Laser Projection Demonstration Lights Up G.I. Joe: Retaliation at AMC Theatres' Burbank 16, Using Christie Technology

NEW YORK, NY, March 24, 2013 (Press-News.org) Christie, a global leader in cinema projection, is pleased to present Paramount Pictures' highly anticipated G.I. JOE: RETALIATION on March 28 at AMC Theatres' (AMC) Burbank 16's ETX theatre. Christie is joining forces with AMC using laser projection technology to project the 3D movie at brightness levels of 14 foot lamberts (ft-L) - a "first" in the world of commercial cinema projection - on a 65-foot wide screen. This technology test will last for a two-week period and will be the first time that the average moviegoer will be able to enjoy compelling, immersive 3D images delivered at 2D light levels.

Paramount, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM) and Skydance Productions, in association with Hasbro , will release G.I. JOE: RETALIATION in digital 3D theaters across the U.S. and Canada beginning March 28.

"As a leader in innovation in the movie exhibition industry, AMC Theatres continues to push the envelope, looking for new ways to improve the movie-going experience for our guests," said Dan Huerta, vice president, Digital Systems, AMC. "We are delighted to enlist a technology leader like Christie to provide a sneak peek at a major advance in movie-illumination levels that is on the horizon."

Mark Christiansen, EVP of World Wide Operations for Paramount Pictures said, "We fully support the advancement of cutting edge technologies to further enhance the theatrical presentation for moviegoers. Laser projection provides incredible brightness, making each film look all the greater, but its impact on 3D is startling."

Noted Dr. Don Shaw, senior director, Product Management, Christie Entertainment Solutions, "Audiences will be impressed with 3D shown at 14 foot-lamberts, which is much brighter than current technology produces on most screens. This test of our laser technology will demonstrate how spectacularly a moviemaker's vision can be realized when shown at light levels normally only possible for 2D movies. Audiences who attend the AMC Burbank 16 during the laser demonstration will see a 50 percent increase in the typical contrast ratio for 3D on a crystal-clear 4K projector and we're confident that the average moviegoer will relish this new level of immersive experience."

Christie Laser-Projection Juggernaut Gaining Speed, Building on Previous Successes

Commenting on the laser projector test, Dr. Shaw said, "This is not the first time that Christie has employed laser technology to stretch the boundaries of digital cinema projection. Last year, Christie also showed select exhibitors in Asia how 72,000 Lumens could be achieved, in a demonstration of our prototype laser projector in Beijing.

"And at IBC 2012 Amsterdam this past September, I was pleased to preface the showing of Hugo 3D - the first CPG (Cameron Pace Group) certified movie - along with noted stereographers, Demetri Portelli and Corey Turner ('Transformers: Dark of the Moon'), which was then projected using Christie's laser-light projector prototype."

Christie hosted its first laser projector demo for cinema industry luminaries including Douglas Trumbull, Gordon E. Sawyer Academy Award winner, at its High Frame Rate Summit held in its manufacturing and engineering headquarters in Kitchener, Ontario in April 2012.

About AMC Theatres
AMC Theatres delivers distinctive and affordable movie-going experiences in 351 theatres with 5,083 screens across the United States and Canada. The company operates 20 of the 50 highest grossing theatres in the country, including the top three. AMC has propelled industry innovation and continues today by delivering premium sight and sound, enhanced food and beverage and diverse content. http://www.AMCTheatres.com.

About Christie
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio Inc. Japan (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit http://www.christiedigital.com.