90 Percent Of World's Screens Are Digital - 3D Continues To Dominate Screen Conversions

90 percent of all the world's screens are now digital and marks an obvious important milestone in deployment. Not long ago film dominated the market. How things change.

Furthermore, 73 percent of all screens being converted to digital in 2014 was 3D says IHS Cinema Intelligence of London. That is a hugely significant number because 3D remains extremely significant in overseas markets, especially the soon to be largest market of all - China.

Many fail to realize that the North American market is not the dominate player it used to be. In fact more and more decisions about what gets made and for how much is being made overseas. 3D remains an important component of overseas and especially Asian markets and I am thrilled that the format has been so overwhelmingly received and nurtured there.

The countries topping the list of 3D screens installed were China, USA, Mexico, Russia and Brazil.

Source: IHS Cinema Intelligence via Variety

Exclusive: Joe Dante's THE HOLE Will Indeed Be Screened In 3D...

Yes, Joe Dante's THE HOLE will be theatrically screened in 3D. But here's the bad news, it's only going to be screened in 3D in four theaters in Atlanta, premiering on September 28.

I got in contact with Joe personally and he told me the disappointing news.

So while many of us have waited a long time to see this thing on the big screen in 3D, it looks like that won't happen with this distribution deal.

Alternatives? Fly to Atlanta. Or buy the 3D blu-ray when it becomes available. Not too many I'm afraid. If anything changes with the 3D locations, I'll be sure to let you know.

New AVATAR Photo And Pandora Will Open To 3000 3D Screens

Jim here. Courtesy of THR, we now have relatively good numbers for the release of AVATAR on 3D screens: 3000 in 2700 theaters. And they even wager an opening of $75 million.

And... they are off. By quite a margin. My tally for AVATAR on opening weekend using the figure of 3000 3D screens is closer to $100 million and I will set it at $95 million. But I would not be surprised if it breaks $100 million.

Here is why my numbers differ from THR's: 3D premium pricing. I intend on seeing AVATAR twice on opening weekend AT A MINIMUM. Both times in 3D - RealD and IMAX. That's at least $6 more than other 2D movies wouldn't get. I won't be alone. AVATAR is going to hit and it is going to HIT HARD. Repeat business will be staggering. Personally I think it will out perform TRANSFORMERS 2 on opening weekend but I can't publically give figures for that - too emotional I think! What I can lucidly predict is $95 million, so I will stick with that.

I am curious what you think! What will AVATAR's take be at the box office opening weekend and why?

Awesome photo by the way too. You know proportionately, that weapon is HUGE. Jake's avatar is 9 or 10 feet tall, so you do the math! Would like to see a human try and pick that thing up.

RealD Reaches Out To CGR Cinemas: 200 Screen Deal

Jim here. RealD continues to dominate 3D deployment announcements with this latest one from France...

La Rochelle and Los Angeles (April 21, 2009) – CGR Cinemas, one of France’s leading exhibition chains, and RealD, the world’s leading outfitter of 3D-enabled theatres, announced today an exclusive partnership where CGR Cinemas will add RealD 3D capabilities to each of its 33 locations for a total of 200 RealD 3D-enabled screens. The result will be the largest 3D circuit in France. Installation of RealD technology will begin immediately and is expected to be complete by mid-year, with 4 to 6 RealD-equipped screens at each CGR Cinemas location.

“We are happy to be the precursors of new technology for French and European cinema by allying with the known world leader in 3D systems, RealD. This is another example of CGR Cinemas seizing opportunities first, which make it one of the pillars of French film exhibition today. This collaboration will allow us to take advantage of upcoming 3D films beginning with Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.” said Jocelyn Bouyssy, chief executive officer of CGR Cinemas.

“We’re excited to work with CGR Cinemas to bring the market-leading RealD 3D experience to all of their locations,” added Bob Mayson, managing director or RealD Europe Ltd. “Audiences are seeking a new and engaging cinema experience that CGR Cinemas and RealD together will provide through this agreement to build out the largest 3D circuit in France, and one of the biggest in Europe.”

RealD’s next-generation technology is deployed across the world’s largest 3D platform in more than 40 countries with over 8,000 screens under contract and over 2,600 RealD 3D screens worldwide today. A bright spot for the entertainment industry, RealD 3D is driving box office to the tune of three to four times per screen revenue of the same film on 2D screens.

About CGR Cinemas
Founded in 1974 by Mister Georges Raymond, CGR Cinemas is based in LaRochelle, France. Initially based in the southwest of France, CGR Cinemas worked in the development of multiplexes across the entire French territory. CGR Cinemas is the third largest exhibition chain and the first independent circuit in France with more than 17 million annual spectators. CGR Cinemas was also the first European group to equip itself with digital technology. Madame Nicole Raymond and her children, Luc and Charles Raymond, took over CGR Cinemas when founder George Raymond died. Jocelyn Bouyssy has worked at CGR Cinémas for the last 20 years and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the company. www.cgrcinemas.fr

About RealD
RealD is the global leader in 3D, bringing the most advanced and realistic digital 3D experience to cinemas worldwide. Beyond cinema, RealD is the worldwide inventor and provider of key stereoscopic technologies used in science, manufacturing, marketing, and other industries, with thirty years of scientific development behind its systems. RealD’s mission-critical 3D technologies are used by organizations such as NASA, Pfizer, BMW, Boeing and more. www.RealD.com

The key point here is that this installation will be COMPLETE by mid year giving a nice buffer between it and the release of AVATAR in December. I believe you will be seeing plenty of 3D deployment action this summer as the theater owners ramp up for what is sure to be the entertainment juggernaut of the year. I will be so bold as to say THE DARK KNIGHT and TITANIC could be looking in the rear view mirrors. I'm not kidding.

Tell Me Again Why "Coraline", The Number Two Weekend Movie Has To Be Dumped?

Jim here. I am disgusted at the current scenario facing theater owners. Currently their 3D investment is paying off with CORALINE hauling in $11,432,124 over the past weekend - a whopping $8.8m of it generated through 3D screens. In fact, 74% of all of CORALINE's gross has been 3D!

Now take that away. Yes, that's right. The second highest grossing movie of the weekend is going to be losing about half of its theaters (and supposedly 74% of its future earnings) in favor of bringing in a limited time engagement of JONAS BROTHERS: THE 3D CONCERT EXPERIENCE. Disney says it will only be one week - but we all know what happened last year with the 3D Hannah Montana concert - it stayed, and stayed. Sure CORALINE will gain back some 2D screens probably, but that is not the point.

What I want to stress here are two items:
1. I am NOT anti-JONAS BROTHERS. To the contrary, their concert is going to kick some serious butt because they used top notch 3D technology to get it done. I will be going to check it out.
2. The 3D screen conversions are taking FAR TOO LONG. Credit crunch or not, there is such a thing as financial wisdom and clearly the movie industry is in for a great year this year and it is most likely recession fueled. Yet there is no money around to be used for making more money? Strange indeed. Perhaps Mark Cuban can kick start things with a rapid rollout of 3D for the Carmike chain if he can brandish his new power there (at last look, he had 9.4% ownership)

Anyway, as Neil Gaiman lamented last week if you have not seen CORALINE in 3D yet - which is by far the better way of seeing it - then get your butt to your local 3D theater pronto. You have until Friday - JONAS BROTHERS takes over then.

Some theaters could actually split screen time between them but there is no guarantee of this happening at all. I am saddened that the 3D screens are being treated like two kids fighting over a game controller. Enough of this idiotic dragging of heels for 3D screen deployment. Get it done - money is being thrown away.

Stats courtesy of Box Office Mojo

Quick Post: RealD Adding 200 More 3D Screens: UK Based Vue Entertainment

Los Angeles and London (February 23, 2009) – Vue Entertainment, the UK’s leading developer and operator of state-of-the-art multiplex cinemas, and RealD, the world’s leading outfitter of 3D-enabled theatres, announced today that Vue Entertainment will add 200 RealD 3D screens to its circuit.

The rollout of RealD 3D-enabled screens has already begun with an installation at Vue’s flagship location in Leicester Square. Additional RealD systems are ready for installation immediately as new screens are added monthly at Vue cinemas.

“Vue prides itself on providing the most compelling cinema experience available and RealD 3D will give our audience a new and exciting way to experience movies,” said Tim Richards, CEO of Vue Entertainment. “RealD 3D is the market-leading choice for its remarkable track record of providing a superior viewing experience, something we can’t wait to bring to our many locations across the UK.”

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Vue to bring tens of millions of moviegoers the unmatched RealD 3D experience,” said Michael V. Lewis, chairman and CEO of RealD. “This alliance with the UK’s leading exhibitor furthers RealD as the market-leader in the UK and is a reflection of our continued expansion across Europe.”

RealD’s next-generation 3D technology is deployed across the world’s largest 3D platform in 34 countries with over 1,700 screens today and an additional nearly 6,000 screens under contract. Bob Mayson, RealD Europe Ltd. managing director and head of the company’s recently opened European headquarters, added, “With a packed slate of upcoming films being released in RealD 3D, we’re delighted to be working with Vue Entertainment to bring this global entertainment phenomenon to their circuit.”

Vue has 62 cinemas with 607 screens and 134,413 seats which attract over 32 million customers a year. The company is the largest operator of modern multiplex cinemas in the country. It is also the market leader in the critical London market and has the second largest market share in terms of box office in the UK.

About RealD

RealD is the global leader in 3D, bringing the most advanced and enjoyable digital 3D experience to cinemas worldwide. RealD’s next-generation technology provides a stunningly realistic viewing experience. Beyond cinema, RealD is the worldwide inventor and provider of key stereoscopic technologies used in science, manufacturing, marketing, and other industries, with thirty years of scientific development behind its systems. RealD’s mission-critical 3D technologies are used by organizations such as NASA, Pfizer, BMW, Boeing and more. www.RealD.com

You Can Add Another 100 3D Screens For RealD: Dickinson Theatres

Dickinson Theatres today announced an agreement with RealD 3D, the world’s largest digital 3D experience provider. The agreement brings RealD’s next-generation 3D capability to 100 Dickinson Theatres.

“We are thrilled to bring our customers into the 21st Century 3-D technology as a partner with RealD”, said John Hartley, CEO and president of Dickinson Theatres. “Beginning in January of 2009, there will be 13 films released in 3D technology. We are proud to be a part of this exciting revolution in motion picture entertainment with Real D.”

Michael V. Lewis, chairman and CEO, RealD, said, “We are very proud to be a continued provider for Dickinson Theatres. With all of the upcoming films to be released on the RealD platform, including Disney’s Bolt on November 21, this partnership ensures that exhibitors and audiences can truly believe in the future of cinema.”

Dickinson Theatres, Inc. owns and operates 40 movie theatre locations in 11 states with 380 screens in Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. A privately owned organization, Dickinson Theatres, Inc. is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas and employs over 1100 staff members including 24 full time corporate employees. For more information about Dickinson Theatres, Inc. visit www.dtmovies.com.

RealD is the global leader in 3D, bringing the most advanced and enjoyable digital 3D experience to cinemas worldwide. RealD’s next-generation technology, deployed across the world’s largest 3D platform in 27 countries with more than 1,400 installations worldwide, provides a stunningly realistic viewing experience. The impact of 3D upon today’s moviemaking has been compared to the advent of color film when once there was only black and white. Beyond cinema, RealD is the worldwide inventor and provider of key stereoscopic technologies used in science, manufacturing, marketing, and other industries, with thirty years of scientific development behind its systems. RealD’s mission-critical 3D visualization technologies are used by organizations such as NASA, Pfizer, BMW, Boeing and more. For more information, visit www.RealD.com.

UPDATED: List Of 3D Theaters In North America And The World!

Hi guys - Jim here. I have updated the entire list of REALD theater locations around the world and man are they ever taking off.

Just some quick numbers from the REALD list:
- There are 811 theaters equipped with REALD technology in the US and Canada.
- In June there were 1034 3D screens in those theaters.
- Also in June there were 188 3D screens internationally.

Of course you must add in the IMAX 3D screens as well as Dolby to achieve your final totals, but for over 90% of the cases, REALD is the choice. I will have total screen number updates soon from all players so that we can watch the exciting penetration of 3D throughout the world.