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Georgia's AMC Avenue Forsyth theater opens with Sony 4K projectors
It's been quite some time since we heard of a theater right here in the US of A opening up with 4K projectors tucked inside, but for residents of Cumming, Georgia, such a scenario is about to unfold in your town. The AMC Avenue Forsyth 12 will be the first all-digital theater in the area when it opens on May 16th, packing Sony 4K digital cinema projectors and two auditoriums with screens stretching over three stories high and 50-feet wide. In sum, the venue will boast a dozen auditoriums with over 2,220 seats with rocking-back chairs, and folks who make their way down on opening weekend will even get a free small popcorn with each (presumably overpriced) ticket. There, we made some plans for you -- hope you're available!
James Cameron supports 3D cinema, speaks about involvement
As if 3D really needed any more momentum, famed director James Cameron is openly backing the technology and actually shooting an upcoming film (Avatar) in 3D. In a recent interview with Variety, Cameron notes that when viewers see a scene in 3D, the "sense of reality is supercharged," and he even went so far as to say that every film he's ever done previously could have "absolutely benefited from 3D." Still, he does admit that the "economics of 3D" are unclear, and end results will depend heavily on how many theaters adopt it and how many filmmakers choose to "play in the new space." Trust us when we say that these comments are just the tip of the iceberg, so head on down to the read link for tons more insight from James on what 3D is doing (and what it can do) for cinema.[Via AboutProjectors]
Pixar hops on bandwagon, also commits to 3D productions
Okay, so this 3D thing is really getting serious. Nearly a month after DreamWorks Animation made known that all of its future films would be produced in 3D, Pixar has hit back with an eerily similar announcement. Reportedly, Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter proclaimed that beginning with Up in May of 2009, each Pixar production will be released in 3D alongside the traditional 2D version. We're also given a look at what to expect from the studio in the next four years, with titles such as Bolt, Rapunzel, King of the Elves and of course, Toy Story 3 all on deck. Furthermore, the first two Toy Story pictures will likely be re-released in 3D, but sadly, no timeline was given. Better get used to rockin' those face-engulfing specs, it seems.[Via WidescreenReview, image courtesy of Moldova]
3D cinema comes to Johannesburg's Nu Metro Montecasino
As the naysayers continue to chuckle at the idea of 3D hitting it big, fans of face-consuming glasses and eye-popping visuals have yet another venue to check out. Located at Fourways in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Nu Metro Montecasino is now home to a Barco 2k digital cinema projector. The D-Cine Premiere DP100 utilizes Texas Instrument's DLP technology and "contains a hermetically sealed DMD engine that makes maintenance easy and increases the longevity of the product." Unsurprisingly, the first screenings were Hannah Montana and U2 3D, but only time will tell if 3D mega-hits will continue to flow.[Via AboutProjectors]
IMAX expands footprint in Russia, coming to three theatres
Looking to get the IMAX experience while traveling to the largest country on Planet Earth? If you can manage to hold off a bit longer (2009 to 2011), you can. Announced this week, IMAX Corporation has inked deals to get its digital projection systems into three separate venues in Russia -- one each in the cities of Sochi, Nizinhy Novogorod and Novosibirsk. Respectively, the agreements are with Luxor Cinemax, Electronika and Art Science Cinema Distribution. As it stands, IMAX theaters already operate in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan, but plans are to have a total of ten open in the country by 2011.[Via AboutProjectors, image courtesy of Pathe-IMAX]
Can 3D cinemas really take off?
Every so often, a technology manages to get everyone on board at just the right time in order to make a surge. Recently, that technology has been 3D cinema. After titles like Hannah Montana and U2 3D hit the scenes, the buzz swept over ShoWest in Las Vegas and has continued on with announcements that all future DreamWorks Animations productions would be made in 3D and even the NBA dipping its toes into the third-dimension during the regular season. Still, word on the street has the price of bringing a Dolby 3D Digital Cinema experience to theaters between $20,000 and $30,000, and of course, you have to convince viewers to wear those somewhat uncomfortable glasses and probably pay a premium just to sit down. Quite honestly, we still don't see 3D becoming a dominant force in tried and true theaters for years; as amazing as the technology can be when executed perfectly, there's still quite a few detractions holding it down. What say you? Can you imagine a 3D theater or two popping up in your local Cineplex? Would you even go if it happened?[Via AboutProjectors, image courtesy of LA Times]
Sony creates business group to support 4K CineAlta digital projection systems
We've got to say, we really, really like where this is going. As 4K slowly but surely begins to slide into cinemas, Sony is getting all proactive on us by creating a specialized business group "that will provide movie theater owners with a variety of tools to support the sales and marketing of 4K CineAlta digital projection systems in the United States." According to the crew's senior VP Michael Fidler, his team's goal is to "accelerate" the 4K adoption process by "promoting greater awareness of the many benefits of 4K versus 2K projection." Now, get to work -- we want our 4K theaters, and we want them now.[Via AboutProjectors]
All future DreamWorks Animation movies to be made in 3D
As gimmicky as 3D typically is, we've seen just how impressive it can be when done right. Apparently, DreamWorks Animation thinks it can convince viewers to pay a premium for a three-dimensional product, as its Chief Executive Jeffrey Katzenberg announced that all of the studio's future films -- starting with next year's Monsters vs. Aliens -- will be "made in 3D." Reportedly, adding 3D to each film will require an extra $15 million per production, but after the stunning success of Disney's Hannah Montana / Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour, it reckons the investment is a smart one. As it stands, only 1,200 or so theaters worldwide are capable of 3D exhibition, but Katzenberg is hoping that some 3,000 to 5,000 would be equipped once Monsters emerged.[Via WidescreenReview, image courtesy of WorstPreviews]
Christie delivers 3D cinema with dual projector 3D2P system
Make no mistake, Christie knows a thing or two about what it takes to deliver top-notch results in the cinema, and apparently, the firm feels that it's ready to delve into the always interesting 3D arena. The 3D2P dual projection system relies on a pair of the firm's DLP projectors in order to deliver three-dimensional imagery, and it's hoping to attract customers by pitching that theaters can "own the complete 3D system without recurring fees." Reportedly, the setup has already garnered praise in the Krikorian Premiere Theaters, but so far as we can tell, you'll still be forced to slip on a set of gaudy goggles in order to really see what's going on. As predicted, Christie's requiring that you phone it up in order to find out pricing details, but what we really want is a list of cinemas that end up getting some installed.[Via AboutProjectors]
Electrosonic showcases MS9600 2K Digital Cinema Player
If you've been wishing that those double digit theater prices would actually net your local hot spot an upgrade, here's an idea you can certainly nudge their way. Showing off at ShoWest 2008 in Las Vegas, the Electrosonic MS9600 is hailed as a "high-performance JPEG2000 appliance," which plays back unencrypted JPEG2000 content at 2K, 1080p and 720p resolutions. Designed specifically for digital cinema, post production and show control applications, this unit also touts dual HD-SDI / dual DVI-I video outputs and 16-channels of broadcast quality digital audio. Furthermore, it even supports 48fps 3D playback, but unfortunately, we've no idea how soon it's destined to hit cinemas of any kind.
Poll: "Almost there" HD sporting events, what's your take?
There's a great matchup tonight in college hoops pitting two Texas teams against each other: the Longhorns (11) will host the Aggies (#16). A cinema in Tyler, TX is going to be showing an HD feed of the game on the big screen (we shudder to think of an SD feed stretched out to about 70-feet). So, you get to enjoy HD and crowd interaction for $10. Bringing sports to theater/stadium type venues is nothing new, but it makes us wonder -- if people prefer HDTV to live sporting events (and EHD readers agreed), where do these "hybrid" offerings fit in? The price is way lower than the live venue, you still get crowd interaction and the creature comforts are not bad, either. So where do you weigh in? Sound off below! %Poll-9883%
WWE HD pay-per-view events head to Cineplex theatres in Canada
We can't exactly say we saw this one coming, but considering that you can catch the Metropolitan Opera in a cinema, we suppose it's not all that shocking. Just days after WWE aired its first live event in high-definition, it has partnered up with Cineplex Entertainment to bring future pay-per-view broadcasts to the big screen. Starting this Sunday with Royal Rumble, Canucks will be able to purchase tickets for $13.95 to enjoy the carnage from within one of Cineplex's many Canadian theaters. If you're impressed, you can check out the full lineup of upcoming HD PPV wrestling events that will be shown on screen here. 'Course, it'll be hard to mimic what you're watching with all those immobile seats, but we're sure you can find a way to sneak a headlock or two in if nothing else.[Image courtesy of WWE]
Mayor Newsom to make another SL appearance
Mayor Gavin Newsom's not completely a stranger to Second Life, having been interviewed by Reuters' Adam Pasick in Second Life at the WEF media event in Davos, twelve months ago. Well, Newsom's back at the New Globe Theater in Second Life for an discussion with Philip Rosedale over the parallels, opportunities and challenges of managing two famously diverse, tech-savvy and dynamic communities with global profiles: the City of San Francisco, and Second Life. Newsom will also be discussing his priorities for his next term, and both Rosedale and Newsom will be taking questions.
Poll: Have you seen a movie on a 4K projector?
Considering the recent surge in 4K projector installations that we've seen across the globe, we began to wonder just how many of you readers have actually had the pleasure of sitting down -- bucket of popcorn in hand -- and catching a major motion picture on a 4K PJ. Granted, we don't expect the majority of you to nod your head in affirmation or anything, but for the few that have lived this dream, why not give those of us still longing a few lines detailing the experience? %Poll-7794%
Landmark Theatre brings the 4K love to Denver, Colorado
We've already seen 4K projectors head to a number of large US cities, but now said technology is coming to the Mile High city. Reportedly, a new Landmark Theater in Greenwood Village will boast six-screens (one of which utilizes a 4K projector), stadium seats upholstered in leatherette and the ability to pay more for VIP love seat-sized couches and food delivery. If you couldn't guess, Landmark Theaters is hoping to attract the upscale movie viewer, but ticket prices are said to be between $9 and $12 including free popcorn / sodas, which doesn't sound too bad compared to some alternatives.
West Des Moines theater bitten by HD Murphy's Law
Everyone with a projection system knows it all too well -- your bulb will choose to make its exit from the world of functional gadgets when you have a bunch of friends over to show off your HD rig. Take heart, it happens to the best of them: the second season premiere of The Metropolitan Opera's "Live in HD" in West Des Moines was struck down by Murphy's Law this past weekend. Part way through the showing of "Romeo et Juliet" a bulb burned out on the star-crossed lovers, leaving only the soundtrack (accompanied by a grumbling audience). Luckily, the broadcast was being taped, so the theater was able to show the production in its entirety after the bulb was replaced. Word to the wise -- keep a spare bulb handy for mission critical viewing!
Sony brings 4K SRX-R220 digital cinema systems to two Singapore theaters
Just a few short months after four theaters here in America were blessed with a number of Sony CineAlta SXRD 4K digital cinema systems, two Cathay Cineplexes in Singapore are getting to enjoy such luxuries, too. Sony is reportedly installing its latest CineAlta 4K SRX-R220 digital cinema projectors, together with the LMT-100 Media Block servers and LSM-100 Screen Management System, in the flagship The Cathay Cineplex along with one other less notable venue. Apparently, the project is slated to reach completion "early next year," and according to the president of Cathay Organization Holdings, it is looking at the possibility of introducing said technology into its cinemas in Malaysia and Dubai. Now, if only these things would totally infiltrate more theaters in the US of A, we'd have no reason to be completely envious.[Via DCinemaToday]
Season 2 of Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD kicks off soon
Apparently, the first season of Metropolitan Opera: Live in High Definition went over quite well, as the second season looks to hit even more venues and capture the hearts of more individuals in 2007 - 2008. Reportedly, the season gets started on December 15th with a live opera transmission of Gounod's Roméo et Juliette, which will be the first of eight total broadcasts. Other features include Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, Verdi's Macbeth, Puccini's Manon Lescaut, Wagner's Tristan und Isolde, Britten's Peter Grimes and Donizetti's La Fille du Régiment. Over 600 venues in North America, Australia, Europe and Japan will be participating in the Met's upcoming series, and if all goes to plan, over one million people will be picking up tickets. Speaking of which, be sure to hit the read link for more detailed information on ticket prices, venues and schedules, and do be sure to let us know how things turn out if you take in a show or two.
All the World's a Stage: And your life is a mine rich in gems
All the World's a Stage is a weekly column by David Bowers, now published on Sundays, investigating the explorative performance art of roleplaying in the World of Warcraft.For some, the whole process takes 5 minutes. They log in, click on "create new character," choose a race, a class, painstakingly compare each and every face and hairstyle, type in a name, click "accept," and they're done. Some take their time by paying a visit to the forums of each class, or asking their friends about which race is best -- but who sits down and makes up a story idea, a personality, and actual characteristics for characters these days?Roleplayers do, of course. But how? What if you'd like to try out roleplaying but you just don't know where to begin creating an actual character, rather than just an avatar for yourself in the game? Each roleplayer tends to have his or her own way, but there are are a number of things they have in common. One of the first things to remember about designing your character concept, is to make your character essentially human, relatable, based on real experiences that you know about.Mine your life. Think of what kinds of experiences you are familiar with, and which of them could be used as the foundation for another person's life, a new character with a story to tell, and a personality to engage other people's interest. Today, I'll give you a couple examples of how I tried to do this, and explain some of the pitfalls people often fall into when trying to make up an interesting character.
The Game Boy musical teaches addict a lesson
So long as there are fanboys roaming the streets (and electronics aisles), weird fetishes and unashamed overkill will still have their places, but it's not too often that a gaming addiction finds a home on Broadway. In The Game Boy, Matthew Gandolfo and Robin Rothstein's family-friendly musical, a well-taught lad dubbed Chase purportedly falls a bit too head over heels for his dear Game Boy, which presumably leads to all kinds of childhood development issues. According to the production notes, the kiddo is simply consumed in the pixelated universe, and strives to "always being the best," regardless of the real folks he ignores in the process. As predicted, this behavior eventually results in a life of loneliness and dread, probably forcing poor Chase to switch off the Nintendo handheld and seek out his long lost friends. Of course, his parents could have just shipped him over Amsterdam to remedy the issue, but if you're interested in seeing the outcome yourself, be sure to hit up the Vital Theater Company in New York City from now until April 22nd.
