IMAX Digital projection (2008) - ?!?
Signings should accelerate when the company launches digital projection in late 2008, Gelfond added.
Going digital, he said, will mean dramatically lower print costs for studios when they convert their movies into the big-screen format and should motivate them to increase the number of films they show in the Imax format. It means that 10 Hollywood films could be shown in a year instead of six or seven, Gelfond said. excerpted from this web story Imax moving into theaters at its own cost the big question - why??? sure I'd love to see more Hollywood films DM-R'd for IMAX release but I don't see how digital projection can look as good as the resolution of 70mm IMAX. It may be a cost reduction on print distribution, but I see nothing wrong with what IMAX currently looks like. |
Originally Posted by Giles
sure I'd love to see more Hollywood films DM-R'd for IMAX release but I don't see how digital projection can look as good as the resolution of 70mm IMAX.
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new news about the IMAX's Digital system states that it will more than likely become a reality in early 2009 now.
...Q&A with IMAX CEO on Future of Large-Format Movies Kendall Whitehouse over at the Wharton School of Business passed along this great Q&A with Richard Gelfond, co-CEO of IMAX. They're still talking about an eventual transition from film to digital -- but I suspect this is being slowed by the company's precarious financial position. But here, he does mention a specific date, which is interesting. From the interview: IMAX is in the process of developing a digital IMAX system that, instead of working with 70mm film frames 10 times the size of 35mm, our whole technology will be in the digital world. And we're fairly far along in that development. I've seen a prototype. We're going to start to show customers prototypes in the next couple months. We're aiming to launch it in January 2009. Gelfond also talks about his predictions for the next five or ten years of the theatrical exhibition business, which include more niche programming to small audiences, but fewer screens overall: I think you'll see a lot of evolution. You'll continue to see the home as the place of most change. You'll continue to see [distribution] windows shrink, meaning you're going to have access to content in the home even sooner than you do versus the theater. I always ask myself: If you're someone like Rupert Murdoch, who owns Fox and also owns different delivery systems around the world, why is it so important to give 50% of the opening box office to the exhibitor? If he can cut them out and deliver [content] directly to the consumer -- especially when they have better ways of viewing it -- why isn't he going to do that? Now the common answer to that is that the theatrical platform is a marketing platform for the other windows. And some of that holds [true]. But, for example, if there was another Star Wars and Fox could charge $50 on the download, and not have to share it with the theater operator on the opening weekend, why wouldn't you see some kind of blend of that going on? So I think you'll continue to see big changes there. With the change to digital, you'll see some changes in the way movies are distributed. The lock that the large studios have on distribution is partly because of physical distribution; you just need the infrastructure and the financial resources to distribute widely. But, as you go digital, you may be able to let smaller and more specialized players distribute in some way. You'll definitely see more live action. You'll see more 3-D. |
Originally Posted by Giles
the big question - why???
sure I'd love to see more Hollywood films DM-R'd for IMAX release but I don't see how digital projection can look as good as the resolution of 70mm IMAX. It may be a cost reduction on print distribution, but I see nothing wrong with what IMAX currently looks like. As for the why, IMAX is brand. To most people, it means a cinematic experience you can't get anywhere else. But at the same time, it's still film, and film is on the way out. Movies may still be shot on film, but the delivery will eventually be entirely digital. IMAX has to evolve with it or get out of the way. |
Originally Posted by Suprmallet
It's IMAX, so they're not going to use existing cameras or 2K DLP projectors. I'm sure they'll have some ridiculously high resolution camera and a special projector to show it in that resolution.
As for the why, IMAX is brand. To most people, it means a cinematic experience you can't get anywhere else. But at the same time, it's still film, and film is on the way out. Movies may still be shot on film, but the delivery will eventually be entirely digital. IMAX has to evolve with it or get out of the way. |
4K is certainly starting to creep in, no doubt about it. I just saw a 4K version of Dr. Strangelove at the Landmark in Los Angeles a few weeks back and it looked phenomenal. Either way, I think IMAX Digital will still have to go beyond 4K in order for them to keep their position in the marketplace.
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Originally Posted by Suprmallet
4K is certainly starting to creep in, no doubt about it. I just saw a 4K version of Dr. Strangelove at the Landmark in Los Angeles a few weeks back and it looked phenomenal. Either way, I think IMAX Digital will still have to go beyond 4K in order for them to keep their position in the marketplace.
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Yeah, it was pretty much indistinguishable from film. But the Landmark has small screens, and obviously the smaller a screen you project the image on, the better it will look.
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Originally Posted by Suprmallet
...As for the why, IMAX is brand. To most people, it means a cinematic experience you can't get anywhere else. ...
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Originally Posted by Suprmallet
4K is certainly starting to creep in, no doubt about it. I just saw a 4K version of Dr. Strangelove at the Landmark in Los Angeles a few weeks back and it looked phenomenal. Either way, I think IMAX Digital will still have to go beyond 4K in order for them to keep their position in the marketplace.
4K systems for home theaters just aren't going see the light of day any time soon. At least, not outside the homes of certain Hollywood bigwigs. |
I don't think anyone is arguing that 4K systems will be available for home use. But IMAX Digital had be better be more than 4K, because otherwise it will be like any other studio doing 4K.
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4K in the near future will be implemented in theatrical presentation. As with the recent Landmark/'Strangelove' engagement and Sony/Muvico theater chain 4K digital projection system national rollout. Home Video wise, WB is transferring film via 4K digital processing for HiDef discs. 4K 'home' DLP tv units are a very long way off.
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update: (from V Business Wed., Oct. 17, 2007)
Imax moves up launch date of digital projection system On the digital cinema front, Imax announced Wednesday that it is moving up the launch date of its digital projection system to the second quarter of 2008; it was previously to launch sometimes between the end of 2008 and mid-2009. New digital projection system will virtually eliminate the need for film prints, increasing the number of movies shown on Imax screens by making it much easier for studios to deliver their product. Under the revised rollout schedule, Imax expects to install three digital prototype systems in the second quarter of next year. A full rollout will begin in the second half of the third quarter. |
update:
IMAX Signs 100-theater Deal with AMC Entertainment Posted on Friday, December 7th, 2007 4:28 PM by Scott Jentsch IMAX is continuing its momentum towards installing its systems in more locations around the country with the announcement that AMC has agreed to add 100 IMAX theaters to its lineup between 2008-2010. These locations will all receive IMAX's new digital projection system, which is currently being developed. According to the press release (included below), the rollout will begin in July 2008 with 50 systems, including: * AMC South Barrington 30 - Chicago * AMC Mesquite 30 - Dallas * AMC Gulf Pointe 30 - Houston * AMC Century City 15 - Los Angeles * AMC Empire 25 - New York * AMC Neshaminy 24 - Philadelphia * AMC Eastridge 15 - San Francisco * AMC Hoffman Center 22 - Washington D.C. The full list of 50 locations appears in the press release (see below). An additional 25 are scheduled in 2009 and 25 more planned in 2010. Once completed, this will double IMAX's current number of theaters in North America. IMAX announced on October 17th that it had stepped up its rollout schedule for their digital projection system, saying that its first systems will be installed in Q2 2008. These systems would fit nicely into that schedule. And what would this expansion be if there aren't movies to show on them? Apparently, they've been busy figuring that out as well. The release mentions that IMAX has already secured important parts of its film slate for 2008, 2009 and 2010 through agreements with major Hollywood studios including: * The Spiderwick Chronicles (February 2008) * Shine A Light (April 2008) * Kung Fu Panda (June 2008) * The Dark Knight (July 2008) * Deep Sea-quel 3D (working title, February 2009) * Monsters vs. Aliens 3D (March 2009) * How to Train Your Dragon 3D (November 2009) * Hubble 3D (working title, February 2010) * Shrek Goes Forth 3D (May 2010) The deal with Dreamworks Animation for Kung Fu Panda, Monsters vs. Aliens 3D, How to Train Your Dragon 3D, and Shrek Goes Forth 3D was announced back on November 14, 2007. Press Release IMAX signs 100-theatre deal with AMC EntertainmentTM AMC Makes IMAX Key Part of Growth Strategy to Deliver the Premium Entertainment Experience Joint Venture Capitalizes on IMAX's Digital Projection Technology NEW YORK, NY and KANSAS CITY, MO, Dec. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ:IMAX; TSX:IMX) and AMC Entertainment Inc. (AMC), one of the world's largest and most innovative theatrical exhibition companies, today announced a joint-venture agreement to install 100 IMAX(R) digital projection systems at AMC locations in 33 major U.S. markets. The theatres will feature IMAX's digital projection system which is being developed for the IMAX MPX(R) theatre design. The agreement is projected to double IMAX's current commercial theatre footprint in North America and accelerates the momentum behind IMAX and AMC's transition to digital projection technology. "We are committed to delivering a premium entertainment experience by offering a menu of entertainment alternatives inside our facilities," said Peter C. Brown, chairman and chief executive officer, AMC Entertainment Inc. "Our expanded relationship with IMAX and the deployment of its state-of-the-art, next-generation digital projection systems is a key part of our strategy of continuing to broaden and enhance the AMC experience. It also builds on the successful partnership we have had with IMAX since June of 2005 and complements our overall digital plan." The rollout of the first 50 IMAX digital projection systems will begin in July 2008 at premier AMC theatre locations in 24 of the 33 selected markets, with an additional 25 scheduled for rollout in 2009 and 25 more in 2010. The IMAX theatres are slated to be installed in many of AMC's top-performing locations in the United States, including: AMC South Barrington 30, Chicago; AMC Mesquite 30, Dallas; AMC Gulf Pointe 30, Houston; AMC Century City 15, Los Angeles; AMC Empire 25, New York; AMC Neshaminy 24, Philadelphia; AMC Eastridge 15, San Francisco; AMC Hoffman Center 22, Washington D.C. "The agreement cements a partnership between two great brands. Partnering with AMC in a theatre deal of this size and scope is a transformational moment for our company from both a financial and strategic perspective," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "We couldn't be more pleased that The IMAX Experience(R) will be more accessible to consumers in nearly every major market in the United States. AMC is unique in the number of successful, stadium-seat megaplexes in locations that could accommodate this large number of new IMAX(R) theatres. Further, AMC's confidence in our digital projection system is a terrific endorsement. We look forward to rolling out our ground-breaking new technology and delivering the premium experience that moviegoers have come to expect from the IMAX(R) brand." In October of this year, IMAX announced that it had moved up the launch date of its digital projection system to mid-2008 from its previously announced anticipated timeframe of the end of 2008 to mid-2009. The highly anticipated IMAX digital projection system will further enhance The IMAX Experience and help to drive profitability for studios, exhibitors and IMAX theatres by virtually eliminating the need for film prints, increasing program flexibility and ultimately increasing the number of movies shown on IMAX screens. IMAX has already secured important parts of its film slate for 2008, 2009 and 2010 through agreements with major Hollywood studios including: The Spiderwick Chronicles (February 2008), Shine A Light (April 2008), Kung Fu Panda (June 2008), The Dark Knight (July 2008), Deep Sea-quel 3D (working title, February 2009), Monsters vs. Aliens 3D (March 2009), How to Train Your Dragon 3D (November 2009), Hubble 3D (working title, February 2010) and Shrek Goes Forth 3D (May 2010). Added Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler, "An agreement of this magnitude significantly jumpstarts our joint venture initiative, which we expect will generate increased recurring revenues for IMAX going forward. AMC's decision to enter into this agreement will accelerate the growth of our theatre network in North America and should help power the digital transition underway at our company, which we believe will help drive our operating and financial performance for years to come." AMC's initial 50 IMAX digital locations will include: MARKET AMC THEATRE ATLANTA AMC Barrett Commons 24 AMC Southlake Pavilion 24 BALTIMORE AMC Columbia Mall 14 AMC Loews White Marsh 16 BOSTON AMC Loews Boston Common 19 CHARLOTTE AMC Concord Mills 24 CHICAGO AMC South Barrington 30 AMC Loews Crestwood 18 CINCINNATI AMC Newport on the Levee 20 DALLAS AMC Mesquite 30 DENVER AMC Highlands Ranch 24 AMC Orchards 12 AMC Westminister Promenade 24 HOUSTON AMC First Colony 24 AMC Gulf Pointe 30 JACKSONVILLE AMC Orange Park 24 AMC Regency Square 24 KANSAS CITY AMC BarryWoods 24 AMC Independence Commons 20 LOS ANGELES AMC Burbank 16 AMC Century City 15 AMC Del Amo 18 AMC Promenade 16 AMC Puente Hills 20 AMC Santa Anita 16 MIAMI AMC Aventura 24 AMC Sunset Place 24 NEW ORLEANS AMC Elmwood Place 20 NEW YORK AMC Loews 34Th Street 14 AMC Empire 25 AMC Loews Kips Bay 15 AMC Rockaway 16 AMC Loews Stony Brook 17 AMC Loews Monmouth Mall 15 NORFOLK AMC Lynnhaven 18 ORLANDO AMC Altamonte Mall 18 PHILADELPHIA AMC Loews Cherry Hill 24 AMC Hamilton 24 AMC Neshaminy 24 PITTSBURG AMC Loews Waterfront 22 SAN DIEGO AMC Palm Promenade 24 SAN FRANCISCO AMC Bay Street 16 AMC Eastridge 15 AMC Mercado 20 SEATTLE AMC Loews Alderwood 16 AMC Southcenter 16 TAMPA AMC Veterans Expressway 24 WASHINGTON D.C. AMC Hoffman Center 22 AMC Potomac Mills 18 AMC Tysons Corner 16 IMAX will host a conference call on December 7, 2007 at 9:00 AM ET. To access the call interested parties should call (866) 321-8231 approximately 10 minutes before it begins. A recording of the call will be available by dialing (647) 436-0148. The code for both calls is 4272153. IMAX will also host a webcast of the conference call with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation. These can both be accessed on http://www.imax.com by clicking on 'Company Info' and then 'Investor Relations.' About AMC Entertainment Inc. Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., AMC Entertainment Inc. is one of the world's largest and most innovative theatrical exhibition companies. With a history of industry leadership dating back to 1920, the company today serves more than 230 million guests annually through interests in 358 theatres with 5,128 screens in six countries. http://www.amctheatres.com. About IMAX Corporation IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading digital entertainment and technology companies. The worldwide IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event Hollywood films around the globe, with IMAX theatres delivering the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX(R) 3D, and IMAX DMR(R) technology. IMAX DMR is the Company's groundbreaking digital remastering technology that allows it to digitally transform virtually any conventional motion picture into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R). IMAX's renowned projectors and new digital systems display crystal-clear images on the world's biggest screens. The digital system being developed by IMAX is configured for an IMAX MPX-style auditorium, which is designed specifically to enable multiplex operators to more cost effectively enter into the IMAX theatre business. The IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences for consumers. As of September 30, 2007, there were 296 IMAX theatres operating in 40 countries. ____________ can we say awesome!!!! |
I'm really kind of surprised no one else is excited about this news.
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I would be if the theatre was <5 minutes away, like my regular theatre. I make it out to an IMAX movie maybe once or twice a year.
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AMC South Barrington 30 next summer? YES!! That's pretty close to me
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Originally Posted by The Bus
I would be if the theatre was <5 minutes away, like my regular theatre. I make it out to an IMAX movie maybe once or twice a year.
since it's digital projection (and not actual 'prints') additional studios and DM'R'd films will become more frequent |
I'm hearing that in its early years, IMAX Digital will be two 2K projectors. I'm guessing they intend to have each projector show half the movie at full 2K resolution, but that's just conjecture on my part.
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Originally Posted by Suprmallet
I'm hearing that in its early years, IMAX Digital will be two 2K projectors. I'm guessing they intend to have each projector show half the movie at full 2K resolution, but that's just conjecture on my part.
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That would make more sense, 2 4k's displaying half the image each, giving each half of the image full 4k resolution.
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UPDATE
more theatre chains jump on the IMAX DP band wagon: (From IMAX corporation): In North America, IMAX signed a joint venture agreement with Regal Cinemas for five systems, with three of the locations identified as direct to digital installs during the fourth quarter of 2008 and second quarter of 2009. Similarly, IMAX signed a joint venture agreement with Muvico Theaters for three systems, with the third targeted to be a digital install in Muvico's highly anticipated Xanadu complex in New Jersey. The Company also entered into a second multi-theatre agreement with Goodrich Quality Theaters, following the highly successful launch of the exhibitor's first two theatres. The new agreement includes a digital installation in a new multiplex planned for the fourth quarter of 2009. (extracted from Hollywood Reporter article): But the next three theaters slated for Seattle and two other unspecified western U.S. locations will install Imax's digital projection technology when it comes to market in 2008 or early 2009. |
Since they installed an IMAX DP screen at the Edwards (part of the Regal chain) out here, it's been quite popular. Every time I've been there, it's been packed. I think it's worth the extra few dollars not to have sit through commercials :)
I see that the AMC Palm Promenade 24 is getting an IMAX. Figures, since the Edwards is 14 miles to the north and the AMC is 12 miles to the south. Damn, almost right in the middle. |
according to IMAX' website here's the rollout of IMAX Digital Systems at AMC Theatres:
Coming July 2008 Columbia 14 10300 Patuxent Parkway Columbia MD Hoffman 22 206 Swamp Fox Road Alexandria VA Potomac Mills 18 2700 Potomac Mills Circle Woodbridge VA Coming August 2008 Cherry Hill 24 2121 Route 38 Cherry Hill NJ Hamilton 24 325 Sloan Avenue Hamilton NJ Neshaminy 24 3900 Rockhill Drive Bensalem PA Coming October 2008 Empire 25 234 West 42nd Street New York NY Boston Common 19 175 Tremont Street Boston MA Veterans 24 9302 Anderson Road Tampa FL Altamonte Mall 18 433 E Altamonte Drive Altamonte FL White Marsh 16 8141 Honeygo Blvd. Baltimore MD Concord Mills 24 8421 Concord Mills Blvd. Concord NC Orange Park 24 1910 Wells Road Orange Park FL Regency 24 9451 Regency Square Blvd. Jacksonville FL Aventura Mall 24 19501 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura FL Sunset Place 24 5701 Sunset Drive South Miami FL Coming November 2008 First Colony 24 3301 Town Centre Blvd. S Sugar Land TX Gulf Pointe 30 11801 S Sam Houston Pkwy E Houston TX Kips Bay 15 570 Second Avenue New York NY Loews 34th Street 14 312 W 34th Street New York NY Tyson Corner 16 7850 Tysons Corner Center McLean VA Burbank 16 125 E Palm Avenue Burbank CA Century City 15 10250 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles CA Bay Street 16 5614 Shellmound St. Emeryville CA East Ridge Mall 15 2190 Eastridge Loop San Jose CA Mercado 20 3111 Mission College Blvd. Santa Clara CA |
Wow, July? I'm surprised we still have no word on what the projection specs will be.
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