Have You Scene? Movie Reviews – November 2008

Because of the decided lack of quality product available at the cinema (evidence: Beverly Hills Chihuahua no. 1 two weeks in a row) I have chosen this month to write about the upcoming digital projection transition.  Movie theatres and studios have been going back and forth trying to hammer out a deal to get high quality digital projectors into the majority of theatres.  Part of the problem has been encryption security and price of the projectors and who’s gonna pay for them.  The theatres primary point is that without the cost of the 35mm film stock the studios should subsidize the cost of the projectors.

The theatre exhibitors pay a rental or leasing fee on all movies that are released. Part of the reason ticket prices are so high is because the majority of the price of the ticket gets sent back to the studio. The theatres make their money on the cost of concession items that you buy when you go. The exhibitors want the price of the projectors subsidized because there is no longer film being used and thus cutting the cost dramatically on distribution. The major exhibitors formed a consortium of sorts to deal with the studios and start agreeing on a major rollout plan of digital projectors.  The Studios formed their own group called the DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) to agree to standards of presentation and so that everyone would have a fair shot at the newest technology.

The roll-out is now in the early stages and is going to start ramping up in early ‘09. They want to have the vast majority of theatres to have at least 1 digital projector in the next year and most to have more than that. There are currently two types of digital projectors, a 2k and a 4k projector.  The number indicates lines of resolution. A 4k projector can display, on a scope image, 4096 x 1716 pixels. Your standard high definition TV can display between 720 and 1080, so you can see which is more clear and why TV’s will always be behind in the display category. I don’t even want to get into the difference in sound! The shear size of the speakers a theatre uses would rattle the dishes in any home.

I am looking forward to the day when most theatres will have a digital projector because I love watching movies in this format. There is no dirt on the print, no film bounce, and a crystal clear image. If you have an opportunity to watch a movie at a theatre with a digital projector, I highly suggest you do, no matter what that movie is. You will want to watch movies in this new and improved format and enjoy the updated theatre going experience. Soon things will be released more and more in new formats including 3D and IMAX. Digital projectors just help facilitate new experiences and bring the movies to your eyes the way the filmmakers want them to be.

If you have any questions about this new technology just let know and I’d be happy to answer them for you. movieguy@valleybugler.com.

Next month will have reviews once again. I plan on reviewing the new Bond film as well as a couple of other Oscar favorites.  Until then, enjoy the show!