Summer 2009

kino • n ote s
E N T E R TA I N M E N T
S O L U T I O N S
SUMMER 09
W O R L D W I D E
3D momentum
growing
worldwide
As Christie anticipated last year, 3D has become the
catalyst for cinemas to upgrade to digital. 3D is igniting
screens in Europe, (as well as globally), delivering
exciting content that audiences crave. And, with so
many attractive options, exhibitors are realizing the
financial benefits of digital 3D. With box office records
being set for 3D openings around the world, exhibitors
expect that this summer season could trigger another
banner year.
Pulling people off their couches
and into cinemas
With a wave of filmmakers creating dynamic and
enhanced 3D content, and more than 20 movies slated
for 3D release over the next two years, along with
advances in digital projection technology, movie-goers
will be experiencing immersive entertainment that can’t
be matched on a home theatre system.
Christie digital projection installations continue to
help exhibitors enjoy the revenue-generating benefits of
alternative content such as opera, live music concerts,
Story continues on page 2
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Ymagis business model
7
Asia Pacific next frontier
8
Thailand’s lifestyle cineplex 9
Digital cinema rollout
for Independents
Exclusive
Official Supplier
–Cannes Festival
Finnkino marks
Finnish debut
for Christie
Screenvision
strengthens
marketing in France
Digital cinema
expansion
in Spain
see page 2
see page 3
see page 4
see page 6
10
3D explodes onto screens
in Europe
Story continues from page 1
“What is encouraging
is that all of the
and sporting events. These exciting forms of
entertainment will not only literally jump out
at enthusiastic audiences, but exhibitors will
experience dramatic jumps in revenue streams.
62nd Festival de Cannes
gives top billing to 3D
exhibitor communities
Christie projectors lighting up
3D screens
Christie projects the
first animated feature in 3D
at opening ceremony
are moving forward...”
Because Christie’s new Brilliant3DTM triple flash
technology delivers picture-perfect images that are
33% brighter on the screen and our solutions are
easy to integrate into theatres — they continue to
be the industry’s most popular and proven digital
projectors.
Knowing that over 80% of the worldwide
market has chosen Christie projectors, both local
integrators and dealers — key to the on-going
success of the digital rollout — consistently
specify the Christie brand of projection systems.
“In 2009, digital cinema continues to gain
momentum across the EMEA market place.
With the number of 3D digital releases being
released by the studios, exhibitors are moving
forward aggressively with their rollout plans.
What is encouraging is that all of the exhibitor
communities are moving forward, from the
large multi-country chains to the vibrant and
strong independent sector. And that means the
consumer now has a wider choice than ever,”
notes Dale Miller, vice president EMEA, Christie.
For the third year running, XDC appointed
Christie as the supplier of digital cinema
projection solutions at the 62nd Cannes Film
Festival. Cannes, the most recognized film festival
and major cultural
influence in cinema,
opened this year’s
event with the world
premiere of the new
animated comedy
adventure “Up” in
Disney Digital 3D, the
new animation from
Disney•Pixar.
Out of 53 cinema
titles announced for
the official lineup, at
least 50 features were
screened digitally.
94% of the feature
© Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
films screened used
Christie digital projectors.
Dale Miller
Vice President, EMEA
Christie
Shaping global cinema
Both CST (the representative organization of
cinema professionals in France responsible
for the technical operation of Cannes) and
XDC (an official partner for the Cannes Film
Festival) opted for Christie as their technical
partner supplying the digital projection
solutions for the Festival.
XDC, a leader in digital cinema in Europe
with over 500 installed digital screens,
specified a Christie CP2000-SB projector to
deliver the long-awaited 3D presentation
of “Up,” which takes audiences on an
immersive journey into a lost world. To
enhance this inaugural screening, the
CP2000-SB, with Brilliant3D was selected
because it maximized brightness and its
single lens system reduced operating
costs, without compromising on quality.
Fabrice Testa, vice president sales &
business development at XDC, said,
“3D today acts as a catalyst for the
conversion to digital cinema. Exhibitors
who are going digital will equip at
least one screen per multiplex for 3D
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cinema projection, and many theatres plan to
install two or three digital systems per multiplex.
In this context, Christie is a partner of choice for
XDC, providing reliable, easy-to-use and easy-tomaintain products. This is why we have renewed
our joint partnership for the Cannes Film Festival
this year.”
XDC implemented its Cinestore Solo G3 server
in all the auditoriums at Cannes and collaborated
with XpanD, an expert in 3D presentations.
Christie digital projectors
at Cannes
Official Competition:
Seven Christie 2K DLP Cinema®
projectors were installed in the following
auditoriums: Lumière, Debussy, Bazin,
Buñuel, 60th Anniversary Theatre
and the Beach Cinema.
Film Market:
Three Christie 2K DLP Cinema
projectors were installed in Bory
and Lerins2 auditoriums and
auditorium J. Plus, nine Christie
high definition DLP ® standard
projectors equipped the other HD
video rooms.
Palais des Festivals:
One Christie 2K digital control room
installed to check the digital copies.
France at digital forefront
France is spearheading the digital cinema
revolution in Europe with over 392 screens in
113 commercial theatres going digital. 80 screens
have already been equipped with a 3D system,
highlighting the potential of 3D for exhibitors
and production companies alike to boost their
programming experience.
FinnKino marks Finnish
debut for Christie
Finnkino, the largest chain of cinemas in Finland,
and one of the largest in the Nordic region,
develops its cinema services by building new
theatres and refurbishing existing ones. Their
goal is to expand the cinema-going experience,
offering a combination of quality films, the very
best in comfort and audio-visual technology, and
a wide range of ancillary services.
Founded in 1986 as a consortium of a total
of 34 companies engaged in film distribution
and exhibition, Finnkino has been a part of the
Rautakirja Group since 1994. They currently
operate 16 cinemas in 11 cities in Finland with
a total of 94 screens. Alongside its operations
in Finland, Finnkino has subsidiaries in Latvia,
Lithuania and Estonia. Finnkino forecasts that they
will sell up to 10 million tickets this year.
With 170 screens covering Finland and the
three Baltic countries, the exhibitor began to
look seriously at the digital market two years
ago. “That was the beginning of our learning
curve,” notes Finnkino’s Technical Manager Ari
“Jaska” Saarinen. “In the early days everyone was
thinking that so long as you had the TI chip in the
digital head, all projectors were of similar quality.
But there’s more knowledge about it now —
and what we have seen from Christie looks very
impressive indeed,” said Saarinen.
3
3D explodes onto screens
in Europe
Story continues from page 3
Largest Nordic operators back
CP2000-XB
“Despite Christie’s huge global market share in
digital cinema projection, this order represented
Christie’s entry into the Finnish market. It’s
great that we can now add Finland to the other
Scandinavian markets that we have already
penetrated,” stated Richard Nye, Christie's market
development manager for cinema in Europe,
Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
At last year’s Cinema Expo
Saarinen had the opportunity to
compare Christie’s full suite of
premium CP2000 2K products.
“There were several compelling
reasons for adopting the Christie
brand,” he said. “The first was
that we could get 20-25% more
light output from the projectors
than their competitors and that is
because of the superior light path.”
With the company moving
increasingly to active 3D via an
XpanD solution, the requirement
for high output further became paramount.
“You really need high brightness to satisfy
the 3D experience. The final issue is that the
CP2000-XB enables 3D content to be projected
in full 2K resolution which no-one else in the 2K
market can do,” added Saarinen. The technology
breakthrough is Christie Brilliant3D. A first for the
industry, this feature is enabled on all Christie 2K
DLP Cinema® projectors.
Adding new momentum to their conversion to
DCI-compliant digital screening rooms, Finnkino
invested in ten Christie CP2000-XB split-body 2K
digital projectors.
Other factors that appealed to Saarinen’s
team were ease of use and fast installation,
and the fact that Finnkino only needed to
modify the windows in two projection rooms
to accommodate the compact, split body
design. This ensured that the rig could be
installed by their own technical crew quickly.
“Christie also arranged a private training
seminar, which was extremely useful, as it will
enable us to support our own installations,”
commented Saarinen.
Finnkino’s flagship is the 14-screen, 3000-seat
multiplex in Tennispalatsi, developed in 1999
on a site that had originally been built for the
cancelled 1940 Olympic Games. The auditoriums
vary in size from 92 to 703 seats, with the biggest
4
housing a screen measuring 184.8 square metres
(1989 sq.ft) — making it the largest screen in
Northern Europe, and now converted for 3D
use. It was also the world’s first movie theatre to
implement THX tri-amplified sound system and
SDDS in all 14 digital auditoriums.
Finnkino is also a major player in the Baltic
countries as owner of Forum Cinemas AS
(Estonia), Forum Cinemas SIA (Latvia) and Forum
Cinemas UAB (Lithuania). They intend to invest
over the next two to three years to expand its
chain of movie theatres.
As for Ari Saarinen, he believes his relationship
with Christie is just at the beginning. “We are very
happy with this initial purchase,” he confirmed.
“We are able to use the CP2000-XB even in the
smallest auditoriums which is important, as it
means we can remain consistent with one model
throughout. This avoids problems of needing
different parts for different models, and allows
cinema staff to get used to it easier. In fact the
projectionists love the CP2000-XB because it’s so
easy to use.”
Screenvision strengthens
its marketing approach
in France
Screenvision is the leading innovator of on-screen
cinema advertising in Europe, with a presence
in France, Belgium, Portugal and Denmark. It is
a joint venture between ITV plc, the UK’s largest
commercial television network, and Thomson
a global supplier of technology, services, and
systems to the media and entertainment industries.
Screenvision currently serves over 1400 screens
in France.
Screenvision offers its partners a full range
of technical services for content management,
from 35mm to digital environments. They also
provide a centrally co-ordinated media planning,
buying, production and research service to
international advertisers.
Immersing clients in the
entertainment experience
Recently, Screenvision fitted its viewing room with
a Christie CP2000-ZX digital cinema projector. The
aim was to show customers, such as advertisers,
media agencies and film distributors, their advertising
messages as they would appear under actual
projection conditions, so that they could approve the
content within a real cinema environment.
“Christie is a reliable and responsive company
that provides innovative technical projection
solutions with outstanding light output. The
Christie digital cinema projector was an obvious
choice for us to stand out as the pioneers of
e-cinema in France,” said Clement Beauvalet,
deputy director general in charge of business
development for Screenvision.
“The viewing room adds another dimension
to our relationship with all our partners and
customers. It allows us to strengthen our role in
digital cinema advertising in France and to assist
in this major digital transition,” added Beauvalet.
“For example, to support the emergence of 3D
feature films, Screenvision now offers advertisers
content creation in 3D.”
Following a preliminary study, Cine Digital
Service, a French company offering consulting,
sales, installation and technical assistance for
cinema equipment, developed a solution that
meets the demands of more sophisticated
on-screen advertising. As of this June, Cine
Digital Service will have installed over 500
digital projection systems throughout France.
“Screenvision already had 35mm equipment,
and they were able to integrate digital cinema
into the heart of their existing facility,” Daniel
Grall, president of Cine Digital Service noted.
“Incorporating both technical and architectural
specifications, we set up a package providing
optimal vision regardless of the format adopted.”
A successful transition to digital
Completed in March in compliance with DCI
recommendations, Screenvision’s turnkey installation--which took into account both sound
and video requirements, included the Christie
CP2000-ZX digital cinema projector. “We have
a long-standing relationship with Christie, who,
as a global leader in digital cinema, has always
demonstrated its ability to remain competitive
both in terms of price and quality,” says Grall.
“Christie’s reputation is based on innovative
technical solutions, ease of installation and
use, and a good cost/performance ratio. The
Christie CP2000-ZX, based on 2K DLP Cinema®
technology, features a brightness of 18,500
lumens and a 2K resolution for ultra-compact
dimensions. It is able to display pristine images
on screens with widths up to 14 meters (46 ft),”
comments Pascal Gervais, development director
of Christie France.
“We are obviously delighted to provide
Screenvision the transition to a digital projection
system that has many advantages for advertisers
and other partners. They now can reduce
implementation time between the start of the ad
campaign and its distribution in theatres — by
eliminating transportation of 35mm reels. The
conversion to digital means that they can quickly
respond to advertisers’ needs for additional
campaign promotions, open houses and other
events. Exhibitors can easily change the order
and arrangement of trailers and commercials at
the last moment, and present audiences with
more entertaining content and events. With the
transition to digital 3D, they will be now be able
to give advertisers new opportunities to enhance
their commercials, and provide new impetus to
the advertising industry,” says Gervais.
“Christie’s digital
projector was an
obvious choice for
us to stand out as
pioneers of e-cinema
in France.”
Clement Beauvalet
Deputy Director General
Screenvision
5
3D explodes onto screens
in Europe
Story continues from page 5
“…the feature that
was crucial in
selecting Christie
is how easy it was
to use the menus.”
Enrique Martinez
Technical Director
Yelmo Cinemas
6
Yelmo Cines Islazul:
A blueprint for digital
expansion in Spain
Islazul, translated, means the Blue Island. The
theatre has become a part of a planned
expansion of the city of Madrid. More than just a
local shopping center, it is a major regional retail
and leisure destination. An imaginative approach
to the city’s zoning, Islazul created a series of
malls, each with its own character. Along with
one of Spain’s best fashion shopping experiences,
and a food court, there is a Plaza that serves
both shoppers and visitors, and includes the
new Yelmo Cinemas’
13-screen multiplex.
A leading film exhibition
chain in Spain, Yelmo
Cinemas serves over 12
million moviegoers a year
with over 350 theatres in
31 different cinemas. The
new Yelmo Cines Islazul,
with a capacity of 3,200 seats, is one of a series
of technological advances and innovative services
that make it the most modern multiplex in Spain,
and sets a benchmark for Europe.
Arts Alliance Media (AAM), a European leader
of digital film distribution, in collaboration with
its Spanish partner Kelonik, were responsible for
the supply, installation and maintenance of all
equipment, including the selection of Christie
digital projectors. “We believe that the Christie
projectors, known for their state-of-the-art
technology, are the most advanced in terms of
brightness. We trust their proven performance,
since Christie has the largest number of DLP®
projectors installed in the world” says Tomás
Naranjo, commercial director of Kelonik.
Nuances that tipped the scales
in favor of Christie
Five of the
theatres within
the Yelmo Cines
Islazul multiplex,
which represent
50 percent of its
seating capacity,
have been fully
digitized with
Christie CP2000 series projectors. For Yelmo, this
was their first experience with a digital multiplex
solution. “The goal of this installation was to
determine the ability to share and distribute
content between different screens,” said Enrique
Martinez, technical director of Yelmo Cinemas.
Five Christie digital projectors were chosen — one
CP2000-SB, two Christie CP2000-ZX and two
Christie CP2000-S — because they are designed
to support any signal, which was key for Islazul to
output all kinds of content such as soccer, opera,
and music concerts. Martinez noted, “This type of
alternate content will be much more common in
coming years and will surely become an important
part of our revenue at the box office.”
Hallmarks of Yelmo Cinemas
Islazul
One of the most important characteristics of
Yelmo Cinemas Islazul is that it houses the largest
screen in Europe — measuring 25.60 meters wide
and 10.70 meters high (84 ft x 35 ft), located in
one of the theatres that has more than 700 seats,
and is equipped with a Christie CP2000-SB
projector. Another auditorium, with capacity for
268 people has a CP2000-S projector installed
and is ready for 3D projection, using XpanD active
glass system. Yelmo plans to transform another
432-seat theatre for 3D in the near future.
A concept developed by Yelmo Cinemas is a
multifunctional auditorium called Cinegames that
is ideal for holding online multiplayer networked
videogames that requires a large screen format
and special effects. Equipped with a Christie
CP2000-ZX, the room has 54 VIP leather seats
with individual screens and audio systems on
individual headrests. Euroseating specifically
developed audio-tactile systems built into the
seats. Cinegames is also used for interactive
conferences, as well as cultural, educational and
corporate events that require digital projection on
a big screen.
After the successful trial, Yelmo Cinemas
recently announced that it has reached a new
agreement with AAM to equip 22 additional
rooms within its chain of digital cinemas across
Spain, with 3D and satellite-enabled capabilities
using DCI-compliant systems. Yelmo, AAM
and Kelonik have again, by mutual agreement,
selected Christie projectors and Doremi servers
for deployment. “We want to take advantage
of the coming digital wave of 3D movies,” says
Martinez.
Ymagis: Business model
premieres in France
Financing solution helps
exhibitors in Europe
convert to digital
Dedicated to the world of digital cinema, Ymagis,
based in Paris, provides services to distributors,
advertising agencies, producers and operators.
Created in 2007 by Jean Mizrahi and Jean
Christophe Lacroix, both cinema industry executives,
the company offers technical and financial
solutions to ensure deployment of cinema to
digital broadcasting, as well as solutions for
encoding DCI standards and distribution of
digital copies.
Technological developments at Ymagis
are first tested in the projection room of the
company. For cinemas under contract during
their transition to digital, Ymagis provides other
services such as the creation of masters (DCP),
duplication and distribution of copies (KDM
in cinemas) and validation files. They are also
engaged in digital postproduction.
“Christie is a partner
of choice that
reflects our goals…
in the transition
to digital.”
Jean Mizrahi
Founder and President
YMAGIS
Story continues on back cover
The compact Christie CP2000-ZX
digital projector offers maximum
installation options.
7
Asia Pacific region: next frontier
for digital cinema
Christie forges digital deployment deals in South Korea,
China, India and Thailand
“It’s a testimony to
the global quality of
our entertainment
solution and
strong technical
support teams…”
Lin Yu
Vice President, Asia Pacific
Christie
CGV Shindorim theatre in Seoul, Korea.
Christie is enjoying enormous digital cinema
growth of more than 400% in the Asia Pacific
region. With major deployment deals in place,
this growth firmly establishes Christie as the
undisputed industry leader. To date, more than
600 sites in Asia Pacific have installed Christie
CP2000 series DLP Cinema® projectors, with an
additional 500 sites scheduled for conversion by
the end of this year.
Christie installations lead the
film-to-digital transition
After posting a record of more than 7,000
completed installations worldwide, Christie is
now driving the growth of digital cinema in
Asia Pacific, with many countries in the region
embarking on large-scale
digital cinema plans.
South Korea-based
D-Cinema Korea Co. Ltd
(DCK), the joint-venture
company of CJ CGV and
Lotte Cinema, announced
a Virtual Print Fee (VPF)
deal with major Hollywood
studios that will launch
the country’s largest digital
cinema deployment to
date. The studios, including
Paramount Pictures,
Twentieth Century Fox and
Universal Pictures, have
agreed to provide digital
theatrical releases and pay a VPF for each title
to help offset the initial costs of conversion. For
the deployment, Christie will provide its CP Series
projectors in theatres across the country. South
Korea is expected to be the first, fully digitized
country in the world.
China has gathered momentum since the
triumphant performance of a record number of
Christie digital projectors at the
2008 Beijing Summer Games
ceremonies. Together with
Beijing Time Antaeus (TA) Media
Tech. Co., Ltd., Christie provided
120 Christie CP2000-ZX models
that delivered a spectacular
Kingdom Garden Movie Station
in Beijing, China.
8
presentation for the event and demonstrated
their full flexibility in a non-cinema environment.
After the ceremonies, these projectors were
installed in TA’s theatres across China as part
of the country’s film-to-digital conversion. In
addition, China’s renowned Shanghai Film Group
(SFG) Corporation and Lianzhong (LZ) have also
selected Christie exclusively for their respective
nationwide digital cinema rollout plans.
In India, Christie continues its collaboration
with Scrabble Entertainment. To date it has
successfully installed 200 Christie DLP Cinema
projectors
for India’s
largest single
digital cinema
deployment. This
historic rollout
has brought the
digital cinema
revolution to
India. Christie
Fun Theatres’ Audi 1 Northsquare
projectors are
Mall Pitampura, one of Scrabble
now installed in Entertainment’s first digital
theatres owned deployments using Christie projectors.
by PVR Cinemas, Fame Cinemas, INOX and Fun
Theatres across the country.
In Thailand, Christie has worked with its
Thailand-based partner, Golden Duck Group, to
develop the local cinema scene. Major Cineplex
Group, the country’s largest exhibitor, has also
recently adopted a full Christie digital cinema
solution for their theatres in Bangkok. (See separate
story on page 9). In addition, SF Cinema, the
second largest chain in Thailand, is also a firm
supporter of the Christie CP2000 Series.
“In the recent digital cinema deployment plans,
Christie has expanded its market share in the
Asia Pacific region very rapidly and surpassed
the growth rate of most digital cinema providers
in this part of the world. Leading exhibitors are
now opting for Christie digital cinema solutions
as they have witnessed successful implementations worldwide. It is also a testimony to the
undisputed global quality of our entertainment
solutions and strong technical support teams
to help theatres complete their film-to-digital
transitions,” comments Lin Yu, vice president,
Christie Asia Pacific.
Thailand’s lifestyle entertainment
cineplexes enhanced with Christie
digital projectors
Major Cineplex Group is Thailand’s leading lifestyle
entertainment company with core business in
cinema, bowling, karaoke, ice skating rinks, retail
space, film distribution and advertising media.
The “Cineplex” concept was first introduced to
the Thais in 1995 when Major built the first-of-itskind standalone cineplex in Bangkok. Combining
cinema and entertainment under the same roof,
moviegoers were offered a wide selection of
films along with a vast variety of restaurants, gift
shops, bookstores and many other lifestyle stores.
Major’s standalone cineplex quickly became a
very popular destination of lifestyle entertainment
alternatives for residents in Bangkok. In
subsequent years, several more standalone
cineplexes were added to Major’s network.
Offering a full spectrum of
cinema choices
After several successful years, an alternative
vehicle for growth — the lifestyle neighborhood
mall model — was created in 2003. Major’s
compact lifestyle neighborhood mall, typically
built on a smaller plot of land next to residential
areas, has grown in metropolitan areas as
well as more urbanized areas around the
country, providing enhanced convenience to
the moviegoers.
Major Cineplex Group has over 40 Major
Cineplexes and more than 350 theatres in
Thailand. Currently, 15 of those screens have
adopted the full Christie digital cinema projection
solution — the most extensive digital cinema
deployment in the country to date.
“We look forward
Christie, working with its Thailand-based
partner, Golden Duck Group, has been busy
developing the local cinema market. Seven of
the projectors installed to date are 3D-capable.
Golden Duck recently installed 10 Christie
CP2000 series projectors of which nine units
were the CP2000-ZX model. All the digital
projectors utilize Christie Brilliant3D technology
which enables 3D content to be projected in full
2K resolution. In addition they use Christie high
performance CDXL D-Cinema lamps.
“Thailand movie-goers are very sophisticated
in their entertainment needs. Going digital 3D is
an excellent way to reinvent movie-going into an
engaging experience for the local consumers,”
comments Jonathon Lim, general manager,
Singapore, Christie. “We look forward to being a
valuable partner in helping Major Cineplex bring
the new cinema frontier to Thailand.”
to being a valuable
partner...to bring
the new cinema
frontier to Thailand.”
Jonathon Lim
General Manager, Singapore
Christie
.
9
Helping independent exhibitors
“Digital cinema
can significantly
expand a theatre’s
potential revenue
streams.”
Craig Sholder
Vice President
Entertainment Solutions
Christie USA
In conjunction with its authorized digital cinema
resellers, Christie has developed more customizable
programs that provide marketing and sales
support, offer technical advice and expertise,
and maintain spare parts inventory. These critical
issues are often stumbling blocks for independent
theatres in their efforts to go digital.
“Independent theatres serve an important
niche in the cinema marketplace. They cater
to local audiences and provide a connection
to their communities. By working closely with
certified Christie dealers who sell, install and
service the independent theatres, Christie offers
a broader range of support that includes turnkey
operations and the most advanced digital projection
solutions,” comments Craig Sholder, vice president,
Entertainment Solutions, Christie USA.”
3D drives digital conversions
EuroWest Companies, headquartered in Essex,
Vermont, recently converted one of its two
theater complexes in Essex, Vermont. Peter
Edelmann, president of EuroWest, remarked,
“The kids are going wild for 3D movies, such
as ‘Monsters vs. Aliens,’ and we have great
expectations for more content to be available
throughout 2009.”
Classic Cinemas’ Lake Theatre
in Oak Park, Illinois.
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that Christie has in the industry,” he said. He
recalled receiving an email from a moviegoer who
saw “Monsters vs. Aliens” at one of his theatres.
“It was the best 3D experience they ever had.”
Chapman noted that they will install another
Christie CP2000-ZX projector in the Cumberland
12 Cinema located in Plattsburgh, New York.
“Because of the record number of 3D features
and alternative content coming through the
Hollywood pipeline, 3D has become the driving
force for digital conversions. 3D justifies our
decision to convert, and makes the new digital
technology affordable for us. We will be in a
position to finance our systems faster on the
local level.”
Making a difference to the
bottom line
Reaping the full benefits of
digital cinema
Classic Cinemas, a family-owned business based
in Downer’s Grove, Illinois, operates 13 theatres
in 12 communities. They were early adopters
of digital sound, digital projection technology
and 3D. Specializing in
“lighting up the darkened
downtowns” in northern
Illinois, their theatres have
become the engines for
driving downtown redevelopment. Recently, Classic
Cinemas installed Christie
CP2000-ZX projectors in
seven locations to show
“My Bloody Valentine” and
“Monsters vs. Aliens” in 3D.
According to VicePresident Chris Johnson of
Classic Cinemas, “Christie
is a good company to work
with and they strongly
support their products.
Their projectors are ideal
for showing 3D content.
Because they feature very
efficient light engines, we
use ‘less bulb’ and get ‘more
light,’ which helps us to
reduce our ongoing costs.
Audience reaction to our 3D
showings is excellent, and
we’re confident that the viewing experience
we offer is the result of the quality images that
Christie projectors provide on the screen.”
participate in the digital cinema rollout
Essex Cinemas in Essex, Vermont
Edelmann noted that he selected Christie digital
projectors because “of its reputation, quality
and long-term value.” He added, “The new
digital projection equipment from Christie will be
used for more than movies. It will allow a lot of
alternative programming, including live concerts,
video gaming activities and sporting events, such
as the Super Bowl.”
Dale Chapman, regional manager at EuroWest
Cinemas, commented that they were extremely
happy with the Christie CP2000-ZX projectors.
“We primarily selected Christie equipment for the
Essex Cinemas because of their reliability, ease of
service, the lamp guarantee, and the reputation
In 2002, Southern Theatres, headquartered in
New Orleans, was launched to develop and
operate state-of-the-art multiplex, stadium-seating
movie theatres. Responsible for daily operations
of The Grand Theatres and Amstar Cinemas in
18 locations with 280 screens, from Alabama to
Texas, they have plans for continued expansion
in key markets throughout the Southeast. Ron
Krueger, COO of Southern Theatres, remarked
that they wanted to take advantage of digital
cinema deployment, and to enjoy the value
and increased revenues that 3D will bring to his
theatres. “I believe that 3D is the lynch pin to the
rollout of 2D digital cinema,” he said.
Southern Theatres recently installed Christie
CP2000-ZX digital projectors in five of their
theatres, in time for Walt Disney’s “Jonas Brothers:
3D Concert Experience.” Krueger said that
Christie’s products and services are very reliable
and he has confidence in their ability to deliver.
“We have no problems whatsoever. We selected
the Christie CP2000-ZX projectors because they
were the right size for our mid-size auditoriums,
and they are extremely cost-efficient.”
Providing more than
just projectors
Integrity Entertainment Systems, located in
Albany, New York, is an authorized digital
cinema reseller for Christie. They handled the
sales and installations at both Southern and
EuroWest. “We supply all the components
necessary for the complete installation. We
coordinate infrastructure and the financial
aspects, provide surveys and measurements,
< Cumberland 12 Cinema in Plattsburgh, New York
Southern Theatres’ Conroe 14, located in Conroe, Texas.
and are responsible for the documentation
required by the studios, as well as the
2D and 3D content providers,” said Gary
Engvold, president of Integrity. “I call it a
one-stop approach where we include project
management at no additional cost to the
independent exhibitor.”
Engvold added: “We also offer our
independent cinema customers the ability to fund
all or part of their cost for the digital projectors.
By referring them to various leasing companies
where we have established a successful
relationship, we help open the doors for our
clients’ digital conversions. About a third of the
systems purchased are through leasing options
we arrange.”
“Digital cinema can significantly expand a
theatre’s potential revenue streams. Christie
is dedicated to helping independent theatres
enjoy the best of both worlds: affordable
financing packages and the highest quality
digital cinema installation and support
platform,” sums up Sholder.
11
3D explodes onto screens
in Europe
Ymagis: Business model premieres in France
Story continues from page 7
Due to a growing demand, they are considering
a new business venture to remaster old films.
Ymagis has also set up a digital lab that
enables an increasing number of producers
and distributors to access the latest digital
technologies for distribution of content.
Expanding the digital platform
with Christie projection solutions
With its commitment to move quickly in the
conversion to digital, their technology experts
chose Christie to provide projection equipment
for its new digital screening room.
The Christie CP2000-ZX, based on proven
technology and the reliability of DLP®, was
installed by TACC, a subsidiary of Digital Cinema
Service. Coordinating a network of installers
throughout France, Digital Cinema Service, with
a network of more than 70 people, provides
a unique link between manufacturers and
operators of cinema facilities.
The Christie CP2000-ZX was selected
because it is up to 50% more compact than its
competitors — offering maximum installation
options for small to medium size rooms. It has
also proven to be very easy to use and maintain.
Daniel Grall, president of Digital Cinema
Service commented “The CP 2000-ZX offers an
exceptional brightness level of 18,500 lumens
which projects an outstanding image quality on
the screen.”
“Digital cinema is more than a new
technology. It is a major development for the
cinema industry that allows viewers to have new
visual experiences such as 3D, and for cinemas
to expand their programming strategy, at a very
competitive price,” says Jean Mizrahi, founder
and president of Ymagis. “As a market leader
in solutions for digital projection, Christie is a
partner of choice that reflects our goal to assist
stakeholders in the transition to digital.”
The savings derived from digital copying, with
a cost significantly less than the 35mm print
— the principle behind “virtual copies” — will
be transferred in part towards financing digital
conversions. This incentive plan ensures the
funding of more than 90% of French cinemas,
allowing a balance between major circuits and
independent cinemas, between large integrated
distributors and large and small distributors. This
model was conceived to preserve the advances
made over the past hundred years of French
cinema, marked by diversity and dynamism.
Since its founding, Ymagis has converted
over twenty operators — representing thirtyfive cinemas and more than two hundred
independent French screens — to digital cinema
through its flexible and tailored financing models
that benefit all partners in digital broadcasting.
Ymagis boasts support through non-exclusive
agreements with Paramount, Disney, Fox and
Universal in Europe to participate in financing
the cost of digital conversions. The company has
also signed a similar contract with the French
advertising agency Censier Publicinex.
Agreements are about to be made
with other U.S. studios and distributors
in France.
The bright, high performance
Christie CP2000-ZX projector offers
Brilliant3DTM technology — full 2K
resolution triple flash for 3D.
Contact us
Visit our website at:
www.christiedigital.com
Corporate offices
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc.
USA – Cypress
ph: 714 236 8610
Christie Digital Systems Canada, Inc.
Canada – Kitchener
ph: 519 744 8005
Worldwide offices
United Kingdom
ph: +44 118977 8000
Germany
ph: +49 2161 664540
France
ph: +33 (0) 1 41 21 44 04
Eastern Europe and
Russian Federation
ph: +36 (0) 1 47 48 100
Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
ph: +971 (0) 4 299 7575
India
ph: +080 41468941 – 48
Singapore
ph: +65 6877 8737
China (Shanghai)
ph: +86 21 6278 7708
China (Beijing)
ph: +86 10 6561 0240
Japan (Tokyo)
ph: +81 3 3599 7481
Korea (Seoul)
ph: +83 2 702 1601
Independent sales
consultant offices
Spain
ph: +34 91 633 9990
Italy
ph: +39 (0)2 9902 1161
South Africa
ph: +27 (0) 317 671 347
We welcome your comments, questions, story
submissions, updates and installation information.
Send correspondence to:
Chris Day
chris.day @ christiedigital.com
Kino Notes is published 3x a year by Christie
and distributed in print to our cinema partners
and customers. We wish to thank our customers
for their support in producing this newsletter.
No part of this newsletter may be reproduced
in whole or in part without the written consent
of Christie.
© 2009 Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. All rights
reserved. All brand names and product names are
trademarks, registered trademarks or tradenames of their
respective holders. Printed in Canada on recycled paper.
CHRI 9503 Jun09