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MillimeterUniversal Pictures announces DCI-compliant digital projection scheme
Oct 31, 2005 2:07 PM
Universal Pictures www.universalstudios.comannounced it will make its future feature films available to the DCI-compliant digital projection systems deployed by Christie/AIX, the subsidiary of Access Integrated Technologies, Inc. (AccessIT) www.accessitx.com which is launching a nation-wide rollout of 4,000 systems.
Under a non-exclusive arrangement, Universal Pictures will provide exhibitors with a steadily increasing number of feature films in digital format. Universal has also agreed to pay virtual print fees to Christie/AIX for each movie projected on deployed systems offsetting exhibition's cost to transition to digital. The studio added that films produced by its Focus Features and Rogue Pictures units also may be made available in digital format in the future under similar terms.
"This is a big step forward in the transition to Digital Cinema," said Nikki Rocco, Universal's President of Distribution. "Universal is pleased to be making its first digital distribution deal. We look forward to working with exhibitors, Christie and AccessIT to provide the superior experience for moviegoers that this new technology offers."
Bud Mayo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AccessIT, commented: "Gaining Universal's support for our Christie/AIX effort is another significant development in the evolution of digital cinema. Universal has long been a leader in filmed entertainment, providing audiences around the world with a truly diverse range of content. We are pleased to be working together to bring the excitement and potential of digital cinema to exhibitors and audiences nationwide."
Christie/AIX acts as the financing intermediary between content-owners -- including major studios and independent distributors -- and exhibitors, utilizing the DCI-compliant digital cinema systems comprised of Christie DLP Cinema(R) projectors, JPEG 2000 servers and related hardware and software including AccessIT's unique Theatre Command Center. The Universal agreement comes on the heels of similar commitments from The Walt Disney Company's Buena Vista Pictures Distribution arm and from Twentieth Century Fox. Christie/AIX expects to install the first 150 systems in multiple exhibitor locations by December 31, 2005.
Jack Kline, President and COO, Christie, noted: "Universal is a global powerhouse in film creation and distribution. Its commitment to delivering films digitally means an even wider choice of digital films for exhibitors to screen and for audiences to view. With Universal Pictures' commitment to this rollout, digital cinema is poised to meet the promise of delivering the highest quality visual experience for moviegoers, something this industry has always strived to deliver."
Chuck Goldwater, President and Chief Operating Officer of Christie/AIX, added: "Universal is the latest to lend its support for our unique business plan that will jump-start the adoption of digital cinema. The studio's participation in our rollout effort adds to the considerable momentum now building for digital cinema from both distributors and exhibitors."
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