Warehouse Cinemas, a locally owned venture of HighRock Group, announced today that in partnership with Samsung Electronics, their flagship location in Frederick, Maryland will feature the world’s first DCI-compliant LED theatre display. The Frederick location will be one of the first U.S. installations, with other ones confirmed this year for Texas and Israel.
“Since our unveiling for the U.S. market at CinemaCon last year, Samsung Onyx has revolutionized the cinema experience globally,” said Nick Conti, Senior Business Development Manager for Cinema, Samsung Electronics America. “Today’s theatre expansion announcements in the U.S. showcase the praise and significant interest we have received from the industry since last year’s unveiling and we are very excited to work with these visionary exhibitors on successful installations this year.”
Warehouse Cinemas plans to introduce the 33.5 ft. (10m) Samsung Onyx p2.5 Cinema LED as part of their SkyVUE LED experience, a patent pending tilt technology, which relies on angles and perspective for optimal movie viewing. The design utilizes elevated, tilted screens to create comfortable, ergonomic position for both sloped and flat floors.
Inspired by the gemstone of the same name, the Samsung Onyx brand alludes to the display’s ability to showcase cinema content with true, deep and realistic black colours. When combined with an infinite contrast ratio and specialized low-tone grayscale settings, this pinpoint representation produces brighter and more detail-rich content that further makes viewers feel a part of every scene.
“Simply put, Onyx empowered us to bring SkyVUE LED to the masses and there’s no better partner to make our vision a reality,” said Rich Daughtridge, President and CEO of HighRock Group. “We are looking forward to partnering with Samsung on this innovation that will change how customers experience theatre-going in the future.”
Daughtridge describes the business model of Warehouse Cinemas as “affordable luxury” – offering a sleek modern-industrial décor, leather recliner seating, premium food and drink options, special events and a wide range of ticket prices.
In 2018, HighRock Group announced plans to lease space in the east part of Frederick Towne Mall to renovate as their flagship location for Warehouse Cinemas. Previously occupied by Hoyts Cinemas, the space at Frederick Towne Mall includes approximately 32,000 square feet and has been vacant since 2009. Greg Mills, COO of Warehouse Cinemas will oversee construction and management of the renovation project, which is slated to begin in the coming weeks. First United Bank & Trust is providing financing for the project. First United Bank & Trust is headquartered in Oakland, Maryland with four offices in Frederick County.
Richard Griffin, Director, Department of Economic Development, commented on the project, “The City is delighted with the investment made being made by Warehouse Cinemas and we are excited about its partnership with Samsung to make this a state of the art facility in Frederick.”
“Seeing this new technology debut at Warehouse Cinemas is exciting for our community,” said Michael O’Connor, Mayor, City of Frederick. “We’re thrilled to continue to see the Golden Mile be a place of unique destinations that caters to residents and visitors alike.”
About Warehouse Cinemas
Warehouse Cinemas offers a state-of-the-art, premium movie going experience by combining their patent pending technology, SkyVUE, with premium sound, leather recliner seating, a quick serve restaurant and beer, wine and liquor. Utilizing modern-industrial architectural designs, Warehouse Cinemas is passionate about renovating existing movie theaters, big box stores, industrial buildings and warehouses to grow the cinema industry. Virtual reality tours and more information are available online: warehousecinemas.com.
About HighRock Group
HighRock Group is a privately held holding company headquartered in Hagerstown, Maryland. Companies under HighRock Group include HighRock Studios, a full-service marketing agency; LeftBrain Technology, a data and marketing automation company headquartered in London, England; Warehouse Tap Room, a brick oven restaurant and tap house; and Warehouse Cinemas, a future chain of first-run movie theaters located primarily in the mid-Atlantic region. Learn more: highrockgrp.com.
