Alama Drafthouse Cinema At Westlakes Expands Digital Roll-out In San Antonio, Texas

Conversion of all 9 screens for a State-of-the-Art Facility to Enhance Every Aspect of the Movie-Going Experience

San Antonio, Texas, July 12, 2011 -- Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas San Antonio is unveiling their digital conversion when it premieres of one of this summer’s most anticipated 3D blockbusters, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” as part of the movie’s nationwide release. The latest installment of the successful movie franchise opens with a midnight screening on July 14, and the innovative exhibitor is celebrating the event with a Harry Potter marathon, showing the previous seven films starting at 6am and leading right up to the premiere of the new movie at midnight.

This digital upgrade at the Alamo franchise location in San Antonio continues the exhibitor’s emphasis on providing a range of amenities such as award winning food, extensive beer selection and world renowned pre-show programming. It will also feature cutting edge technology including Sony’s 4K digital cinema projection technology on each of its nine screens, the first theater in San Antonio to do so.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas is well-known for its inventive alternative content events and rare film programming as well as showcasing first run films. Its latest efforts with the Harry Potter movies is just one more example of how digital technology can broaden a theater’s range of programming options and deliver a unique out-of-home entertainment experience for consumers.

Liz Burt, Director of Sales and Marketing for the San Antonio market, says “We are excited to launch the best film presentation our industry has to offer. We know our loyal customer base will love the advancements that have been made.”

“Sony’s unique 4K technology is an example of how digital technology is allowing exhibitors more flexibility in promoting movies, like the Harry Potter franchise,” said Andrew Stucker, National Account Manager for Sony’s Digital Cinema Solutions Group. “Movie goers will have every detail brought to life as part of an extremely vivid and immersive entertainment experience.”

The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is dinner, drinks, movies and events, all under one roof. Brand expansion has been a key growth strategy for Alamo Drafthouse Cinema since Brandon Arceneaux and Chris Hoegemeyer brought the concept to San Antonio in 2004. Opening the Westlakes 9 screen location first, the company has grown to three theatres in San Antonio, the most recent opening in Stone Oak this past November.

“We could not be happier with how well the San Antonio community has embraced Alamo Drafthouse, and what our concept has to offer,” says co-owner Brandon Arceneaux.

About Alamo:
The Alamo Drafthouse is a lifestyle entertainment brand with an acclaimed cinema-eatery, the largest genre film festival in the United Sates and an online collectible art store. Named “the best theater in America” by Entertainment Weekly, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has built a reputation as a movie lover’s oasis not only by combining food and drink service with the movie-going experience, but also introducing unique programming and high-profile, star studded special events. Alamo Drafthouse Founder & CEO, Tim League, created Fantastic Fest, a world renowned film festival dubbed “The Geek Telluride” by Variety. Also regarded as the “Comic Con of film festivals” Fantastic Fest showcases eight days of offbeat cinema from independents, international filmmakers and major Hollywood Studios. The Alamo Drafthouse’s collectible art boutique, Mondo, offers breathtaking, original products featuring designs from world-famous artists based on licenses for popular TV and Movie properties including Star Wars, Star Trek & Universal Monsters. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is expanding its brand in new and exciting ways, including the launch of Drafthouse Films, a new film distribution label and plans to extend its theaters and unique programming philosophy to additional markets across the United States. More information about Alamo Drafthouse franchise opportunities are available on the official website.

Alamo Drafthouse – http://www.drafthouse.com
Fantastic Fest -- http://www.fantasticfest.com/
Mondo -- http://www.mondotees.com/

About Sony Electronics Digital Cinema Solutions
Sony Digital Cinema Solutions group combines a full range of Sony technologies, purchasing options, alternative content offerings, training and service to provide a broad range of solutions for exhibitors. The world’s only manufacturer of commercially available 4K resolution digital cinema projection systems, the group also offers (projectors and media blocks); central servers; Sony TMS (theater management system); digital signage hardware, software and content development; security systems and Network Operations Center (NOC) services for the exhibition community. For more information, visit www.sony.com/digitalcinema.

I CLOSELY watch Sony (an end to end S3D company) AND the Alamo chain as I think they both represent the future of movie exhibition. Stay tuned for more whenever I get it...

Germany's CINEMAXX To Deploy REALD Technology

Large Volume Pact to Bring RealD 3D Experience to CinemaxX Theatres Across Germany and Denmark

(Emphasis is mine)

Global 3D cinema leader, RealD, and major German cinema circuit, CinemaxX, have partnered to equip CinemaxX theatres across Germany and Denmark with RealD 3D. This multi-screen pact builds on RealD’s extraordinary momentum that saw 400% growth across Europe in the first half of 2009, cementing RealD as the territory’s preferred 3D provider.

The multi-year agreement kicks off with 30 CinemaxX screens in Germany and Denmark immediately upgraded to RealD 3D in time for the highly anticipated September release of Disney●Pixar’s Up. An additional 30 RealD 3D equipped screens will be added across the CinemaxX circuit by the end of the year, with an ongoing rollout of more RealD 3D enabled screens through 2010.

“We’re pleased to welcome CinemaxX to the RealD 3D platform,” stated Bob Mayson, managing director of RealD Europe. “This partnership will assure moviegoers across the CinemaxX circuit will experience the extraordinary line-up of movies this year and for years to come in crisp, clear, fully immersive RealD 3D.”

“We’re excited to partner with RealD to equip our circuit with the best 3D cinema technology available,” said Christian Gisy, CEO of CinemaxX AG. “RealD 3D will give CinemaxX audiences an unmatched 3D entertainment experience in time for this year’s top films.”

Real D’s new generation 3D technology is deployed across the world’s largest 3D platform with over 8,700 screens under contract and over 3,200 screens installed in more than 45 countries with over 300 exhibition partners. The leading 3D provider around the world, RealD 3D is the market leading 3D cinema platform in territories including North America, Latin America, Australia and Europe, having notched 100% growth to its global install base in the first half of 2009 alone. 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 CinemaxX
CinemaxX AG is the most well-known operator of multiplex cinemas in Germany. In total, the company has 36 cinemas with 303 screens and capacity for around 88,000 people in Germany and Denmark. Due to their architectural design, CinemaxX multiplex cinemas occupy a unique position in the German cinema landscape and also offer exemplary standards of comfort and quality - including refined picture and sound quality, extra large screens, modern comfortable seats in air-conditioned cinema halls and an excellent ambience. For more information, please visit www.cinemaxx.de.

About RealD
RealD is the global leader in 3D, bringing the most advanced and realistic digital 3D experience to cinemas worldwide. RealD’s new generation technology, deployed across the world’s largest 3D platform, provides a stunningly lifelike viewing experience. Beyond cinema, RealD is the worldwide inventor and provicder 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. www.realD.com

Awesome news to hear more conversions taking place. Timing couldn't be better for CinemaxX as AVATAR is ramping up and 2010 promises to be a huge year for 3D. I would love to check out a CinemaxX theater as they seem to be a hugher end venue for movies - I love theaters like that.

Sony Demonstrates 4k Tech (ShoWest 2009)

Michael here.  Sony has been pushing their 4K technology heavily at ShoWest.  Tuesday evening's The Soloist screening was projected using a Sony 4K projector from a 4K Digital Cinema Package (which was scanned at 4K resolution from the original film negative).  Sony also has a demo of their 4K 3D projector on the tradeshow floor, where they are showing a variety of footage, including a reel from PACE and various trailers for 3D movies.

The image quality of The Soloist was amazing: vivid colors, great contrast, and an image resolution that fully captured the finest nuances of the original film--and all this on a very large screen.  4K certainly offers an improvement over 2K when you are viewing a 4K-sourced image on a large screen from a short distance.  The number of films capable of producing 4K DCP files should be increasing rapidly, as movie studios opt for more 4K digital intermediates for archival purposes.

The 4K 3D system (on which Sony is partnering with Real D) is actually projecting dual 2K images simultaneously, as opposed to the triple-flash system of 2K projectors.  Technically, the dual projection is supposed to be easier on the eyes/brain than the triple-flash process due to less black space between frames, but given the small screen and ambient lighting present at the Sony booth, it was hard for me to tell any difference.

As we reported, Sony has signed a deal with AMC to roll out their 4K projectors on approximately 5000 screens by 2012, pulling them within striking distance of the number of 2k DLP installations.

My one caveat about 4K is that I would rather see 2K content filmed and projected at 48 frames per second than 4K, given the choice.  Hopefully, both 4K and 2K projector companies, along with 3D system companies such as Real-D, Dolby, and XpanD will soon offer solutions for 48 frames per second projection in both 2D and 3D.

Click here for a great Variety interview with James Cameron where he explains the benefits of 48 frames per second 3D cinema.

RED Digital Cameras Officially Enter The 3D Industry - And Announce a 28K Digital Camera. Yes 28K!

Jim here. I have been following the RED digital cameras and their outrageous development path VERY closely since I started MarketSaw. Not only are they delivering the goods, but they are keeping those prices crazy low. They have no business charging so little for their obviously superior R&D efforts - but they are. Hats off to them.

NOW THEY ARE GOING 3D. Yep. Now, I am not totally surprised by this move as I know there have been 3D projects already shot with the RED-ONE's (Thomas Jane's THE DARK COUNTRY for one), but to see plans for dedicated 3D setups this early is amazing!

I want you to drop whatever it is you are doing and go check out these cameras. Not only are they now going after markets from Digital 3K @ 120 frames per second (Scarlet) to the 4K RED-ONE (30 fps - available now) all the way to *GULP* the Epic Monstro 28K (261 megapixels) @ 25 fps. YES, I SAID 28K. Can you believe that?

If you are a film maker - heck even a family video aficionado, then look no farther than RED. I am totally on board with this innovative company and the rapid changes they are bringing about in the industry!

Sony Introduces 4K Theater Projectors... And A 3D Adaptor?

Hmmm. A late 3D entry if I have ever heard of one, but a major player at any time nevertheless. Sony has announced that they will be releasing a 4K digital projection system:

Sony said, "4K technology will be integrated throughout the entire production process, including filmed productions at full 4K resolution, scanning at 4K, using a 4K workflow process, and releasing a 4K DCP to theaters. The first movie being shot in 4K was Hancock; future 4K productions include "2012," "Salt," and "The Green Hornet."

I am not surprised by this move at all as they have been players in this field for some time. However I was not too ready to hear that they are also entering the 3D projection system business! I believe they have their eye on a niche market - small and medium sized theaters that have been lagging behind in the deployment of digital and 3D technologies. Here is why:

They are introducing a single 3D projector add-on for their 4K projector system that has the ability to be removed so that theaters can switch from 4K projection to 3D on the same screen. However the drawback is that their maximum screen size will be 55 feet - hence small to medium screen deployments - in my estimation.

Sony is aiming for a March 2009 release of the technology.

Via TGDaily

Sony's New 3D Capable Projector: Gunfight At The 4K Corral...

Sony is battling today's status quo of having to use dual 2K Digital Projectors to achieve a 4K stereoscopic 3D screening by introducing their new 4K projector at Cinema Expo 2008 in Amsterdam.

The new projector is "projected" to be launched by Christmas this year and should provide a more affordable and elegant 4K 3D solution. Merging projection from two different cameras can be very challenging, needing constant adjustments and potential headaches.

The projector is now being tested at 4 locations in Norway. It seems as though this technology has been around awhile as it was being used in Norway back in 2005. I suspect there have been many improvements since then - most likely in the cost and manufacture of the equipment.

Source: THR

Hmmm... How big a living room would I need to house this thing?? :-)

Scarlet 2K Pocket Pro Trademarked!

As I suspected in an earlier post, RED has trademarked the name "Scarlet 2K Pocket Pro" which obviously means that the new pocket sized digital high definition camera from RED will be capable of 2K resolution! In your POCKET!? Can you imagine that? Speculation is that you will be able to add a 16mm lens too.

And knowing RED the price will be so affordable (I am musing $3k to $4k) that many will be able to buy it for day to day use. We will all know soon enough, it is being formally announced at NAB 2008. The only reason why we know early is that Jim Jannard, RED's CEO let the cat out of the bag in their forums as there were some leaks taking place.

For those catching up, the Scarlet is coming from the creator of the RED One, an affordable ($18k) 4K professional digital camera used by such directors as Peter Jackson and Steven Soderbergh. The RED One has been tested and used in 3D configuration as well. For more info check out there website: www.red.com

RED Digital 4K Camera now in 3D !

Holy stereoscopic developments Batman! Bob Johnston, Executive Producer with Paradise FX contacted me today with details of their announcement September 5th of 3D test involving the awesome and VERY affordable RED 4K cameras. Note that this test was taking two RED cameras out of the box (never tested), shooting in 3D and then screening the digital 4K HD movie THE SAME DAY. I am amazed at how fast the teams have put together a 3D solution using the highly touted RED system - a system that Steven Soderbergh recently announced he would be using for feature film shooting soon (2D as far as I know).

I love the spirit of the RED team and the repercussions that are sweeping the industry. Heck I feel tempted to get involved directly!

Here is their press release:

Press Release
September 5, 2007 Source: Studio Daily

A quantum leap in 3D content production and stereographic post-production from a tapeless workflow, resulted in a successful 3D test shoot and screening on Saturday, September 1st . Producers Steve Gibby and Kenneth Corben of GibCor, teamed up with their 3D production partners Max Penner and Tim Thomas at Paradise FX to produce one of the first stereo 3D shoots originating with RED 4K cameras. (PHOTO: Max Penner seen adjusting the Red 4K 3D Paracam. Photo Copyright Steve Gibby)

GibCor provided RED camera #8 and their associate, Billy Summers, provided RED camera #13. Both were literally “out of the box” from the first 25 RED cameras released on August 31st. The team shot a 4K 3D dual camera test, and captured REDCODE RAW to two RED 8 GB compact flash cards.

The production alliance between GibCor and Paradise FX has been in development on their RED 4K 3D projects since February in anticipation of the cameras’ release this year. “The results of this first RED 4K 3D shoot will enable us to bring great stories, shot in stereo 3D, to audiences like never before,” said producer Steve Gibby. The RED 4K cameras were fitted with a pair of RED compact zooms (18-50mm) and mounted to the Paracam. The Paracam is a 3D camera system that employs a beam splitter and has digital control of the inter-axial and convergent positioning of each of the RED ONE cameras. By Noon the team was viewing 3D content, originating from a tapeless 4K workflow.

The 4K 3D post workflow was seamless thanks to ASSIMILATE’s SCRATCH® Digital Intermediate Process Solution and technical support from Lucas Wilson of ASSIMILATE™. The 4K REDCODE RAW (.r3d) files were imported from CF cards into a beta version of REDCINE running on an Intel based Mac system. The left and right eye files were de-bayered from 4K RAW to 2K files then imported to SCRATCH as .dpx files. SCRATCH allowed for “plug and play” into Paradise’s dual projection system for quick stereo 3D playback. After the screening, veteran 3D stereographer Max Penner said, “To take 2 cameras that have never been tested out of the box, then shoot and project 3D all in one day, is almost unheard of. All done with no umbilical cables, tape decks or digitizing. This changes everything!”

In anticipation of the continued global rollout of stereoscopic 3D enabled theaters and growing content demand, Paradise FX and GibCor are in negotiations with several major studios regarding this technology and it’s implementation in the motion picture industry. This is the first of a succession of stereo 3D tests with the RED ONE camera. Ongoing tests will help to define a workflow to apply to future 3D productions in both Large Format Film and Digital Theatrical Releases. The RED ONE camera has a small 3D form factor with a high resolution at a decent price, making it highly promising for future 3D films.

www.cut4.tv
www.kennethcorben.com

Red One 4K Digital Camera: Its time to talk...

Well I have been waiting for a major player to announce their intention to use the Red One 4K Digital Camera for a feature film and it has finally happened. Steven Soderbergh will utilize the groundbreaking 4K digital camera to shoot "The Argentine" and "Guerrilla".

It is groundbreaking because there just isn't anything else that comes close to it either by technology or cost. A Red One camera can shoot movies in 4000p (remember that current HD High Definition TV is 1080p!) AND the cost is only $17,500 for the basic unit. They claim 12M pixels at up to 60fps and record 12 bit native RAW. WOW. Thats 12 Megapixels at 60 frames per second! Unfreakin' believable! And very affordable compared to whats out there.

The Benicio Del Toro vehicle films, are a biography on Che Guevara and is set in two parts - hence two films.

I can see the resemblance!

For more information on this truly definitive moment for not only HD purists, but also young and under-funded directors, check out the Red One website here.

Now if we could just get two Red One Cameras in a 3D configuration... ;-)