Yet another good reason to visit Gozo: Citadel Cinemas has gone digital and with the biggest of bangs. White Light Pictures Ltd, in association with Sound Associates Ltd of the UK and Sony Digital Cinema, have supplied and installed two unparalleled cinema projection systems: Sony's SXR-R510P Digital Cinema 4K Projectors.
This will be the first truly native 4K installation on the Maltese Islands and the result is even better than anything else available in cinema today. The system uses a pixel definition of 4096 by 2160, which eclipses the current system being used in Malta of 2046x1080. Colours are much more vibrant, detail is crisp and there is a feeling of depth, giving audiences the best possible viewing entertainment experience.
About 25% of Hollywood films are being released in native 4K resolution and they are on the increase each year. Besides showing all 4K DCP releases in native 4K, cinema goers watching HD content will receive the best possible viewing experience with Sony 4K upscaling offering four times the resolution of an HD TV or previous generation 2K digital cinema projector.
Tim Potter, Business Development Manager, Sony Digital Cinema Europe, commented: "Sony is delighted to partner with Citadel Cinemas. Sony is always looking to expand into new territories and we hope the people of Gozo enjoy the spectacular image quality the SRX-R510P provides'.
Sound was also not forgotten and new Dolby processors and configurations have been made. Audiences will experience 7.1 surround sound, plus the usual Gozitan hospitality.
Raymond A. Grech, Director White Light Pictures Ltd, said: "We have left no stone unturned to bring together a unique cinematic experience for the enjoyment of Maltese and Gozitans alike. We have worked endlessly to make this dream a reality."
With over 18,000 systems in the market, Sony Digital Cinema 4K technology lets moviegoers experience exceptional picture quality from every seat in the cinema - with spectacular detail, contrast and colour on any size of screen. Sony Digital Cinema 4K projection systems give audiences a more immersive, emotionally engaging visual experience you simply can't get at home - in 2D or with a choice of smooth, easy on the eye 3D solutions. Sony 4K offers four times the resolution of an HD TV or previous-generation 2K digital cinema projectors.
4K is the choice of audiences and industry alike, winning Hollywood's commitment with releases from Paramount, Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox and Sony Pictures. It's won the support of Hollywood heavyweights like Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan ('Dark Knight Rises', 'Inception'), M. Night Shyamalan ('After Earth'), David Fincher ('The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo'), Paul Greengrass ('Captain Phillips') and Harald Zwart ('Karate Kid'), who have all released blockbusters in 4K. It's also the choice of award-winning director Nuri Bilge Ceylan who won the coveted Palme d'Or at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival for "Winter Sleep" that was shot in 4K using Sony's F65 CineAlta camera for cinematic release.
The only manufacturer currently deploying 4K projection systems in volume, Sony serves many of the world's biggest and most prestigious cinema chains, as well as small independent screens and art house cinemas.