Barco, a global leader in digital cinema technology, will play a pivotal role in Marcus Theatres’ plans to launch a brand new UltraScreen® in Chicago this year, deploying its Auro 11.1 audio format to equip the impressive giant-screen auditorium with immersive sound.
“Marcus Theatres is continuously striving to meet our customers’ sophisticated tastes and desire for a truly unique experience when going to the movies,” said Bruce J. Olson, president of Marcus Theatres. “The giant UltraScreen, combined with the Auro 11.1 system, will provide moviegoers with a stunning audio and visual experience unmatched in the film industry.”
Creating the ultimate moviegoing experience
Two of Marcus’ Gurnee, Illinois Cinema’s 20 auditoriums are being demolished to make room for the extra-sized auditorium, which will have more than 400 seats and feature a 72' x 31' screen, and the first Barco Auro 11.1 sound system in the Marcus chain and in the region. Every aspect of the new UltraScreen auditorium is engineered for the ultimate in picture, sound and comfort to deliver the ultimate moviegoing experience.
The perfect blend of stunning imagery and immersive sound
The UltraScreen experience, with a three-story tall picture, crystal clear digital sound and comfortable stadium seats takes moviegoing to a totally new level of excitement that can never be experienced at home. Marcus is a frontrunner in premium cinema innovation by virtue of its efforts to capture a greater share of the entertainment dollar and appeal to patrons seeking a value-added cinema experience.
Auro 11.1 by Barco is designed in accordance with a sound reproduction layout consisting of three layers (traditional Surround Sound with Height and Overhead layers), which enables studio sound mixers to move objects around in space to create the most life-like acoustical experience. Auro 11.1 is fully compatible with existing audio equipment and current workflows.
“We are honored that Marcus Theaters has chosen Auro 11.1 by Barco – widely acclaimed as the industry’s best immersive cinema audio solution – to bring movie magic to life in their giant-screen auditoriums,” comments Patrick Lee, Vice President Digital Cinema for Barco North America. “Auro 11.1 has been developed with the forward-thinking exhibitor in mind, providing them with a tool to differentiate their offering for an increasingly sophisticated audience that’s willing to pay a premium for a better experience. Marcus’ UltraScreen concept with Auro 11.1 will give them a uniquely memorable experience, and keep them coming back for more.”
About Marcus Theatres
Marcus Theatres®, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE:MCS), is the fifth largest theatre circuit in the United States and currently owns or operates 687 screens at 55 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Ohio. For more information, please visit www.marcustheatres.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@Marcus_Theatres).
About Auro Technologies
Auro Technologies (www.auro-3d.com; www.auro-technologies.com) is a spin-off of the Galaxy Studios Group and owner of the Auro-3D® Technology Suite. The Auro-3D® Concept and Listening Formats are designed by Wilfried Van Baelen, founder and CEO of Galaxy Studios and Auro Technologies. Galaxy Studios is renowned worldwide for its state-of-the-art leadership in audio innovation for music and sound for film. The Auro-3D® suite offers ground-breaking, easy-to-use and unprecedented levels of sound reproduction capabilities to the professional, automotive, broadcast and consumer electronics markets (such as gaming, smart phones, multimedia PC, notebooks, tablets, audio players, digital TV, media libraries and packaged media).