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New Orleans' Prytania rises up to 3D
Outside of the frozen food section at the supermarket, nothing beats the summer heat quite like a cool (or downright cold) movie theater, and the recently Sony/RealD 4k-equipped Prytania theater in New Orleans just added 3D capabilities to entice viewers some more. No surprise -- Disney's summer blockbuster, Up, was the first talkie to make the leap off the silver screen at the newly outfitted venue, and we suspect that The Prytania -- the only theater in N'awlins to have Up in 3D -- raked in a healthy crowd for its investment. We love to see storied theaters keep up with the times, and this almost 95-year old movie house is no exception.[Thanks, gamedude360!]
Live theater returns to British TV on Sky Arts 1 HD
Moving one step beyond the opera broadcasts suddenly so popular recently, British television is getting its first live drama in two decades this July on Sky Arts 1 HD. Six authors have contributed 30-minute plays that will broadcast every Wednesday starting July 8 in front of a 140 person live audience. Viewers at home will apparently be allowed in on the post-show commentary sections, with HDTV providing a helping hand to more than one area of the arts we won't be surprised if Sky Arts Theatre Live! is yet another success.
To Samsung, "vidification" means a theater experience everywhere
Samsung seems very optimistic for a CE company in these economic times, but the way we heard VP Scott Birnbaum tell it, it couldn't be in a better place to help customers "vidify" with loads of theater-experience when & where you want it hardware. Emphasizing a focus on LCDs, that means matching expected customer desires with a push to 16:9 on devices from TVs to laptops. We're not ones for slick buzzwords, but the results speak from themselves, from speedy Netflix streaming Blu-ray players, to the latest round of HDTVs with widgets (great), edge lit LED lighting (good) and 240Hz (we're not convinced yet) technology, and the outer edge of products like the Omnia HD HDMI packing celly. If Samsung's not giving the people what they want, it's certainly trying, peep the full PR after the break and see how close to the mark it is.
JBL rolls out new ScreenArray speakers to cinemas, mansions
If you personally own a cineplex, or just a really big home theater, you've no doubt discovered that filling large spaces with high SPLs takes a lot of power. Conventional "cones in a box" just aren't very efficient, which is why so many large venues use horn-loaded drivers; and it's also where JBL's new ScreenArray series of digital cinema loudspeakers fit in. The 4732, 3732, 3731, 4722 and 3722 models each feature the new 3-inch high-frequency compression driver that's also been goosed to blast through perforated screens with the treble intact, and they're also all available in amplified and passive flavors. Our local theater isn't exactly rolling in cash right now for this kind of purchase, but then again, there's nothing crappy sound coming from a blown driver to make us blacklist a theater once and for all.
Next-gen DLP Cinema platform makes room for live 3D broadcasting
Surely you knew that you'd eventually hear "DLP" and "3D" in the same sentence, right? Over at ShoWest this week, Texas Instruments is announcing plans for its next-generation DLP Cinema electronics platform. Generally speaking, this wouldn't be all that exciting, but this one's different. Aside from letting us know that DLP Cinema projectors will be deployed by Christie, Barco and NEC at commercial theaters around the world starting in 2010, we're also told that it will feature "increased bandwidth to integrate alternative content to incorporate live 3D broadcasting." Yep, that NAB demonstration and this year's NBA All-Star weekend were just the beginning.
AMC adding upwards of 1,500 3D screens in North America
Remember when seeing a movie was simple? You just strolled in, paid one low price for a ticket, and you saw the flick. No worrying over which theaters had 4K projectors, which had DTS sound or which had 3D support. As cinemas across the nation continue to leap on the three-dee bandwagon, RealD and AMC Entertainment has just linked up in order to bring up to 1,500 3D screens across Canada and the US. We're told that the rollout is already underway, with more and more screens getting equipped each month. All told, this will bring RealD's 3D network to nearly 8,000 total committed screens worldwide with approximately 2,600 RealD 3D screens installed today. Excited? No?
Poll: Have you seen a movie in 3D?
Considering that we just gave away 25 pairs of tickets to a 3D screening, we're expecting some serious responses to this one. With 3D doing its best to come storming back into relevancy, we've seen studio after studio commit to pumping out flicks in 3D. All the while, cinemas have been transitioning just as quickly, giving viewers the option to catch new films in 3D so long as they're kosher with rockin' the shades. So, have you checked out a theater screening in 3D? How was it? Do you plan to go again? Avoid 3D at all costs? %Poll-27376%
Cinedigm, Sony link up to bring 3D HD to 10,000 cinema projectors
For those of you that enjoyed the NBA All-Star circus in 3D this weekend, you'll soon be able to indulge in similar events in far more places. Cinedigm has announced today a partnership with Sony Pictures Releasing Corporation that will bring Live 3D HD capabilities to upwards of 10,000 digital cinema projection system across the US. Make no mistake -- companies can force consumers to pay attention if enough money and marketing is poured into something, and we get the feeling that these 3D events in cinemas aren't going away anytime soon. In fact, Cinedigm ultimately hopes to showcase spectacles such as the Super Bowl and the Olympic Games via its 3D HD technology, and with support like this, we don't see any reason why it won't be able to.
Metropolitan Opera makes its HD productions free to select K-12 schools
You just know that if times are tough for consumer electronics, they're really bleak for public schools. With that in mind, we're calling out the bright spot that is The Metropolitan Opera's "HD Live in Schools" program that since January 10th has been making its movie theater productions (in HD, naturally) of Met performances free to students, parents and teachers across 18 schools in 13 states. Better still, The Met plans on expanding the program to 180 schools across the US. Now we know that it's not every K-12 schooler that will appreciate opera, but the opportunity to take in some premium HD content for free is pretty sweet if you ask us; any students that get turned on to HD, opera or music in general are bonus. If nothing else, this has got to beat writing a report on what makes the A-B-B-A song form so darn catchy, right?
My Bloody Valentine 3D grosses way more in 3D than 2D
We'll admit -- we were pretty amazed to hear that Journey To The Center Of The Earth pulled in more revenue in 3D than 2D, but this figure is downright jaw-dropping. My Bloody Valentine 3D, which we noticed was one of the first big screen releases to really be pushed in the format, grossed $27 million in its opening weekend. Ready for the kicker? 3D screens outperformed 2D screens 6:1, with RealD taking credit for a staggering 71 percent of the $27 million. Moreover, the flick was also the first to ever be released in over 1,000 digital 3D locations, so we're sure that didn't hurt matters. We won't deny that we've had our sincere doubts about the future of 3D cinema, but figures like this can make even the most hardened pundit take another look. Full release is after the break.
D-BOX scores deal to bring rumbling chairs to Mann Theatres
Ah, ha! So the rumors were true, after all. Just over three months after we heard that D-BOX was trying desperately to get its Motion Code technology into cinemas, we're finally seeing the first deal with a commercial theater chain. Mann Theatres, the operators of the famous Mann Chinese 6 Theatre in Hollywood, has become the first to first to allow D-BOX seating to be installed, with the initial installation taking place in theatre six of the aforementioned multiplex. There will also be a demo station setup in the lobby for moviegoers to "test drive" the rumbling, bumbling system, though there's no word on whether watching a flick in the D-BOX cinema will cost extra. In all seriousness, this deal is gigantic for D-BOX, and if a few more chains latch on, it won't be long before you see the technology's creator(s) sailing 'round the world and basking in their own glory.[Image courtesy of About]
My Bloody Valentine 3D director gets interviewed
While My Bloody Valentine 3D is hardly the first film to hit the silver screen in 3D, it's one of the few thus far to be marketed first as a 3D experience. Every preview that we've seen goes out of its way to somehow tease the 3D aspect, and it'll be interesting to see how well / horrible it does in theaters. For those even remotely interested in checking it out, you should also head past the break for a two-part interview with the film's director. Patrick Lussier sat down with Hollywood In Hi-Def in order to discuss the specific 3D elements of the film and how he felt these aspects served to draw the audience in deeper and produce a more riveting product. There's even a mention of a 3D Blu-ray release, which we're sure Panasonic is just drooling over. We won't spoil anything for you here -- head on past the jump and mash play (twice) for yourself.
Richard Garriott live on stage, one night only!
As a game developer, there's no denying that Richard Garriott is a legend. I think by now most people reading this realize his importance in creating Ultima Online, and his "come-back" attempt with Tabula Rasa. Since then, Garriott has expressed a desire to leave gaming to pursue his rediscovered love for space travel, and then gaming again, and now space travel again.If you find yourself compelled with the space flight of Richard Garriott, and you feel like paying $65 a ticket for the opportunity, he'll be telling his story live on the ZACH Theatre's Whisenhunt stage in Austin, TX for one night only. On Saturday, January 24th, at both 2:30pm and 8pm, you can listen to Richard Garriott talk about his experiences in space and his future plans with the space program. There will even be a Q&A session afterwards. I can think of a few questions I'd like to ask him. How about you?
Cuban invests in Carmike Cinemas, clearly expects 3D sporting events to thrive
Mark Cuban may be up and down on the future of internet video, but he's evidently quite confident in the future of 3D cinema -- or 3D sporting events in cinemas, at least. The internet / media / basketball tycoon has put his money where his mouth is by acquiring a 9.4% stake in Carmike Cinemas. Only Cuban himself fully understands the nearly $3 million investment, but he was quoted as saying that he is "trying to expand" the live 3D broadcast-to-a-theater business. Looking back over the course of 2008, we're astounded at the amount of traction that 3D has gained, and while many may assume that live 3D sporting events in cinemas is nothing more than a gimmick, we guess we can't possibly be surprised if it ends up taking off.
Sensio delivers live 3D broadcasting technology to 50 more US theaters
Sensio already partnered with JVC in the consumer 3D projection realm, and now it's looking to bring live 3D broadcasting capabilities to 50 more cinemas in the United States. The 3D cinema decoding technology will be used by Cinedigm Digital Cinema -- the same folks responsible for bringing the BCS National Championship to a slew of theaters in 3D. We're actually quite curious to see how all of this pans out; will 3D fanatics (like this guy above, obviously) rush out to view every big sporting event on the silver screen, or will HD feeds on their own big screen be good enough?
3D BCS broadcast announced for 80 theaters
With the teams finally set (sorry Texas) Fox Sports' 3D broadcast is being beamed live not only to CES, but also to theaters in 35 states. Courtesy of the same Cinedigm satellite network playing host to the 3D NBA All-Star Game in February, 80 RealD-outfitted theaters are airing the game while In Las Vegas, Paris Hotel and Casino will be set up with Sony 4K SXRD projectors showing 3ality Digital's 3D production in all its glory. Even with DeMarco Murray pulling out due to injury, a national championship game featuring the last two Heisman Trophy winning QBs seems worth catching in the best quality available -- outside of actually heading down to Dolphin Stadium and staring at the big screen. Check out the Cinedigm website for a list of theaters, tickets are expected to be between $18 - $22.
Credit crisis hindering 3D expansion in theaters?
We're as tired of the doom and gloom economy talk as you are, but we just couldn't pass this one up. A new report from Bloomberg News has it that the current credit crunch (how's that for a buzzword?) is putting a damper on 3D cinema expansion. Which is quite funny, given the small flood of expansion reports that we've seen of late. Citing Cinedigm Digital Cinema in particular, it notes that plans to convert some 1,500 cinemas to 3D-capable venues have been replaced with plans that include 100 to 200. The lack of available 3D theater options could seriously hinder studios' ability to cash in and make back their own 3D investment; after all, who's really going to drive an hour of their way for a 3D version of a film showing just down the street? In reality, we don't expect this situation to be the rule going forward, but it'll certainly be interesting to see how studios feel about their 3D investments around this time next year.[Image courtesy of U2]
Bolt 3D crossing over to China this month
Looks like the Chinese authorities have gotten wind of rave reviews for Bolt in 3D, cutting Disney a ton of slack to make sure the movie hits theaters this month. Variety puts China at #2 in the world for 3D capable theaters with about 150 and more on the way. For now Bolt is exempt from their quota on foreign films and it had to pass the censors twice (due to 3D's lack of subtitle support), but for the theater organization focused on beating Singapore to the 3D punch and enjoying high ticket revenues the effort seems to be worth it.
New Orleans, Louisiana's Prytania Theatre goes 4K
Not even three full years since getting itself back in business, The Prytania Theatre in New Orleans, Louisiana has apparently embraced the wonderful technology that is 4K. Still the only single screen cinema in the entire state, this landmark venue now has Sony 4K badges on its otherwise bare website, signifying that it is now ready to treat patrons to a high-resolution movie-going experience. 4K theaters are still relatively rare even in America, so we'd probably hop on down and see whatever's playing should you find yourself in N'awlins. Speaking of -- has anyone dropped in since the upgrade?[Image courtesy of DayLife, thanks gamedude360]
Reviewers rave over Bolt in 3D: did you see it?
It's not that movie critics were bowled over by the storyline of Bolt, it's that most everyone who saw it in 3D came away at least reasonably impressed by the visuals. The film is far from being the first to see a widespread 3D release, but it is one of the first to be marketed as such. Unlike any time that we can remember before, Walt Disney pushed the third-dimension version of this flick hard, and we're interested to see if you felt it was worth sitting through with 3D glasses (and in some cases, paying more for). Like it or not, 3D is here to stay (at least for awhile) -- can you see yourself catching another film in 3D after seeing Bolt?Read - BigPictureBigSoundRead - Eclipse MagazineRead - Financial TimesRead - Independent MallRead - The Detroit News
