Variety has reported that the 1st public test of laser-driven cinema projectors will begin with the showing of GI Joe Retaliation at the AMC Theaters Burbank 16. Some excerpts from the article:
Laser projection is expected to deliver brightness of 14 foot-Lamberts even for 3D on a 65-foot-wide screen, allowing moviegoers to enjoy more vibrant colors and immersive images.This two-week test is sufficient to thoroughly test the laser projector in a real cinema environment, said Don Shaw, Christie senior director, product management. It also will provide an opportunity for “the Hollywood filmmaking community to come down and catch a glimpse of the future of cinema projection.”
Update: We received a Press Release from Christie, regarding this upcoming venture. You can read the entire Press Release from Christie, after the jump.
CYPRESS, Calif. – (March 21, 2013) – Christie®, a global leader in cinema projection, is pleased to present Paramount Pictures’ highly anticipated G.I. JOE: RETALIATION on March 28 at AMC Theatres’ (AMC) Burbank 16’s ETX theatre. Christie is joining forces with AMC using laser projection technology to project the 3D movie at brightness levels of 14 foot lamberts (ft-L) – a ‘first’ in the world of commercial cinema projection – on a 65-foot wide screen. This technology test will last for a two-week period and will be the first time that the general public will be able to enjoy compelling, immersive 3D images delivered at 2D light levels.
Paramount, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM) and Skydance Productions, in association with Hasbro®, will release G.I. JOE: RETALIATION in digital 3D theaters across the U.S. and Canada beginning March 28.
“As a leader in innovation in the movie exhibition industry, AMC Theatres continues to push the envelope, looking for new ways to improve the moviegoing experience for our guests,” said Dan Huerta, vice president, Digital Systems, AMC. “We are delighted to work with Christie to host this technical demonstration that could equate to a major advancement in movie-illumination levels.”
Mark Christiansen, EVP of World Wide Operations for Paramount Pictures said, “We fully support the advancement of cutting edge technologies to further enhance the theatrical presentation for moviegoers. Laser projection provides incredible brightness, making each film look all the greater, but its impact on 3D is startling.”
Noted Dr. Don Shaw, senior director, product management, Christie Entertainment Solutions, “Audiences will be impressed with 3D shown at 14 foot-lamberts utilizing this future technology, which is much brighter than what current technology produces on most screens. This test of our laser technology will demonstrate how spectacularly a moviemaker’s vision can be realized when shown at light levels normally only possible for 2D movies. Audiences who attend the AMC Burbank 16 during the laser demonstration will see a significant increase in the typical contrast ratio for 3D on a crystal-clear 4K projector and we’re confident that the average moviegoer will relish this new level of immersive experience.”
Christie Laser-Projection Juggernaut Gaining Speed, Building on Previous Successes
Commenting on the laser projector test, Dr. Shaw said, “This is not the first time that Christie has employed laser technology to stretch the boundaries of digital cinema projection. Last year, Christie also showed select exhibitors in Asia how 72,000 Lumens could be achieved, in a demonstration of our prototype laser projector in Beijing.
“And at IBC 2012 Amsterdam this past September, I was pleased to preface the showing of Hugo 3D – the first CPG (Cameron Pace Group) certified movie – along with noted stereographers, Demetri Portelli and Corey Turner (‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’), which was then projected using Christie’s laser-light projector prototype.”
Christie hosted its first laser projector demo for cinema industry luminaries including Douglas Trumbull, Gordon E. Sawyer Academy Award winner, at its High Frame Rate Summit held in its manufacturing and engineering headquarters in Kitchener, Ontario in April 2012.
About AMC Theatres
AMC Theatres delivers distinctive and affordable movie-going experiences in 351 theatres with 5,083 screens across the United States and Canada. The company operates 20 of the 50 highest grossing theatres in the country, including the top three. AMC has propelled industry innovation and continues today by delivering premium sight and sound, enhanced food and beverage and diverse content. http://www.AMCTheatres.com.
About Christie
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio Inc. Japan (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world’s most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit http://www.christiedigital.com.
Follow Christie at:
Facebook.com/christiedigital
Twitter.com/christiedigital
“Christie” is a trademark of Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc., registered in the United States of America and certain other countries.
Other company and product names may be trademarks or trade names of their respective owners
Shin Densetsu says
1st Public Test Of Laser Driven Cinema Projectors To Start With GI Joe Retaliation In Burbank AMC - GI Joe News
fireflyguy says
That's pretty cool. I'd like to see that. I'm planning on watching Retaliation on an IMAX in 3d.
djdmac24 says
Yep, I was planning on seeing it in Imax 3d the first time and then at least one or 2 more times in 2d and/or 3d. I think I'm gonna try 2 make it 2 this Burbank theater to see it in this new technology. Burbank is only about a half hour-45 minute drive from me. This sounds really cool, but I'm sure AMC will use this as an excuse 2 raise their prices again. They already have the highest prices of any theater, at least out here in SoCal.
Jmacq1 says
Still, it sounds like a logical step forward for the 3D medium, since it sounds like it will address one of the biggest weaknesses of the modern 3D techniques: The dulling of the color palette.
Now if AMC will just hop on getting those "clip on" 3D glasses we'll be set. I don't have any illusions that we're going to get "glasses-less" 3D in theaters anytime soon.
cobratrooperlui says
I'll be there Friday with the family watching Retaliation.
Broken Rampart says
Black7Towr says
Damn i used to live in Burbank as of 2 weeks ago. Oh well i'll see it where i'm at now.
dragon says
2d for me all he way saw movie in imax once wasnt impressed didnt see big differnce in imax version except price of ticket & bigger screen.
saw transformers revenge of fallen in middle row in nonimax version made my ears ring imax version didnt do that to me.
good artical
USAgent says
If it helps with the darkness of the screen then I'm all for it... even if it's going to cost an extra buck or two... 'Course 2 adults and a kid for 3D (mini)Imax for Oz last weekend was $40+
Saboteur says
And once again, G I Joe makes history.
Keep reading: GI Joe Retaliation - Guinea Pig For Laser-driven Cinema Projection - Page 2
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