James Delahunty
16 Apr 2009 17:47
Sony Pictures has signed up to support a theater-chain upgrade that will digitally convert over 20,000 cinemas in the United States and Canada. This makes Sony the sixth major studio to back the initiative, which is expected to cost around $1 billion. The studios are backing the upgrade program with the Digital Cinema Implementation Partners (DCIP), a group of theater chains comprising Regal Entertainment Group, Cinemark Holdings Inc and AMC Entertainment Inc.
Walt Disney Co, Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox, Universal Pictures and Lions Gate Entertainment have backed the plan along with Sony Pictures. The DCIP reported in October that it could complete the plan within three and half years starting with an early date in 2009, but some of the conversions have gotten delayed due to economic conditions.
Once outfitted with digital projectors, the theaters can easily be made ready for 3D movies. Hollywood studios have a growing interest in 3D movies, expecting that more consumers will be willing to go and see 3D movies at a higher price.