Seattle's Cinerama Cinemas, the world's first permanent laser projection facility

A Christie 4K digital laser projector, with scalable light output up to 60,000 lumens, enables 2D and 3D projection with stunning clarity and brilliant, accurate color reproduction.

Christie has been chosen to supply and install the world's first commercial digital laser projection solution at the Seattle Cinerama Cinemas, located at 2100 4th Avenue in Seattle, Washington. The purchase order is for a Christie 4K digital laser projector, with scalable light output up to 60,000 lumens.

Greg Wood, director of Cinerama, said that “when Paul G. Allen, a high-tech visionary, purchased the cinema in 1999, he was able to unleash innovation at the Cinerama in order to provide our community with a cinematic experience. of Vanguard. Selecting a laser projection solution, with its ability to display 2D and 3D movies with stunning clarity and brilliant, accurate color reproduction, continues in line with that tradition. “We were excited by Christie’s demonstrations of this technology earlier this year, and we look forward to welcoming the installation of this bright, reliable laser projector into our space.”

Christie recently received the first US FDA approval allowing the sale of laser projectors for use in movie theaters, marking the first and only approval to date for a manufacturer of DCI-compatible movie projectors. .

Jack Kline, president and COO of Christie Digital Systems USA, says, “Cinerama has a long history of innovation, and our latest projector will allow this theater to take the audience experience to the next level. “A laser projector is a significant investment for any movie theater, and the fact that Seattle's Cinerama has chosen Christie to continue being one of the world's leading movie theaters is a huge vote of confidence.”

Technical evaluations began in August, with the replacement of conventional digital projection with Christie's latest digital cinema laser projector planned for early next year.

Don Shaw, Senior Director of Product Management at Christie Entertainment Solutions, notes, “Cinerama's huge screen demands the best and brightest in digital cinema projection technology, so it can demonstrate just how spectacular a filmmaker's vision can be. when your film is displayed at high contrast ratios and intense light levels. This in turn will lead to a new and natural immersive experience for the average viewer and fans alike. “We know that Christie’s laser projection will exceed the already high expectations it has generated around the world.”

Laser projection advances

Christie has an unparalleled track record of innovation in the world of film technology. For example, recently and for two full weeks starting March 28, 2013, Christie teamed up with AMC and Paramount Pictures to screen G.I. Joe: Retaliation in the first commercial showing of a 3D film at brightness levels of 14 foot lamberts (ft-L) using laser projection. It was the first opportunity for the general public to enjoy engaging immersive 3D images delivered at 2D light levels.

Additionally, in 2012, Christie showed a select group of exhibitors in Asia how it was possible to achieve 72,000 lumens, in a demonstration in Beijing of its laser projector prototype. This screening followed the one in September at IBC 2012 in Amsterdam of Hugo 3D, the first CPG (Cameron Pace Group) certified film presented by the Shaw along with noted stereographers Demetri Portelli and Corey Turner (Transformers: Dark of the Moon). The film was then projected using a prototype Christie 4K laser projector.

Christie performed his first laser projector demonstration for film industry celebrities including Douglas Trumbull (Academy Award winner Gordon E. Sawyer) at his High Frame Rate Summit held at his engineering and production headquarters in Kitchener. , Ontario, in April 2012.

Christie plans to introduce a wide range of laser projectors in the coming months.

Other articles on Christie