Cinema Technology Mar. 31, 2023
Register & Log in
X
Sponsors



Christie is a leader in visual solutions for world-class organizations, offering diverse applications for business, entertainment, and industry. A leading innovator in film projection since 1929 and a pioneer in projection systems since 1979, Christie has established a global reputation as a total service provider and the world's single source manufacturer of a variety of display technologies and solutions. Christie offers comprehensive solutions for cinema, large audience venues, control rooms, business presentations, training facilities, 3D and Virtual Reality, simulation and education as well as industrial and government environments.

Industry Partners

Shows & Events


# 1938 Baird

RSS News
RSS Info About RSS

Skip Navigation Links
Burbank, CA and Morristown, NJ—Sep 15, 2005

The Walt Disney Studios' Distribution Arm Buena Vista Pictures Distribution Commits Content to Christie/AIX Deployment of DCI-Compliant Digital Projection Systems

The Walt Disney Studios' distribution arm Buena Vista Pictures Distribution (BVPD) and Access Integrated Technologies, Inc. ("AccessIT") (AMEX: AIX) Christie/AIX unit have entered into a groundbreaking non-exclusive agreement to supply feature films from Walt Disney Pictures and Touchstone Pictures to DCI-compliant digital projection systems to be deployed by Christie/AIX. Christie/AIX will install between 2,500 and 4,000 systems throughout the United States and Canada over the next two years.

Just over one month ago, Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC (DCI), a joint venture of Disney and other major studios, issued the final technical specification for theatrical digital equipment. Christie/AIX's installation plan marks the first mass deployment following the DCI specification's release. The benefits of DCI compliance should be apparent to consumers as the systems initially deployed by Christie/AIX will include DCI-compliant compression, the state of the art in moving image projection which delivers the highest-quality DLP Cinema™ image to the movie screen. All systems will be upgraded to full DCI compliance as soon as the hardware is available.

Disney is the first major studio to sign an agreement to provide content for Christie/AIX digital systems. Recently, in an unprecedented move, Disney led the film industry by introducing Disney Digital 3D™, using Christie DLP Cinema projectors and Dolby servers. Audiences can enjoy this true three-dimensional digital experience in movie theaters on November 4, 2005, with the highly anticipated release of the Walt Disney animated film Chicken Little.

AccessIT's Christie/AIX unit serves as the funding vehicle and administrator for the company's 4,000-screen digital cinema rollout plan expanded from the one originally announced in June 2005. Under the plan, Christie/AIX will act as a financing intermediary between content owners - including major studios and independent distributors - and exhibitors who will utilize DCI-compliant digital cinema systems including 2K projectors and related hardware and software. The raising of capital for funding of the initial 200 systems was completed on July 21, 2005.

"We are thrilled that we have come to an agreement with Christie/AIX to supply content to their digital projection systems, and we will continue to support other deployment plans in order to ensure the future success of the exhibition industry," said Chuck Viane, president, BVPD. "DCI-compliant digital cinema rollouts will allow consumers to enjoy the highest quality cinema experience available while providing clear benefits to exhibition partners. We couldn't be more pleased with the top-of-the-line performance of Christie projectors and look forward to seeing our films presented in the highest digital viewing quality available."

"We appreciate the importance of this signing as a major step forward for AccessIT and the industry," commented Bud Mayo, chairman and chief executive officer of AccessIT. "Disney has always been extremely forward-thinking in the digital cinema space, and in supporting this venture in particular. We expect this to be the first of several signings with studios in the next month or so, accompanied by agreements with exhibitors. The contribution of Christie to this and other contemplated signings cannot be overstated. As we expand the number of stakeholders in this groundbreaking venture, AccessIT is proud to be a key member on such an impressive team. We fully expect the deployment to begin in October with at least 150 screens in time for Christmas."

Jack Kline, president and COO, Christie, noted, "Exhibitors were one of our top priorities when we crafted the agreement. We wanted to ensure that maintenance costs remained similar to that of film projection while providing higher quality images. Disney, an innovator and leader in the art of entertainment, is an important part of the equation. By marrying their leadership with our understanding of the unique needs of the exhibition community, moviegoers everywhere will be the big winners, enjoying the spectacular visual experience of digital cinema technology that is unmatched by anything they have ever seen before."

Chuck Goldwater, president and COO of Christie/AIX added, "The Disney contract is the first of several announcements concerning our rollout plan that we expect to make in the weeks ahead. It re-affirms our confidence that the plan is viable, practical and workable for all industry participants. We are encouraged and grateful for the growing support from the studios and from exhibitors, which will enable AccessIT to continue to help drive the industry's transition to the digital future."



Logo: Christie
About Christie: Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual and audio technologies company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP: 6925). Christie revolutionized the movie industry with the launch of digital cinema projection, and since 1929 has embraced innovation and broken many technology barriers. From the world’s largest mega-events to the smallest applications, our technology—from advanced RGB pure laser and SDVoE technology to image processing and LED display solutions—empowers people to create the world’s best shared experiences. Visit www.christiedigital.com. Christie Directory page Christie Web Site
About Cinedigm: Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. is a leader in providing the services, experience, technology and content critical to transforming movie theaters into digital and networked entertainment centers. The Company partners with Hollywood movie studios, independent movie distributors, and exhibitors to bring movies in digital cinema format to audiences across the country. Cinedigm's digital cinema deployment organization, state of the art distributor and exhibition software, and marketing and distribution platform for alternative content and independent films are a cornerstone of the industry's digital cinema transformation. With the April acquisition of New Video, the world's largest aggregator of independent digital content and leading distributor of quality entertainment, CIDM has created a new full service end-to-end digital studio, enabling the Company to acquire and distribute independent films and specialty content both theatrically and via digital, mobile and home media platforms. Cinedigm Directory page
About Walt Disney Studios: For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music, and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Disney|Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice, and Disney Live!. Walt Disney Studios Directory page

Share This Page

More Christie News:
Dec 27, 2022 Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Chooses Christie RGB Pure Laser Projection for its Iconic Auditorium
Christie Logo
Christie®, a global leader in digital cinema technologies, is pleased to announce that Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, one of the most beloved heritage cinemas in Australia, has chosen its state-of-the-art RGB pure laser projection system for the iconic auditorium – The Orpheum.

Dec 15, 2022 First European CINITY Cinema System Installations Ready for Immersive Avatar: the Way of Water Screenings
Christie Logo
A trio of European cinemas has installed the CINITY Cinema System allowing moviegoers to see Avatar: The Way of Water in superb clarity. The CINITY Cinema System, developed over a three-year period by CINITY, in collaboration with Christie®, offers creative blending of 4K, 3D, high brightness, high frame rate, high dynamic range, and wide color gamut display capabilities, paired with immersive sound.

Dec 9, 2022 Christie Demonstrates CINITY Cinema System at CineAsia 2022
Christie Logo
Christie®, a global leader in digital cinema presentation technologies, is pleased to have conducted demonstrations of the award-winning CINITY Cinema System at CineAsia 2022, which took place in Hall 8 of Icon Cineconic, True Icon Hall, Bangkok.

Dec 6, 2022 Major Cineplex Chooses Christie RGBe Series Laser Projectors to Deliver Outstanding Visuals on Smaller Screens
Christie Logo
Christie® is pleased to announce that Major Cineplex, the largest movie theatre operator in Thailand, has chosen its high-value RGBe Series laser projection system for deployment in smaller auditoriums across its circuit.

Dec 5, 2022 Christie Adds to its Lineup of RealLaser Cinema Projectors with Two New High Efficiency RGB Models and A New Xenon Workhorse
Christie Logo
Christie®, a global leader in digital cinema projection and audio technologies announces the addition of three new cinema projectors for boutique and mid-sized theatres.

Dec 1, 2022 Hemisfèric Redefines the Cinema-Going Experience with Christie CP4450-RGB
Christie Logo
The Hemisfèric, part of the cultural and scientific complex at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain, recently installed a Christie® CP4450-RGB pure laser cinema projector in its main theatre - the biggest of its kind in Spain, with a concave dome screen covering 900 square meters (9687 square feet) and 24 meters (79 feet) in diameter.

Nov 28, 2022 Christie to Showcase Widest Range of Cinema Solutions at CineAsia 2022
Christie Logo
Christie® is pleased to showcase its industry-leading cinema solutions designed to meet the needs of every screen size at CineAsia 2022, taking place for the first time in Thailand from December 5-8 at True Icon Hall, Bangkok.
©Copyright 2003 - 2023 WHMCC, LLC .
| Contact | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy
All rights reserved.
banner