KOCHI: A theatre equipped with 3D technology giving a real-life experience to moviegoers is a dream come true for Kochiites.
And it’s going to be a reality from December 18. Sridar theatre will be equipped with the expensive 2k projector with 3D technology for a world class movie watching experience.
The gargantuan James Cameron extravaganza ‘Avatar’ will be the first movie to be screened in this spectacular projection system.
India’s leading entity in this sector - Scrabble Entertainment - will deploy the Rs 50 lakh 2K DCI compliant cinema technology in Sridar theatre. “The new screen and projector will help the theatre screen both 2D and 3D movies, providing viewers with an enhanced digital viewing experience,” said Suresh Shenoy A S, owner of the theatre.
Sridar is the hub of Hollywood movie buffs in the city since 1964. It is the theatre where film lovers watched and were mesmerised by the astonishing performance of John Wayne in ‘True Grit’, Jack Lemmon’s stunning performance in ‘Save The Tiger’ and Robert De Niro’s Oscar winning heroics in ‘Raging Bull’.
“We introduced the Dolby Digital technology in 1994. ‘Speed’ was the first movie to be screened on the Dolby platform.
With the introduction of the new technology we are taking another leap in our theatre history. I think it will be a worthwhile investment since the audience wants an enhanced movie-watching experience, especially for 3D movies. Going by the promos of ‘Avatar’ I think the movie will have a huge opening,” Shenoy said. “Next year we are planning to screen nearly 20 Hollywood movies of which more than five will be in the 3D format,” he added.
Sriram Sistla, Scrabble Entertainment Pvt Ltd head (business development, South India), said that one of the major advantages of the 2KDCI Compliant Cinema technology was an expected significant reduction of piracy because DCI compliant systems had sophisticated security and encryption technologies. “The Hollywood Studios will get an opportunity to have wider day and date releases in India at a much lower cost and the digital platform will allow the studios to showcase their 3D titles as well as normal 2D movies in an enhanced 2k resolution,” he added.
In Kerala along with Sridar, Sri Padmanabha theatre in Thiruvananthapuram, and Crown theatre, Kozhikode, will be equipped with 3D technology.
Avatar arrives
• Avatar - the Rs 1,600-crore James Cameron extravaganza - will hit 20 screens in Kerala on Friday in both 2D and 3D formats.
• A blend of live-action photography and new virtual photo realistic production techniques, ‘Avatar’ is James Cameron’s comeback venture after his multiple Oscar-winning Titanic.
• It combines elements of massive spectacle and intimate characterisation in an associative and emotional tale like his earlier movies - the Terminator series and Aliens.
• Starring Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver and Zoe Saldana, the movie tells the story of a wounded ex-marine, thrust unwillingly into an effort to exploit an exotic moon, rich in bio-diversity. He eventually crosses over to lead the indigenous race in a battle for survival.
• To watch the movie in the 3D format a viewer will have to pay Rs 40 extra, the charge for the 3D glasses.
kochi@expressbuzz.com