Four months after the launch of a 35mm theater projector solution for 3D without digital conversion, Technicolor announced Wednesday that Technicolor 3D has been installed on more than 250 screens in North America.
The system debuted March 26 with “How to Train Your Dragon” and has included most 3D releases by most studios since then. Technicolor 3D uses a patent-pending lens system that splits the left and right eye images as the film runs through the projector and delivers a 3D-ready image onto a silver screen that can be viewed with the same circular polarized glasses used in many digital systems. The silver screen can be used for the projection of both Technicolor 3D as well as digital 3D content.
“We’re glad to be able to provide a technology solution that helps to bridge the gap to solve the current shortage of digital 3D screens and bring 3D to audiences in markets of all sizes,” said Joe Berchtold, president of Technicolor’s Creative Services division.
“Technicolor 3D allows us to deliver high quality 3D to a greater number of theatres and a wider audience,” said Clyde Cornell, chief operating officer for Portland-based Hollywood Theaters.
“We have installed Technicolor 3D on 14 screens to date, and plan to add another six,” said Tom Hutchinson, president of Edmonton, Alberta-based Magic Lantern Theatres. “Operation has been trouble-free, our customers are happy, and since the first picture, every installation has made money for us.”
“Technicolor 3D has provided us with an excellent, cost-effective 3D solution, allowing us to remain competitive in our markets while we wait for an accessible digital plan to develop,” said Bill Banowsky, owner of Charlotte, North Carolina-based Carolina Cinemas. “We now have at least one Technicolor 3D system at each of our locations, and will likely add more before the end of the year.
Technicolor 3D is available now in the U.S., Canada, and recently launched in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Japan.