The widely anticipated release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens saw a Christie system including projectors, MicroTiles and flatscreens implemented at El Capitan theatre in Hollywood.
Star Wars was premiered at El Capitan, a Dolby Vision cinema using 6P laser from Christie and co-developed Dolby Atmos technology (by Christie and Dolby) for high dynamic range giving contrast ratios of 1 million to 1.
Christie worked with Dolby in developing the new proprietary HDR and wider colour gamut technology that leverages customised, high-frame-rate (HFR) capable Christie 4K laser projection heads to deliver Dolby Vision.
To create the red carpet display, Christie provided technical consultation at every stage of the installation, from concept creation, to pre-staging, onsite setup and delivery.
Christie pre-configured and staged much of the equipment in the company’s Cypress, California headquarters days beforehand. Christie’s Coolux Pandoras Box Media Servers powered a variety of displays including 388 Christie MicroTiles that formed a backdrop to the red carpet walkway and 18 Christie LCD panels for red carpet and photo locations.
Michael Kern, Disney’s VP, special events production and technical services, said of the MicroTiles: “with their high resolution, shallow depth, virtually seamless canvas and true-to-life image quality, we were eager to include them in the red carpet backdrop for one of our biggest premieres.”
The first UK multiplex to Christie Vive Audio install, Parkway Cinema, Beverley, also opened this week in time for the release of Star Wars. The new 6-screen complex is the first of its kind in EMEA to install the new LA2 speakers, designed for small to medium venues. The multiplex installed a complete Christie system, featuring 4K, Christie IMB and SKA 3D audio processor. Each auditorium has 7.1 audio and SKA-3D, as well as LA2 Screen loudspeakers.