Digital Cinema United has launched its cloud based DCU Connect platform into the U.S. to support the advancement of content delivery for film distributors and theatrical exhibitors. DCU Connect, which is based on Sharc technology, has been in development since 2015 to address the high cost of physical and satellite delivery of digital cinema packages directly to movie theaters globally.
Earlier this month, B&B Theatres, the sixth largest exhibitor in the U.S., opened its latest facility, the newly renovated Blacksburg 11 theatre in Blacksburg, Virginia. B&B acquired the Blacksburg multiplex in fall of 2020 with a vision to upgrade and enhance the entire moviegoing experience for the vibrant college town, but the project was delayed by the pandemic. Blacksburg features B&B’s signature premium large format experience, the Grand Screen.
AMC Entertainment Holdings has reached an agreement with Caruso to add under long term lease two Los Angeles area locations: The Grove Theatre, a 14-screen theatre located in Los Angeles and The Americana at Brand Theatre, an 18-screen theatre located in Glendale. AMC is expected to reopen the theatres in August.
Moving Image Technologies has been awarded a $1.6 million contract from Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to provide equipment and furnishings for the new Alamo Rhode Island Avenue location in Washington, D.C.
Ivar Halstvedt, director of cinema at Kulturmeglerne and former country manager, Norway, at Nordic Cinema Group and Odeon Cinemas Group, has been named as the 2021 recipient of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas Achievement Award, given each year in recognition of outstanding dedication and service to European cinema exhibition. The award will be presented as part of the CineEurope Awards Ceremony on October 7 at the Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain.
The Jamaican cinema chain Palace Amusement Company has opened a new four-screen multiplex in Portmore Pines, St Catherine, featuring Christie digital cinema projection throughout, including an RGB pure laser projector, the first of its kind in the country. Cinema Equipment & Supplies carried out the installation.
In a strongly worded statement, the National Association of Theatre Owners defended the practice of exclusive theatrical release windows for exhibitors and used Disney’s latest movie, Black Widow, as its prime example. Here is NATO’s statement in full: “Black Widow’s excellent reviews, positive word of mouth, and strong previews and opening day total ($13.2 million/$39.5 million) led to a surprising 41 percent second day drop, a weaker than expected opening weekend, and a stunning second weekend collapse in theatrical revenues. Why did such a well-made, well-received, highly anticipated movie underperform? Despite assertions that this pandemic-era improvised release strategy was a success for Disney and the simultaneous release model, it demonstrates that an exclusive theatrical release means more revenue for all stakeholders in every cycle of the movie’s life.
Barco CEO Jan De Witte has resigned, effective September 1. He will be replaced by Charles Beauduin and An Steegen, who will serve as co-CEOs. They will start respectively on September 1 and October 1.
Fan favorites Coraline and ParaNorman are coming back to theaters to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Laika Studios. The two titles will be presented in their entirety and will feature exclusive bonus content that reveals the unique creative process behind Laika’s extraordinary films. Fathom Events is presenting the films in conjunction with Laika, Shout Factory and Park Circus.
