The Panavision 3D System will be put to
unique use in an agreement announced today involving GFT (Glasgow Film Theatre)
in Scotland. Traditionally used in cinemas
worldwide to deliver effects-laden and heavily-promoted studio releases, the
system will be used to show independent movies in this 400-seat cultural
cinema. One of the first movies shown
will be ‘Horrid Henry’, a UK production opening in July. Several cast members are expected to be in
attendance.
“We are
fortunate,” said Adam MacDonald, Director of Sales, EMEA for DPVO Theatrical,
the company developing and marketing the Panavision 3D System, “to be selected
by the GFT, one of the most prestigious cinemas in the country. They attract a more discerning audience who
appreciates the quality and superior entertainment experience that 3D on a
white screen offers. Our system provides
that and we are pleased that they see us as meeting their standards.”
“3D
adds to the big screen experience,” said Jaki McDougall, Chief Executive of
Glasgow Film who operate GFT, “and we believe that it's moving beyond its
traditional use in big-budget blockbusters. For a cultural cinema it's important
that we screen directors’ work as they intend it to be shown. Some of the world’s finest independent
filmmakers are starting to explore 3D -- Wender's ‘Pina’ and Herzog's ‘Cave of
Forgotten Dreams’ are just two examples – and we want to take our audiences
along on the adventure.”
The Panavision 3D System is well
suited to meet GFT’s needs because it’s compatible with a white or silver
screen, digital or film projection.
Using unique technology to comb the entire visible spectrum, the system
is the most efficient – and delivers the most complete color rendition – of any
3D system using passive glasses and a white screen.
“We chose the Panavision 3D System
for the quality of image it provides and for its ability to work with a white
screen,” McDougall said. “Their glasses
are not the most stylish; that might work to our advantage because their design
discourages people from carrying them away when they leave. But they’re lightweight, comfortable, and make
you feel like you’re
in the movie. Cultural, or arthouse cinema has yet to
develop its own aesthetic around 3D, and we're interested to be part of that
process.”
The Panavision 3D System package includes a filter
module installed in the digital projector, a quantity of high-quality reusable
glasses with tempered glass lenses, and a washing-sanitizing system. The module includes a spinning filter which
slices the motion picture image into ten slim bands of color and delivers five
bands to the left eye, five to the right.
Light intensity is approximately equal to both eyes and the brain
combines the images to see 3D.
“It’s a highly flexible and simple approach to 3D,”
MacDonald said. “Cinemas can move easily
from 3D to 2D and back again on the same screen to show different movies, even
during different day parts. Our approach
typically attracts larger cinema circuits and we’re working with some of the
most successful dealers in several countries.
The GFT is a ‘first’ for us, but we were attracted by the quality of
their presentation; our goal is to help them more fully deliver that
with the excitement offered by digital 3D.”
For more information on the Glasgow
Film Theatre, visit
www.glasgowfilm.org
