according to this article. "I'm not sure that [a combination] is possible from an antitrust perspective," said Lazard Capital Markets analyst Barton Crockett. "It would affect some advertisers, studios and independent theater chains that like to play those two [companies] against each other." USA TODAY (05/26)
Source: Smartbrief
2009-06-13
BIG Cinemas to open 1000 seater multiplex in Chicago - BIG Cinemas, the film exhibition division of Adlabs Films Limited, is opening its first branded cinema property in the US with a five screen multiplex and one premium lounge.
Source: Aindianews
2009-06-13
NEC NC2500S-A Digital Cinema Projector - NEC is no stranger when it comes to projectors, and heres their latest effort - the NEC NC2500S-A digital cinema projector that targets extremely high end markets, featuring a new technical enhancement within that enables 3D content to utilize the full 2K resolution of the 1.2” DMD from Texas Instruments courtesy of its triple flash technology for smooth motion. With the NC2500S-A, you will get a 33% increase in resolution and brightness when placed side by side with previous generations, offering a much more comprehensive viewing experience for moviegoers. Folks operating their own cinemas might be interested in an upgrade or purchase with the NEC NC2500S-A projector.
Source: Ubergizmo [blog]
2009-06-13
XpanD and Yelmo Cines Strengthen Spain’s 3D Marketplace With Major Expansion of 3D Cinema Chains - XpanD, a worldwide authority in 3D cinemas and technology platforms, announced today their collaborative venture with Yelmo Cines, one of Spain’s largest cinema chains and the country’s second largest programmer, in conjunction with Suministros Kelonik, Spain’s leading equipment installer. Considered distinctive trendsetters that deliver quality and cutting-edge cinema technologies, Yelmo Cines will heighten their movie-going experience with plans to add several unique 3D theatres in the coming year.
Source: DCinema Today
2009-06-13
IMAX Claims 98% Of Moviegoers Don’t Notice The Difference… Yeah, Right! - Over the last couple weeks we’ve been reporting on the internet uproar over IMAX’s new digital theaters. To recap: IMAX has been retrofitting traditional movie theaters, moving the screen up a few rows, installing improved sound systems, but the result is nothing near that of a traditional 70mm IMAX theater. The screen size is tiny in comparison (see image above). In fact, the two 2K-resolution Christie projector set-up is said to not look anywhere as good as the Sony 4K digital projectors which are now being installed in normal AMC and Regal theaters nationwide.
Source: Digital Cinematography
2009-06-13
Imax Seeks to Repair Blog Complaint Damage - Imax Corp. worked hard Wednesday to repair the damage done a day earlier by "Parks and Recreation" co-star Aziz Ansari when he complained he paid $5 more to see "Star Trek" on an Imax/AMC screen barely bigger than a existing 35mm screen.
Source: Digital Cinematography
2009-06-13
Cinema Expo nod to Odeon/UCI - Odeon and UCI Cinemas Group will be honored as international exhibitor of the year at Cinema Expo 2009.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
2009-06-13
3D vision seen paying off - Digital 3D looks set to be a key revenue earner for businesses from cinema chains to software developers as companies bank on the fast-improving format ushering in a new age of entertainment.
Source: TVNZ
2009-06-13
Imax Customers Testing Imax-Like Theater Concepts >IMAX - -If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Imax Corp. (IMAX) should feel sincerely flattered.
Source: WSJ
2009-06-13
Disney Promotes 3D with Inflatable Theater - To raise awareness of the format and the studio’s upcoming stereoscopic release “A Christmas Carol,” Disney has put together a 40-city promotional tour that will travel by train.
Source: Digital Cinematography
2009-06-13
Wholl Pay for 3-D glasses? - Exhibitors, studios squabble over who should foot the bill.
Source: Digital Cinematography
2009-06-13
Access Integrated Technologies Q4 loss widens - Quick Facts - Access Integrated Technologies, now doing business as Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. (CIDM: News ), reported that its fourth quarter Net loss attributable to shareholders was $11.24 million or $0.43 per share, compared to a loss of $9.40 million or $0.34 per share in the same quarter of last year.
Source: RTT News
2009-06-13
Interworld Digital to raise $10 million; digitise 300 theatres - Interworld Digital will be raising a sum of approximately $10 million from GDR/ADR/QIP. The company plans to increase its presence in the digital cinema and mobile communications space
Source: Business of Cinema
2009-06-13
Wizard of Oz Ultimate edition coming to Blu-ray, Warner claims its a benchmark release - Cinema classic The Wizard of Oz will make its debut in hi-def on Blu-ray September 29th, marking its 70th anniversary. The movie has been freshly remastered, with the original Technicolor camera negatives scanned at 8K resolution, and then edited to 4K for BD mastering at 2K. The soundtrack has also been reworked, and will be presented in multichannel Dolby TrueHD. Warner is heralding the release as a benchmark in the history of the Blu-ray format.
Source: Homechoice
2009-06-13
Sundance Kabuki Cinemas Installs Dolby 3D Digital Cinema - Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: DLB) today announced that the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas in San Francisco installed Dolby® 3D Digital Cinema in its 160-seat auditorium four in time for Disney/Pixar’s Up opening on May 29.
Source: DCinema Today
2009-06-13
3D Digital Cinema - Without doubt 3D cinema has made a big comeback, thanks in a large part to the growth of Digital Cinema. As a leader in D-Cinema, Christie has a keen interest in making that viewing experience even better for the audience.
Source: AV Interactive
2009-06-13
Cameras roll on cinema auction - The three leading cinema chains in the UK – Odeon, Cineworld and Vue – which control almost three-quarters of the market, have all submitted first round bids for some of the 21 UK cinemas put up for sale by Sumner Redstone, the US media magnate.
Source: FT
2009-06-13
Touchscreen specialist, Protouch has rolled out its Xen X5 and X4 kiosks into five sites of Cineworld, the 2nd largest multiplex cinema chain in the UK. - The kiosks have been installed as part of a programme for visitors who wish to join a membership scheme allowing them to watch unlimited movies.
Source: New Electronics
2009-06-13
Cineworld releases online recruitment solution - Cineworld, one of the UK’s largest cinema operators – has launched a new online recruitment system to improve the way the business manages its high-volume cinema recruitment.
Source: Personnel Today
2009-06-13
Christie Remains at the Forefront of the Digital Frontier - Christie, a global leader in visual solutions for entertainment, business and industry, continues to demonstrate its commitment to helping independent theatres reap the full benefits of digital and 3D cinema. In conjunction with its authorized Digital Cinema resellers, Christie has developed more customizable programs that provide marketing and sales support, technical advice and expertise, maintain spare parts inventory, and deliver a streamlined RMA process which resolves issues quickly and speeds up the advanced warranty replacement process. These critical issues are often stumbling blocks for independent theatres that want to go digital.
Source: DCineema Today
