ArcLight Cinemas
and XpanD look to set a record box office opening by showcasing James Cameron’s
Avatar at the Cinerama Dome this week in Hollywood. Since its inception
in 1963, the iconic Cinerama Dome has never played a movie in 3D format as it
was considered technically impossible.
XpanD, the world’s leading 3D technology
provider, being the most efficient and technology suitable 3D cinema choice with
the capability to accommodate a screen size of 32 x 86 feet and to project
digital 3D on a giant curved dome, managed to bridge the historical technical 3D
challenge. As a result, this will be the ultimate Avatar 3D
experience.
Located on Sunset Boulevard, the Cinerama Dome has been one
of the best-known cinemas in the world for more than four decades, delivering
the biggest blockbuster hits using the latest in cinematic innovations.
Moreover, the theater consistently ranks as one of the top five grossing
theatres in the country and has built its strong reputation upon its unique,
800-seat geodesic-shaped theater that presents a variety of technical
differences compared to traditional theaters while sitting in the heart of
Hollywood where many studio executives, filmmakers and industry professionals
choose to view blockbuster titles.
XpanD offers the world’s best 3D
technology for large format and specialty cinema environments, and because
XpanD’s technology does not require a silver screen or other ancillary
projection devices, XpanD 3D is the only solution for the giant Dome experience.
XpanD’s active 3D solution is based upon the patented "pi-cell" system,
delivering alternate right- and left-eye images with fast switching stereoscopic
shutter action. Unlike competitive passive 3D technologies that use inexpensive
disposable glasses, XpanD’s active 3D glasses do not affect image quality, do
not have ghosting effects and do not manipulate the colors and contrast which is
crucial in delivering the best 3D image and requisite for a movie such as
Avatar.
“We’re elated to be providing the 3D systems for the
historic ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood,” said Maria Costeira, CEO for XpanD.
“Furthermore, with an XpanD 3D system at the Cinerama Dome in time for the
opening of Avatar, viewers will experience the most anticipated 3D
feature film in history in one of the best 3D viewing environments in the
world.”
“Our guests have come to expect the best movie-going experience
possible,” said Joe Miragila, Director of Design, Construction and Facilities of
ArcLight Cinemas. “XpanD’s 3D technology now available in the Dome will make our
guests’ experience for the highly-anticipated Avatar that much more
special.”