Home/Menu > Find News > Refresh this page

Wokingham, UK—Sep 30, 2016

Ang Lee Makes Cinema History with Christie® Mirage 3D Projector

“At 120 frames per second your eyes get greedy,” said Hollywood film director Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain, Life of Pi) at the EMEA first-showing of his latest film, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, at a landmark 120fps, 4K 3D and with an astonishing 28 foot-lamberts per eye brightness as part of this year’s IBC Big Screen Experience. It was one of many notable quotes on Monday’s conference of which Lee was keynote speaker.

Long-standing show director Julian Pinn opened the session promising, “I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say this is cinema history in the making.” Further underlining what the audience was shortly to experience, Pinn added the clips would be shown on, “…the Christie®Mirage, the only projector capable of showing 120fps, 3D, 4K at 28 foot-lamberts.”

Ang Lee discusses his latest film with Julian Pinn at IBC 2016

Clips from Ang Lee’s soon-to-be-released film from Sony TriStar Pictures, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk (2016) - the story of a soldier who fought in the Iraq war - were then shown. The Christie Mirage Series is widely used in demanding applications such as 3D visualization, visitor attractions or theme park rides, since it is able to achieve said high frame rate and resolution, stemming from Christie’s investment in its TruLife™ electronics platform with an industry-leading video-processing pipeline of up to 1.2 Gigapixels per second.

Pinn had spent some 18 months working to bring the experience to IBC and the keynote session was not only memorable for the audience’s reaction to seeing the movie clips but for the insights that emerged from the on-stage discussion between the movie’s team; director Ang Lee, technical supervisor, Ben Gervais; the film’s editor Tim Squyres; and Scot Barbour, Head of Production Technology, Sony Pictures Entertainment. For the 9-minute clip, the two Christie Mirage 4KLHs, the laser-light powered version of the original Xenon-lamp based Mirage, were installed in the auditorium, and a team of Christie engineers supported the screenings.

Ang Lee is known for both his dramatic storytelling and his embracing of new technologies, such as his 3D Life of Pi. Lee said the production team had decided to make the film in 120fps because HFR removes many of the limitations associated with 24fps 3D. However Ben Gervais revealed, “We never necessarily intended to see this film that way because none of us had ever seen (120fps, 4K) and finally one week before shooting we managed to get a set of (Mirage) projectors from Christie and all of us were awestruck. We hadn’t seen anything like it before.”

Screening Room Benefited from Latest in Projection Technology
They started shooting and Tim Squyres, the movie’s editor said, “I had to cut at the highest resolution I could which was 60fps. We were on the edge of what the system could do. Then Christie came in with the Mirages; they brought the Christie projectors into our editing room. We had the best screening room on the planet. Ideally we wanted to see it as near as possible to how it was shot.”

Being able to see what they were shooting daily in 120fps 4K had immediate impact during the shoot as Ang Lee explained, referencing scenes set in Iraq, “We could see everything in that burning sunlight. We saw we couldn’t use make-up.” Commenting on the clarity and realism, he expanded with great honesty adding, “That’s the scary part, you see the acting!” However, he also relished the artistic advantages. “Most preciously to me were the faces. The film language has to change. I didn’t have much choice (filming) but to stick close to Billy Lynn. You feel how they feel, see the thoughts in their eyes.”

The discussion touched on what Pinn had described as, “how the interplay of art and science come together.” Lee’s view of this was, “It’s humbling. Artists respond to what technology is giving us. I would go so far as to say this is a moment in cinematic history. I pick it up and take a leap of faith. I want to stress that the picture is captured so every format (from 24fps to 120 fps) is improved in my opinion.” An interesting observation from Lee and his team was that the chemistry between art and technology differs at each level of frame rate and resolution. “But every level has its own merit,” Lee observed. “The compensation is the art. I think story telling brings wisdom to life. We are always telling stories. It’s how you tell a story that makes the difference.” And the arch story-teller is taking current projection technology to explore this art further. “I think the artist and the industry has a lot of catching up. I’ll leave cameramen to figure out how. Now we are just beginning.”

Christie Mirage: Unmatched video processing bandwidth
The Christie Mirage series featuring TruLife’s processing bandwidth is seen in amusement parks, casinos, museums and public venues. The Christie^® Mirage 4KLH projector head – the laser version used at the IBC screening – combines Mirage’s unmatched video processing bandwidth with the world’s brightest laser system, Christie Freedom® laser illumination system. The projector has a potential of up to 60,000 lumens per head, potentially up to 120,000 lumens when used in a dual 6P configuration (six primary colour system). In the Rai Auditorium at IBC, the configuration was a dual stacked Mirage 4KLH configuration; the 28 foot-lambert spec on the 17.00m wide x 6.69m high Harkness Matt Plus screen required 72, 000 lumen and the laser modules were supplied accordingly. One advantage of the Christie Freedom laser illumination system is that the laser banks are separate from the projector, stackable and scalable.

Christie Contacts:

Chiara Lawrance
Account Manager
Wildwood PR
+44 (0)1293 851115
chiara.lawrance@wildwoodpr.com

Cindy Symons
Media Relations & PR Manager EMEA
Christie
+44 (0)118 977 8000
cindy.symons@christiedigital.com

Christie Links and Information:

Professional Services

Christie Digital Cinema

Cinema Solutions

Christie Vive Audio

Media Gallery

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

Tags:

3D 4K High Frame Rates

Source:

Christie (Cypress)

Countries:

United Kingdom

Share This Page

More Christie News:

Dec 6, 2022 Major Cineplex Chooses Christie RGBe Series Laser Projectors to Deliver Outstanding Visuals on Smaller Screens

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®, 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

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® 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.

Nov 2, 2022 BFI Upgrades Flagship Screening Theatre with Christie RGB Pure Laser and Vive Audio

Christie® is pleased to announce that the British Film Institute (BFI), the UK’s leading organisation for the moving image and the owner of the world’s largest film and television archive, has installed Real|Laser™ illumination technology in its main screening room, NFT1, at its flagship venue BFI Southbank.

Oct 7, 2022 Christie Showcases Talent in RGB Pure Laser Splendour at BFI London Film Festival

Christie® is pleased to announce its CP4440-RGB projector is once again the flagship projection technology at the 66th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) in partnership with American Express, running 5th – 16th October 2022.

Sep 8, 2022 Christie Celebrates 22 Years of Partnership with TIFF

Christie® returns as the Official Digital Projection Partner of the Toronto International Film Festival® (TIFF), from September 8-18, welcoming back audiences to celebrate the best of Canadian and international cinema in person with screenings, special events and industry conference sessions.

Aug 15, 2022 Christie Continues Strong Partnership with Big Cine Expo 2022 as Official Projection Partner

Christie® is proud to announce that it is the official projection partner for Big Cine Expo 2022, billed as the only convention and tradeshow for the single screen, multiplex, malls and the theatrical distribution industry in India.

Jul 20, 2022 Christie Strengthens Vive Audio Range with Powersoft Amplifiers

Christie® has strengthened its Vive Audio® line array cinema loudspeakers with the addition of a range of professional high-end amplifiers in an agreement with audio leader Powersoft.

Jul 7, 2022 Christie Congratulates CINITY and Mr. Fu Ruoqing for Winning the CineEurope Technical Achievement Award

Christie® congratulates CINITY and Mr. Fu Ruoqing, vice-chairman and general manager of China Film Group, for winning the Technical Achievement Award at CineEurope 2022. This is the first time a premium high-tech film brand from China has won this prestigious award at a major trade exhibition, and it is a starting point for the global expansion of CINITY.

Jun 28, 2022 Phoenix Theatre’s 50th Movie Screen Illuminated By Christie

Phoenix Theatres is wowing audiences with high-quality, immersive cinematic experiences thanks to Christie® projectors and integrator Integrity Entertainment Systems. In operation since 2000 and recently opening its 50th screen at the new Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids, MI., Phoenix Theatres now has six locations, each reflecting the unique character of its community.

Jun 27, 2022 Christie lights up screens across new Lavazza IncluCity Festival

Christie® returns to light up the big screen at the brand-new Lavazza IncluCity Festival, organized by the ICFF. This year’s festivities will transform the iconic cobblestone streets of Toronto’s Distillery Historic District into an outdoor cinema village, celebrating multiculturalism and the best of international cinema from June 27 to July 15.

Jun 23, 2022 Showtime Cinemas Opens “All Christie” RGB Pure Laser Multiplex in Kaohsiung

Christie® is pleased to announce that Showtime Cinemas, the second largest movie theatre chain in Taiwan, has deployed its RGB pure laser cinema projection systems in all auditoriums at the new Gangshan Showtime Cinemas in Kaohsiung.

Jun 15, 2022 Christie Showcases Tailored Cinema Solutions at CineEurope 2022

Christie® will showcase its industry-leading cinema technologies designed to meet the needs of every screen size at CineEurope, taking place June 20-23 at Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB).

May 17, 2022 Festival de Cannes Continues Technical Partnership with Christie

Christie® is delighted to be confirmed as the official projection technology partner for the 75th Cannes Film Festival. The event, which runs May 17-28, will see projectors from across Christie’s broad portfolio powering screens throughout all venues. The Festival is set to welcome approximately 35,000 guests, a significant increase over last year’s 24,000. Christie will provide installation and show support for the occasion, as it celebrates its 16th year as technical partner.

May 16, 2022 Christie Acquires Assets of Brass Roots Technologies

Christie® today announced its acquisition of assets from Brass Roots Technologies LLC, an Allen, Texas-based technology innovation company specializing in consulting and the engineering design of advanced optics and electronics for high-performance display and imaging systems. All current employees of Brass Roots Technologies have transferred to Christie and the operations will remain in Allen, Texas under the Christie name.

Apr 26, 2022 Christie and Lightstorm Entertainment Push the Boundaries of Cinematic Experience

In a partnership that spans 16 years, Christie® and Lightstorm Entertainment, Inc., filmmaker James Cameron’s production company, collaborated to bring enhancements to theatrical display capabilities for 3D, HFR digital cinema for Avatar and the much-anticipated Avatar 2. Known for his creativity and development of cutting-edge technologies to push the frontier of cinematic storytelling, Cameron used Christie cinema projectors as a key part of realising his vision.

Apr 25, 2022 Christie Purchases Cinergy Software from DCIP

Christie® today announced the purchase of Cinergy software from Digital Cinema Implementation Partners, LLC (DCIP). Cinergy is a cloud-based enterprise platform that consists of powerful yet easy to use tools to help operators track, monitor and efficiently manage theatre presentation quality in one centralized platform.

Apr 21, 2022 Christie Continues to Deliver Innovative Solutions for Exhibitors with New RGB Laser and Xenon Projectors

Christie® is pleased to announce that it is expanding its range of solutions for the cinema industry with the launch of new RGB pure laser and Xenon projectors. With brilliant color to engage moviegoers, and designed with advanced features to meet the needs of cinemas, the new Christie CP2420-Xe, CP4420-Xe, , CP4425-RGB and CP4435-RGB projectors offer reliable, yet affordable, projection solutions.

Apr 20, 2022 Christie Ready to Shine Brightly at CinemaCon 2022

Christie® is excited to gather and engage with the cinema industry for CinemaCon, taking place April 25-28 at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. For over 20 years, Christie has showcased its industry-leading cinema technology at the industry’s premiere gathering of cinema exhibition professionals as the preferred projection provider for the industry, and 2022 will be no different. In Milano Ballrooms I and V, a range of technology to meet the needs of every screen size will be on display, including the launch of new projectors.

	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. Christie Home Page Local Directory Page Recent News