 | = Dolby 3D Cinema Theater |
 | = IMAX 3D Cinema Theater |
 | = RealD 3D Cinema Theater |
|
IRAN: 1st Digital 3D Cinema to be Launched
June 2009 - First Iranian three-dimensional cinema will be launched at Tehran's Azadi Theater Complex this summer. Managing director of Tehran Municipality's Cultural-Artistic Department, Akbar Tashakkorinia told IRNA that Azadi Cinema will for the first time screen digital three-dimensional films.
Since the conditions for screening three-dimensional films have been prepared in Iran for the first time, it is anticipated that they will be accorded warm welcome by the cinema goers.
The three-dimensional (3D) technology is used to describe any visual presentation system that attempts to maintain or recreate moving images of the third dimension, the illusion of depth as seen by the viewer.
|
|
Dubai Mall to open UAE's largest cineplex
May 2009 - The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, will soon open Reel Cinemas, the UAE’s largest cinema complex featuring 22 screens and a seating capacity of 2,800.
The cineplex is developed by Reel Entertainment, a joint venture of Emaar Malls Group and Singapore-based premier entertainment providers Cathay Organisation Holdings. The highlight of The Dubai Mall cineplex is the introduction of the Hollywood Chic design concept, which assures a modern cinema experience.
The seats are ergonomically designed with the widest legroom for utmost comfort, while the overall ambience is reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour intelligently blended into contemporary interiors using modern materials, said a statement.
The sound and projection system are world-class with THX certification, and the digital theatre experience also includes 3D presentation, it said.
|
|
Middle East prepares for 3D education and training
April 2009 - The Gulf's universities, education and training organisations are currently examining the latest 3D movie technology to add another dimension to their educational courses and training seminars.
The new generation of 3D digital film technology and projection can be viewed with stylish, disposable glasses, which are far cheaper than were needed in the past to watch 3D movies.
"That means it's open to a far wider range of users and the whole technology has become more affordable," said Simon Smith, Sales Director of Christie, a global leader in the manufacture of visual solutions.
"In addition, the new 3D technology has been tested by broadcasting operations. Last year, the BBC transmitted a live test transmission of an international rugby match to a selected audience of 300 at a theatre in London with Christie technology," he added.
"We're very excited to have the opportunity to offer the visitors a chance to experience the advances and performances that 3D technology has to offer."
Christie, whose customers in Dubai include the Emirates Group and Dubailand, is to introduce its latest 3D Digital Cinema projector at the Install Systems Integration Middle East Expo 2009, to be held on April 26-28 at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Christie Brilliant3D™ technology, which significantly boosts projector performance and image brightness¸ will also be demonstrated on its digital cinema projector range.
|
|
 IRAN |
| Anthlone - IMC, Golden Island Shopping Centre |
|
| Antrim - IMC, Lame Road Link, Ballymena, Co |
|
| Dundalk - IMC, Carroll Village, Long Walk |
|
| Eire - Odeon Storm, Waterford, Railway Square |
|
| Tipperary - IMC Thurles, Thurles Shopping Center, Slieve Na Mon Road |
|
| IRAN - DUBLIN |
| UCI Blanchardstown, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre |
|
| UCI Coolock, 84 Malahide Road |
|
| IMC, Bloomfields Centre, Lower George's St, Dun Laoghaire, Co |
|
| IMC Mullingar, Lakepoint Centre, Delvin Road, Mullingar, Co |
|
 ISRAEL |
| Yesplanet Ramat Gan | |
| Yesplanet Haifa 55 Hahistadrot Haifa | |
| Beer Sheva - GlobusMax Beer Sheva, Itzhak Nafha 25 | |
| Eilat - IMAX® 3D | |
| Jerusalem - Globus Yerushalim, Jerusalem Mall | |
| Kiryat Bialik - GlobusMax Kiryon, Aco Road 192 | |
| Natanya - GlobusMax Natanya, Yachin Center, Giborei Israel 17 | |
| Rishon Letzion - Globus Hazhaz, David Sahrov 21, Hazhav Mall | |
| Tel Aviv - GlobusMax Azrieli, Menahem Begin Road 132 | |
 JORDAN |
| Prime Cinemas, Prime Floor - alBaraka mall - Level 4 - Sweifieh |
|
 KUWAIT |
| Safat - The Scientific Centre IMAX® Theatre |
|
 LEBANON |
| Grand Cinemas ABC 3D |
|
 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES |
| Dubai Festival City - Grand Cinemas Festival Center | |
Middle East 3D TV will struggle, claims AMG exec
May 2009 - Prohibitive costs and a lack of conversion technology could stifle 3D TV in the Middle East before it has begun, according to AMG director of broadcasting services Afzal Lakdawala.
The technology has been trialled in both the US and the UK and the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) has started the process of standardisation. Despite this progress Lakdawala foresees several challenges globally and locally.
“The problem the Middle East will face is the same problem that will be experienced everywhere, content acquisition,” said Lakdawala. “Creating 3D content involves higher production costs in particular and even once you have some programming in place, making it available to consumers is a difficult task,” he added. “Not many teleports are capable of handling 3D – it requires a lot of bandwidth. You then need the consumer to have a 3D TV compliant display as well. None of these things are in place in the Middle East at present.”
A succession of movies have performed well as 3D cinema releases with the format boosting proving a reliable way to boost a films financial performance. However, this trend will not automatically translate to the small screen, said Lakdawala. “The cinema is a one-off experience and I don’t know whether viewers would want to watch their normal TV programmes in 3D, I am not sure that it would be comfortable to watch 3D TV all day,” he suggested.
The SMPTE announced at this year’s NAB that it had finalised the first stage of the standardisation process that will unify the efforts of content producers, broadcasters and consumer electronics manufacturers. . . . by John Parnell
|
|
