Enter for a chance to win and be featured on the Avon’s magnificent screen â€" it’s free!
Call For Entries: OPIN ‘Pet Tail’ Awards Video Contest
Does your pet have what it takes to be a star? OPIN’s 1st Annual Pet Tail Awards is looking for your short videos starring your cat, dog, bird, rabbit, or whoever you share your heart with.
Please note that the headline is misleading in that the second round of “virtual print fee” financing through AccessIT and participating studios is to outfit up to 10,000 screens with DCI compliant DLP Cinema digital projection systems only. Digital 3D systems, as provided by either REAL D, Dolby Digital 3D and/or NuVision, are an add-on to the digital projection set-up.
I hate to disappoint all the IMAX and 70mm fans that have made (very just) comments here. IMAX will be going digital too. The following press release highlights some of the respective features and milestones as well.
Texas Instruments Announces IMAX Digital Projection System to be Powered by DLP Cinema®
2008 marks the 10th Anniversary of digital cinema led by DLP Cinema
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA â€" March 11, 2008: Texas Instruments (TI) (NYSE: TXN) DLP Cinema® announced today at ShoWest that IMAX® Corporation (Nasdaq: IMAX) has decided to incorporate the DLP Cinema projector solution in its IMAX digital projection systems to be deployed by commercial exhibitors around the world.
“We are excited to cement this alliance with DLP Cinema, and believe their technology will help ensure that our digital projection system delivers the best cinema experience available to audiences,†said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. “We’ve evaluated competing cinema projection technology and found DLP Cinema to be the ideal match for IMAX.â€
IMAX’s highly anticipated digital projection system integrates a suite of proprietary IMAX intellectual properties with the DLP Cinema projector solution in a way that creates The IMAX Experience in a digital format.
IMAX expects its transition to digital to 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. With the implementation of DLP Cinema technology, IMAX moviegoers will experience precise, lifelike images in vibrant colors, delivered through the millions of microscopic mirrors on the DLP Cinema chip.
“We are proud to work with IMAX and look forward to the development and rollout of the best digital cinema experience in the market,†said Nancy Fares, Business Manager for DLP Cinema Products Group. “DLP Cinema projectors are the heart of every digital 2D and 3D movie experience for traditional and now large format venues. We look forward to participating in their move to digital in the months ahead.â€
Digital cinema installations continue to be catalyzed by the increasing release of 3D film. The 3D movie format is serving as a revenue driver for the film industry overall, and has gained a resurgence of interest by moviegoers. IMAX has been a leader in 3D content, especially since the overwhelming box office success of The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience, which has grossed more than $65 million in IMAX theatres around the world since it opened in 2005. More recently, Beowulf: An IMAX 3D Experience grossed $25 million, representing a per screen average of more than $185,000.
Celebrating its 10th year in the film industry, DLP Cinema projection technology is installed in over 6,000 theatres on every continent except Antarctica and is the only digital 3D single projector solution. Today there are more than 1,200 theatres in the country that offer the digital 3D experience powered by DLP Cinema technology, and this number will continue to increase as IMAX begins its rollout of digital projection systems powered by DLP Cinema.
2008 marks the 10th Anniversary of DLP’s entrance into the cinema industry, with the first fully functional and Hollywood endorsed digital DLP Cinema movie projector. After years of prototypes, DLP had delivered Hollywood’s biggest image critics and cinematographers with a digital projector that met the world’s highest standards on color, brightness and reliability and therefore pioneered the digital cinema concept. A year later in 1999 the studios released the first movie in digital format on DLP Cinema which was Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace. DLP Cinema honors the heritage of the ultimate viewing experience while incorporating the latest technology innovations, such as the 3D single projector solution, and cutting costs for cinema exhibitors, distributors and ultimately the consumer.
About DLP Cinema
DLP Cinema is a proprietary technology that delivers clear, sharp, bright and accurate images to movie theatres globally. To manufacture and market under the DLP Cinema trademark, technology licensees, including Barco, Christie and NEC, must meet stringent standards and guidelines meant to ensure the best possible performance and picture quality. This digital picture and standard of excellence ensures that a DLP Cinema movie screening looks flawless and each showing is as perfect as the first with no annoying scratches, tears or weaving that detract from the movie-going experience. For more information, or to find a DLP Cinema theatre near you, please visit www.dlpcinema.com
About Texas Instruments DLP Products
DLP display technology from Texas Instruments offers clarity down to the most minute detail, delivering pictures rich with color, contrast and brightness to large-screen HDTVs and projectors for business, home, professional venue and digital cinema (DLP Cinema®). 50 of the world’s top projection and display manufacturers design, manufacture and market products based on DLP technology. DLP is the only HDTV technology built from a foundation in the digital cinema where it set the industry standard demonstrated by the deployment of DLP Cinema technology in 5,971 theatres worldwide. At the heart of every DLP chip is an array of up to 2.2 million microscopic mirrors which switch incredibly fast to create a high resolution, highly reliable, full color image. DLP technology’s chip architecture and inherent speed advantage provides razor-sharp images and excellent reproduction of fast motion video. Since early 1996, more than 15.5 million DLP subsystems have been shipped. For more information, please visit www.dlp.com
About Texas Instruments:
Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 25 countries. For more information, www.ti.com DLP and DLP Cinema are registered trademarks of Texas Instruments.
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 3D, and IMAX DMR 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. IMAX’s renowned projectors and new digital systems display crystal-clear images on the world’s biggest screens. 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.
IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMRÃ', IMAX MPXÃ', and The IMAX Experience® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at www.imax.com
Madison Art Cinemas recently launched a completely redesigned website that includes an insightful slideshow with classical music: http://www.madisonartcinemas.com/tour.html
Enjoy…
Tours of the Loew’s Paradise Theater will commence on Saturday, April 8th at 11 AM and at 1 PM. Additional tours this month are planned for April 15th and April 22nd with a regular schedule following on Saturdays throughout the year. Admission is $6.00 for all, with a maximumn tour size of 30 people. Photography will not be a problem.
Those wishing to attend â€" And who wouldn’t?!!!! It’s magnificent. â€" should leave their names with the theatre at 1-800-353-8040. Please check the website www.theparadisetheater.com for future dates and updated information.
Orlando Lopes, New York Director of the Theatre Historical Society, has done an outstanding job. His support of the Paradise continues by coordinating volunteer efforts for events and by personally guiding these tours which will take about 50 minutes. Thank you.
Orlando Lopes, New York Metro Director of the Theatre Historical Society of America (THSA), is coordinating a volunteer effort for the Loewâ€\s Paradise. There will be a series of events and shows where help is needed, starting this Saturday, February 11, 2006.
This is a wonderful opportunity to become part of the excitement of this beautifully revived Cinema Treasure. Orlando and the Paradise management have some great plans in store for all movie theatre and film fans.
Please contact Orlando at (631) 225-7071 after 9PM or email him at There will be a name list, so you cannot show up unannounced.
Dear br91975 — Thank you for your interest. Film Journal International is only available by subscription View link but I would gladly ask to have a copy sent to you if you email me the address.
This is exciting news. A great combination of talent, vision and finance.
The history of Sundance Cinemas goes back to the summer of 1997 when the joint venture was first formally announced between Robert Redford and now defunct GC Companies, Inc. The parent company of General Cinema Theatres, Inc. and the esteemed actor, director and friend of independent film were setting out to build a unique, stand-alone national theatre circuit of some “250 to 300 screens at 25 to 30 locations over the next five years.” In the words of General Cinema Theatres president and CEO William Doeren at the time, the new developments could include stand-alone complexes as well as conversions of existing buildings. It was said that while Robert Redford is known to be fond of the movie palace concept, these conversions might also involve buildings that previously had a different use.
For more ‘historic’ information, please go to a November 1998 article in Film Journal International: View link
Interestingly enough, a few months later Landmark Theatres went through another ownership change, this time for some $65 million to Silver Cinemas: View link
Updated information about programming plans and a discussion of construction are available in my article in the June 2005 issue of Film Journal International: View link
Congratulations to Scott, Jon, the board of directors, sponsors, donors and everybody on the design and restoration teams. You have a true Cinema Treasure!
In response to the previously posted questions, please refer to a May 2003 article I wrote for Film Journal International: http://filmjournal.com/Article.cfm?PageID=58591042
It goes into some detail about the IMAX system adapted for use in multiplexes.
To honor its rebirth and continued success, the Avon Theatre will be celebrated with a profile in our upcoming book, “Cinema Treasures – A New Look at Classic Movie Theaters.” Congratulations to entire Film Center team for having done such a wonderful job!
To honor its birthday and continued success, the Somerville Theatre will be celebrated with a profile in our upcoming book, “Cinema Treasures – A New Look at Classic Movie Theaters.” Congratulations!
If you’ve noticed work being done on the facade of the Henry Fonda Theatre lately, it’s not for the premiere of a new production but for the introduction of a new special event space. Restaurant owner and event planner, Thad Smith (Blue Palm) has leased the Henry Fonda and is currently in the midst of Phase I of a multi-million dollar renovation of the historic 1927 building.
The theatre, which has sat empty since it played host to “Tony & Tina’s Wedding” last year, has long been in need of a makeover. When Smith went through it, he found the once elegant rooftop garden had been overrun by pigeons, the theatre walls were peeling and mirrors were cracked. He and his team are now working carefully to return the theatre to its former grandeur.
Along the way, Smith has made some amazing finds. While redoing the theatre’s interior, Smith noticed part of the wall seemed hollow. He tore it out, revealing a long-hidden VIP box where wealthy patrons would be seated. He also discovered original wood floors in the veranda of the rooftop garden club and old lighting fixtures stored away that will be reinstalled.
While several preservation groups have concerns that the theatre will no longer function as a live performance space (the seats are being removed) and that restoration will not be accurate, Smith assures the community that he is doing what he can to breathe new life into a great old building that he cares deeply about. All changes are cosmetic, he says, and he is working from historical materials to ensure authenticity. Look for the new Henry Fonda to open in the fall.
(Information courtesy of the Hollywood Entertainment District BidBiz Newsletter.
www.hollywoodbid.org)
The downstairs auditorium now holds the Entertainment Technology Center, a highly respected testing ground for the upcoming (?) digital projection revolution.
The theatre reopened as AmStar 14 on October 14, 2011. More information available at http://bit.ly/fji1211amstar14 .
Outreach to Pets In Need, April 22, 2010
Fundraiser to Benefit Stamford Animal Care & Control
In addition to its creative programming and special guest events, the Avon Theatre Film Center also lends a helping hand to the community. Thank you!
Enter for a chance to win and be featured on the Avon’s magnificent screen â€" it’s free!
Call For Entries: OPIN ‘Pet Tail’ Awards Video Contest
Does your pet have what it takes to be a star? OPIN’s 1st Annual Pet Tail Awards is looking for your short videos starring your cat, dog, bird, rabbit, or whoever you share your heart with.
Fill out the entry form at www.OPINpets.org.
Post your video as a Video Response to our Call For Entries video.
Tell your friends about the contest!
For full details, visit our website.
About OPIN
Outreach to Pets in Need (OPIN) is a Fairfield County 501©3 non-profit organization whose mission is to decrease the population of homeless pets in Connecticut through medical treatment, training, public education, and placement programs.
Please note that the headline is misleading in that the second round of “virtual print fee” financing through AccessIT and participating studios is to outfit up to 10,000 screens with DCI compliant DLP Cinema digital projection systems only. Digital 3D systems, as provided by either REAL D, Dolby Digital 3D and/or NuVision, are an add-on to the digital projection set-up.
I hate to disappoint all the IMAX and 70mm fans that have made (very just) comments here. IMAX will be going digital too. The following press release highlights some of the respective features and milestones as well.
Texas Instruments Announces IMAX Digital Projection System to be Powered by DLP Cinema®
2008 marks the 10th Anniversary of digital cinema led by DLP Cinema
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA â€" March 11, 2008: Texas Instruments (TI) (NYSE: TXN) DLP Cinema® announced today at ShoWest that IMAX® Corporation (Nasdaq: IMAX) has decided to incorporate the DLP Cinema projector solution in its IMAX digital projection systems to be deployed by commercial exhibitors around the world.
“We are excited to cement this alliance with DLP Cinema, and believe their technology will help ensure that our digital projection system delivers the best cinema experience available to audiences,†said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. “We’ve evaluated competing cinema projection technology and found DLP Cinema to be the ideal match for IMAX.â€
IMAX’s highly anticipated digital projection system integrates a suite of proprietary IMAX intellectual properties with the DLP Cinema projector solution in a way that creates The IMAX Experience in a digital format.
IMAX expects its transition to digital to 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. With the implementation of DLP Cinema technology, IMAX moviegoers will experience precise, lifelike images in vibrant colors, delivered through the millions of microscopic mirrors on the DLP Cinema chip.
“We are proud to work with IMAX and look forward to the development and rollout of the best digital cinema experience in the market,†said Nancy Fares, Business Manager for DLP Cinema Products Group. “DLP Cinema projectors are the heart of every digital 2D and 3D movie experience for traditional and now large format venues. We look forward to participating in their move to digital in the months ahead.â€
Digital cinema installations continue to be catalyzed by the increasing release of 3D film. The 3D movie format is serving as a revenue driver for the film industry overall, and has gained a resurgence of interest by moviegoers. IMAX has been a leader in 3D content, especially since the overwhelming box office success of The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience, which has grossed more than $65 million in IMAX theatres around the world since it opened in 2005. More recently, Beowulf: An IMAX 3D Experience grossed $25 million, representing a per screen average of more than $185,000.
Celebrating its 10th year in the film industry, DLP Cinema projection technology is installed in over 6,000 theatres on every continent except Antarctica and is the only digital 3D single projector solution. Today there are more than 1,200 theatres in the country that offer the digital 3D experience powered by DLP Cinema technology, and this number will continue to increase as IMAX begins its rollout of digital projection systems powered by DLP Cinema.
2008 marks the 10th Anniversary of DLP’s entrance into the cinema industry, with the first fully functional and Hollywood endorsed digital DLP Cinema movie projector. After years of prototypes, DLP had delivered Hollywood’s biggest image critics and cinematographers with a digital projector that met the world’s highest standards on color, brightness and reliability and therefore pioneered the digital cinema concept. A year later in 1999 the studios released the first movie in digital format on DLP Cinema which was Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace. DLP Cinema honors the heritage of the ultimate viewing experience while incorporating the latest technology innovations, such as the 3D single projector solution, and cutting costs for cinema exhibitors, distributors and ultimately the consumer.
About DLP Cinema
DLP Cinema is a proprietary technology that delivers clear, sharp, bright and accurate images to movie theatres globally. To manufacture and market under the DLP Cinema trademark, technology licensees, including Barco, Christie and NEC, must meet stringent standards and guidelines meant to ensure the best possible performance and picture quality. This digital picture and standard of excellence ensures that a DLP Cinema movie screening looks flawless and each showing is as perfect as the first with no annoying scratches, tears or weaving that detract from the movie-going experience. For more information, or to find a DLP Cinema theatre near you, please visit www.dlpcinema.com
About Texas Instruments DLP Products
DLP display technology from Texas Instruments offers clarity down to the most minute detail, delivering pictures rich with color, contrast and brightness to large-screen HDTVs and projectors for business, home, professional venue and digital cinema (DLP Cinema®). 50 of the world’s top projection and display manufacturers design, manufacture and market products based on DLP technology. DLP is the only HDTV technology built from a foundation in the digital cinema where it set the industry standard demonstrated by the deployment of DLP Cinema technology in 5,971 theatres worldwide. At the heart of every DLP chip is an array of up to 2.2 million microscopic mirrors which switch incredibly fast to create a high resolution, highly reliable, full color image. DLP technology’s chip architecture and inherent speed advantage provides razor-sharp images and excellent reproduction of fast motion video. Since early 1996, more than 15.5 million DLP subsystems have been shipped. For more information, please visit www.dlp.com
About Texas Instruments:
Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 25 countries. For more information, www.ti.com DLP and DLP Cinema are registered trademarks of Texas Instruments.
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 3D, and IMAX DMR 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. IMAX’s renowned projectors and new digital systems display crystal-clear images on the world’s biggest screens. 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.
IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMRÃ', IMAX MPXÃ', and The IMAX Experience® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at www.imax.com
Madison Art Cinemas recently launched a completely redesigned website that includes an insightful slideshow with classical music: http://www.madisonartcinemas.com/tour.html
Enjoy…
Tours of the Loew’s Paradise Theater will commence on Saturday, April 8th at 11 AM and at 1 PM. Additional tours this month are planned for April 15th and April 22nd with a regular schedule following on Saturdays throughout the year. Admission is $6.00 for all, with a maximumn tour size of 30 people. Photography will not be a problem.
Those wishing to attend â€" And who wouldn’t?!!!! It’s magnificent. â€" should leave their names with the theatre at 1-800-353-8040. Please check the website www.theparadisetheater.com for future dates and updated information.
Orlando Lopes, New York Director of the Theatre Historical Society, has done an outstanding job. His support of the Paradise continues by coordinating volunteer efforts for events and by personally guiding these tours which will take about 50 minutes. Thank you.
Orlando Lopes, New York Metro Director of the Theatre Historical Society of America (THSA), is coordinating a volunteer effort for the Loewâ€\s Paradise. There will be a series of events and shows where help is needed, starting this Saturday, February 11, 2006.
This is a wonderful opportunity to become part of the excitement of this beautifully revived Cinema Treasure. Orlando and the Paradise management have some great plans in store for all movie theatre and film fans.
Please contact Orlando at (631) 225-7071 after 9PM or email him at There will be a name list, so you cannot show up unannounced.
Thank you all.
Dear br91975 — Thank you for your interest. Film Journal International is only available by subscription View link but I would gladly ask to have a copy sent to you if you email me the address.
This is exciting news. A great combination of talent, vision and finance.
The history of Sundance Cinemas goes back to the summer of 1997 when the joint venture was first formally announced between Robert Redford and now defunct GC Companies, Inc. The parent company of General Cinema Theatres, Inc. and the esteemed actor, director and friend of independent film were setting out to build a unique, stand-alone national theatre circuit of some “250 to 300 screens at 25 to 30 locations over the next five years.” In the words of General Cinema Theatres president and CEO William Doeren at the time, the new developments could include stand-alone complexes as well as conversions of existing buildings. It was said that while Robert Redford is known to be fond of the movie palace concept, these conversions might also involve buildings that previously had a different use.
For more ‘historic’ information, please go to a November 1998 article in Film Journal International: View link
Interestingly enough, a few months later Landmark Theatres went through another ownership change, this time for some $65 million to Silver Cinemas:
View link
Updated information about programming plans and a discussion of construction are available in my article in the June 2005 issue of Film Journal International: View link
Congratulations to Scott, Jon, the board of directors, sponsors, donors and everybody on the design and restoration teams. You have a true Cinema Treasure!
Thank you for all the good wishes. We are very excited and hope that you will enjoy the book.
Best, Ross & Andreas.
In response to the previously posted questions, please refer to a May 2003 article I wrote for Film Journal International:
http://filmjournal.com/Article.cfm?PageID=58591042
It goes into some detail about the IMAX system adapted for use in multiplexes.
To honor its rebirth and continued success, the Avon Theatre will be celebrated with a profile in our upcoming book, “Cinema Treasures – A New Look at Classic Movie Theaters.” Congratulations to entire Film Center team for having done such a wonderful job!
To honor its birthday and continued success, the Somerville Theatre will be celebrated with a profile in our upcoming book, “Cinema Treasures – A New Look at Classic Movie Theaters.” Congratulations!
Only at the movies can “The Tuscan Sun” shine at night. And quite brightly too.
If you’ve noticed work being done on the facade of the Henry Fonda Theatre lately, it’s not for the premiere of a new production but for the introduction of a new special event space. Restaurant owner and event planner, Thad Smith (Blue Palm) has leased the Henry Fonda and is currently in the midst of Phase I of a multi-million dollar renovation of the historic 1927 building.
The theatre, which has sat empty since it played host to “Tony & Tina’s Wedding” last year, has long been in need of a makeover. When Smith went through it, he found the once elegant rooftop garden had been overrun by pigeons, the theatre walls were peeling and mirrors were cracked. He and his team are now working carefully to return the theatre to its former grandeur.
Along the way, Smith has made some amazing finds. While redoing the theatre’s interior, Smith noticed part of the wall seemed hollow. He tore it out, revealing a long-hidden VIP box where wealthy patrons would be seated. He also discovered original wood floors in the veranda of the rooftop garden club and old lighting fixtures stored away that will be reinstalled.
While several preservation groups have concerns that the theatre will no longer function as a live performance space (the seats are being removed) and that restoration will not be accurate, Smith assures the community that he is doing what he can to breathe new life into a great old building that he cares deeply about. All changes are cosmetic, he says, and he is working from historical materials to ensure authenticity. Look for the new Henry Fonda to open in the fall.
(Information courtesy of the Hollywood Entertainment District BidBiz Newsletter.
www.hollywoodbid.org)
The downstairs auditorium now holds the Entertainment Technology Center, a highly respected testing ground for the upcoming (?) digital projection revolution.
It’s still standing on Hollywood Blvd.