Basingstoke, 1 September 2014 – Leading cinema operator Vue Entertainment International is converting up to 400 of its Sony 4K projection systems at screens in the UK, Ireland, Germany and Denmark to Sony Digital Cinema 3D.
The phased conversion process is scheduled to start in September this year. It will extend over a three to four year time period, covering a total of 394 screens across the group’s Vue and CinemaxX branded European estate.
Unlike ‘triple-flash’ systems that rapidly present different images to each eye in turn, the Sony Digital Cinema 3D dual lens solution provides smooth, immersive flicker-free 3D images without distracting flashing effects. Whether audiences are watching in 3D or 2D, Sony’s unique 4K projection technology assures an unparalleled viewing experience, with market-leading contrast levels plus exceptional colour and clarity.
Vue Entertainment International currently deploys a mix of Sony 4K projection systems across its estate, including the flagship R320and its acclaimed sibling, the R515 that’s optimised for medium-sized and smaller screens. The operator also deploys a significant number of Sony Theatre Management Systems (TMS). “We’ve always been committed to giving audiences the best possible entertainment experience, and standardising on Sony 4K across our estate continues to guarantee fabulous picture quality for every customer at every screen” commented Steve Knibbs, COO of Vue Entertainment International. “Switching to Sony 3D means fabulous picture quality, plus the obvious technical and operational attraction of standardising on an all-Sony 3D presentation solution at almost 400 of our screens. We’re delighted to be further strengthening our successful partnership with Sony Digital Cinema in this way.”
“Vue is without question one of Europe’s most technically innovative and customer-focused cinema operators”, noted David McIntosh, Vice President of Sony Digital Cinema 4K Solutions for Europe and the Americas. “This across-the-board changeover to Sony 3D is another hugely significant milestone in our successful and longstanding relationship with the group.”
Vue’s choice of Sony 4K Digital Cinema to give its audiences the best possible movie-going experience dates back to November 2010, when the operator installed its first Sony projector in Fulham Broadway cinema. Today, Vue Entertainment International offers millions of customers annually a state-of-the-art viewing experience that only Sony 4K delivers.
Alongside conventional theatrical releases, Vue also offers its customers a fast-growing range of live and pre-recorded alternative content, from sporting events to music concerts, opera and ballet. In July, two matches from this summer’s 2014 FIFA World Cup™were streamed live via satellite in a World Exclusive from Brazil in Ultra High Definition Sony 4K to football fans at Vue’s flagship multiplex at Westfield, London.