The Eden Cinemas this week installed additional digital equipment for the screening of 3D films in its two largest cinemas, 16 and 6, after the huge success of the Eden Cinemas 3D in cinema 11 which was completed in July. Launching to huge blockbusters such as Shrek 4 and Toy Story 3, the 3D film slate has progressed to action movies such as Resident Evil and horror classic Piranha. These two new installations have been implemented prior to the huge number of quality 3D movies scheduled for release this year, including Despicable Me, Alpha and Omega, Legends of the Guardian, Saw VII, Megamind, The Chronicles of Narnia, Animals United and Tron Legacy. Through an installation and support agreement with Belgian digital integrators XDC, the three screens will all be showing 3D films by the end of the week.
Eden Leisure Group general manager Simon De Cesare stated, “With 35mm film becoming something of a dinosaur we have been looking at converting a number of our screens to digital for some time. While the technology was evolving we stood back, but now the quality of digital projection as well as 3D has progressed to a level where it is clear that the technology is stable and the film studios 3D releases clearly shows that there is commitment to releasing great 3D product. The Maltese public has shown their support and desire to see more 3D movies. The lightweight disposable glasses and the high brightness output have added to making this 3D offering so hugely popular.”
The installation of these new projectors will also improve the screening of normal 2D films which will look spectacular. The crisp delivery of the film on digital will guarantee that the film will show exactly the same the first or the last time it is screened. The 3 digitally enabled screens will also favour showing local productions which until recently were shown through inferior projectors as well as offer significant flexibility in other areas such as alternative content including live opera and ballet.
In addition to upgrading the delivery of the film visually, the sound in each of these theaters has been upgraded to Dolby 7.1, the latest immersive sound technology. These three screens will be the only ones in Malta and three of only 100 screens around the world using this technology.
This weekend Avatar will be launched in 3D in cinema 16 to give people the opportunity to see this decade’s epic. Due to a disagreement with the Classification Board and the distributor, the special edition of Avatar will not be released in Malta. Despite this film having already been released in 3D in Malta with a PG rating in December last year the censors have decided to suddenly change their rating to exclude children even when accompanied with a parent, and give it a 12 rating.
To find out more about what is showing in 3D at the Eden Cinemas or to buy tickets visit www.edencinemas.com.mt