You gotta love the mix of 3-D, large format and computer animationin ‘Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure’
By ROBERT W. BUTLER
The Kansas City Star
The star is a prehistoric dolichorhynchops, or Dolly.
A little science, a local angle and a whole lot of amazing 3-D computer animation are the main attractions of “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure.”
The new large-format movie opens today on the Extreme Screen at Union Station and AMC’s Studio 30 in Olathe and is directed by Sean MacLeod Phillips and narrated by Liev Schreiber. It’s essentially the life story of a prehistoric sea reptile that lived in the ocean that covered Kansas 82 million years ago.
Our aquatic heroine is a dolichorhynchops (familiarly known as a “dolly”), a porpoise-sized creature that, while not particularly pretty, is a whole lot more cuddly than the voracious king-sized predators that make her watery world so dangerous.
Probably 95 percent of “Sea Monsters” is computer generated, and the f/x crew seems to have had a fine time finding ways to give the 3-D technology a workout.
Whether it’s a huge ugly monster rising slowly toward us through a fog-like school of tiny fish, or a gigantic squid doing a languid glide-by that leaves one of its trailing tentacles practically tickling our noses, the film delivers one spectacular moment after another.
Occasionally the movie returns to modern times, depicting the paleontological efforts of the Sternberg family in the chalk formations of western Kansas, or visiting modern construction sites in North Dakota, Texas, Israel and the Netherlands, where workers uncover fossils that tell stories of the far past.
One cool moment is the discovery of the skeleton of a giant sea predator with the smaller skeleton of its last meal still inside its rib cage. The original fossil can be viewed at KU’s Natural History Museum.
“Sea Monsters” resembles the popular cable TV series “Walking With Dinosaurs,” except that thanks to 3-D these long-gone creatures don’t just move across a flat screen but rather seem intent on curling up in our laps.
‘SEA MONSTERS’
Director: Sean MacLeod Phillips
Cast: Liev Schreiber (narrator)
No MPAA rating
Running time: 0:41
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Asia playing catch-up in d-cinema
Asia playing catch-up in d-cinema
North American firms are leading the way
By Carolyn Giardina and Gregg Kilday
Oct 7, 2007
While a new wave of digital 3-D movies promises to energize the film business, Asia lags behind the rest of the world in making the d-cinema transition.
North America is furthest along in the rollout, followed by Europe and then Asia, according to Michael Lewis, CEO of Real D, a 3-D provider.
North America has a developing business model that calls for distributors to pony up "virtual license fees" that allow exhibitors to invest in the new digital projection systems used for 3-D presentations, but Europe and Asia have not yet adopted similar business models.
"Asia is somewhat in the same position as Europe is in," Lewis said. "The digital business arrangements have not been worked out, and you are dealing with more indigenous content, which means that more of the digital projector has to be paid for by the exhibitors."
Lewis estimates that 3-D digital cinema installations include roughly 14 installations in Korea, 16 in Australia and three in Japan. Other sources put the number of 3-D screens in Korea, where chains like CGV and Lotte have led the transition, as high as 20.
In the states, such films as the special editions of "The Polar Express," "Superman Returns" and "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," all presented in part or in whole in Imax 3D as well as the animated 3-D flicks "Chicken Little" and "Monster House" have shown that audiences are eager to don new, high-tech 3-D specs. And, in turn, they are encouraging more and more exhibitors to invest in 3-D systems.
By 2009, a clash of two potential 3-D titans looms as DreamWorks' fourth "Shrek" movie and James Cameron's sci-fi tale "Avatar" plot worldwide 3-D rollouts.
Those films also will certainly encourage Asian theater owners to jump on board. But when it comes to local production, Asia faces its own chicken-and-egg problem. Local 3-D productions are needed to further encourage exhibitors to outfit 3-D screens, but more 3-D screens are needed before producers invest in more expensive 3-D films.
3-D Hollywood features may be available in the region. But the production of local 3-D content as well as the "Dimensionalization" of content from the region's film libraries -- that is to say, creating 3-D versions of existing 2-D films -- has only just begun.
David Seigle, CEO of In-Three, which has developed its own Dimensionalization process, said that before producers can commit to 3-D projects, they "need to have a certain level of an installed base within the market in order for the producers to receive a good return on investment."
In-Three is slowly beginning to have conversations in the Asian region. "The number of theaters projected to be coming online is becoming meaningful, which is why there is so much interest today in America. Content is driving the increase," Seigle said. "But in Asia there are still not meaningful numbers of 3-D theaters. The interest is growing (in Dimensionalization), but it may take a little while, or an American market to make it an interesting pursuit."
In some markets, Imax has begun to pave the way.
"There is a significant interest in 3-D film presentation in China and throughout Asia," said Larry O'Reilly, Imax executive vp theatrical development. "For example, 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' played day-and-date in an Imax theater in Hong Kong with a couple hundred seats. That one screen has already grossed $640,000 from that one title."
Imax's own installations throughout the regions are still limited, though there has been some recent movement. Last month, Imax announced a deal with Wanda Cinema Line Corp., which will install 10 Imax theaters in the People's Republic of China. These are expected to be deployed by the end of 2010 and bring the total number of Imax theaters scheduled to open in the region to 39. Most of them will support 3-D content.
With the hope of drumming up wider interest, one Imax screen is being installed at a Beijing Olympics site, to display both 2-D and 3-D content. O'Reilly explained, "It will be part of the cultural events of the Chinese government."
The Asian Film Market plans to confront the challenges the new 3-D era poses Tuesday when the Busan Film Commission sponsors a 3-D seminar examining the costs of making and exhibiting movies in 3-D. In addition, it will sponsor individual demonstrations from such companies as In-Three, Master Image Co., Visual Communications, Stereopia Co. and Big I Entertainment.
Carolyn Giardina reported from Los Angeles; Gregg Kilday reported from Busan, South Korea.
Links referenced within this article
Find this article at:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i23389b356d961fd207dc111cb3b52b2b
North American firms are leading the way
By Carolyn Giardina and Gregg Kilday
Oct 7, 2007
While a new wave of digital 3-D movies promises to energize the film business, Asia lags behind the rest of the world in making the d-cinema transition.
North America is furthest along in the rollout, followed by Europe and then Asia, according to Michael Lewis, CEO of Real D, a 3-D provider.
North America has a developing business model that calls for distributors to pony up "virtual license fees" that allow exhibitors to invest in the new digital projection systems used for 3-D presentations, but Europe and Asia have not yet adopted similar business models.
"Asia is somewhat in the same position as Europe is in," Lewis said. "The digital business arrangements have not been worked out, and you are dealing with more indigenous content, which means that more of the digital projector has to be paid for by the exhibitors."
Lewis estimates that 3-D digital cinema installations include roughly 14 installations in Korea, 16 in Australia and three in Japan. Other sources put the number of 3-D screens in Korea, where chains like CGV and Lotte have led the transition, as high as 20.
In the states, such films as the special editions of "The Polar Express," "Superman Returns" and "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," all presented in part or in whole in Imax 3D as well as the animated 3-D flicks "Chicken Little" and "Monster House" have shown that audiences are eager to don new, high-tech 3-D specs. And, in turn, they are encouraging more and more exhibitors to invest in 3-D systems.
By 2009, a clash of two potential 3-D titans looms as DreamWorks' fourth "Shrek" movie and James Cameron's sci-fi tale "Avatar" plot worldwide 3-D rollouts.
Those films also will certainly encourage Asian theater owners to jump on board. But when it comes to local production, Asia faces its own chicken-and-egg problem. Local 3-D productions are needed to further encourage exhibitors to outfit 3-D screens, but more 3-D screens are needed before producers invest in more expensive 3-D films.
3-D Hollywood features may be available in the region. But the production of local 3-D content as well as the "Dimensionalization" of content from the region's film libraries -- that is to say, creating 3-D versions of existing 2-D films -- has only just begun.
David Seigle, CEO of In-Three, which has developed its own Dimensionalization process, said that before producers can commit to 3-D projects, they "need to have a certain level of an installed base within the market in order for the producers to receive a good return on investment."
In-Three is slowly beginning to have conversations in the Asian region. "The number of theaters projected to be coming online is becoming meaningful, which is why there is so much interest today in America. Content is driving the increase," Seigle said. "But in Asia there are still not meaningful numbers of 3-D theaters. The interest is growing (in Dimensionalization), but it may take a little while, or an American market to make it an interesting pursuit."
In some markets, Imax has begun to pave the way.
"There is a significant interest in 3-D film presentation in China and throughout Asia," said Larry O'Reilly, Imax executive vp theatrical development. "For example, 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' played day-and-date in an Imax theater in Hong Kong with a couple hundred seats. That one screen has already grossed $640,000 from that one title."
Imax's own installations throughout the regions are still limited, though there has been some recent movement. Last month, Imax announced a deal with Wanda Cinema Line Corp., which will install 10 Imax theaters in the People's Republic of China. These are expected to be deployed by the end of 2010 and bring the total number of Imax theaters scheduled to open in the region to 39. Most of them will support 3-D content.
With the hope of drumming up wider interest, one Imax screen is being installed at a Beijing Olympics site, to display both 2-D and 3-D content. O'Reilly explained, "It will be part of the cultural events of the Chinese government."
The Asian Film Market plans to confront the challenges the new 3-D era poses Tuesday when the Busan Film Commission sponsors a 3-D seminar examining the costs of making and exhibiting movies in 3-D. In addition, it will sponsor individual demonstrations from such companies as In-Three, Master Image Co., Visual Communications, Stereopia Co. and Big I Entertainment.
Carolyn Giardina reported from Los Angeles; Gregg Kilday reported from Busan, South Korea.
Links referenced within this article
Find this article at:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i23389b356d961fd207dc111cb3b52b2b
Ballantyne to Provide 24 NEC Digital Projectors Equipped with REAL D 3-D Technology to Regal for October 19th Launch of ''The Nightmare Before Xmas
Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc.
October 04, 2007 12:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Ballantyne to Provide 24 NEC Digital Projectors Equipped with REAL D 3-D Technology to Regal for October 19th Launch of ''The Nightmare Before Christmas'' in Disney Digital 3-D
OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. (Amex: BTN), a motion picture projection, digital cinema and specialty lighting equipment and services provider, announced today that its Strong Digital Systems (SDS) division will provide 24 NEC STARUS™ NC2500S Digital Cinema projectors with REAL D 3-D technology to Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC). The 24 projectors will be shipped in time for the October 19th release of Walt Disney Pictures’ animated feature film The Nightmare Before Christmas in Disney Digital 3-D. Financial terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
Digital Link II, LLC, a separate entity formed and co-financed by REAL D and Ballantyne, will fund the projector purchases. Digital Link is in discussions regarding securing per-film virtual print fees from feature film distributors – for both 3-D and non-3-D features - in order to reduce Digital Link’s and the licensee’s ultimate capital investment.
John P. Wilmers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ballantyne, commented, “We are pleased to extend our partnership with REAL D to deliver state of the art 3-D digital projection solutions to our longstanding customer, Regal Entertainment Group. The NEC STARUS digital projection system, combined with the REAL D 3-D digital 3-D solution, creates a memorable theater experience for Regal’s customers.
“The sale underscores Regal’s commitment to state-of-the-art digital cinema projection systems, as Regal is also opening its Regal Fiesta 12 screen complex in Henderson, Nevada on October 12th. The Henderson complex, Regal’s first all-digital installation, is equipped with NEC digital projectors provided by Ballantyne. The dawn of digital projection is clearly upon us, and we continue to work closely with Real D and our customers to provide top quality solutions that expand our market penetration.”
About REAL D
REAL D is bringing the premier digital 3-D experience to cinemas worldwide. With over 700 screens in 14 countries currently and 1000 screens expected later this year, REAL D has the world's largest 3-D platform.
Beyond cinema, REAL D is the worldwide inventor and provider of key stereoscopic technologies used in science, marketing and other industries. REAL D's mission-critical 3-D visualization technologies are used by organizations such as NASA, Pfizer, BMW, Boeing and more.
About Regal Entertainment Group
Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) is the largest motion picture exhibitor in the world. The Company's theatre circuit, comprising Regal Cinemas, United Artists Theatres and Edwards Theatres, operates 6,368 screens in 529 locations in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Regal operates theatres in all of the top 25 and 43 of the top 50 U.S. designated market areas. We believe that the size, reach and quality of the Company's theatre circuit not only provide its patrons with a convenient and enjoyable movie-going experience, but is also an exceptional platform to realize economies of scale in theatre operations. Additional information is available on the Company's Web site at http://www.regmovies.com/
About Ballantyne of Omaha
Ballantyne is a provider of motion picture projection, specialty lighting, specialty projection equipment and digital cinema equipment and services. The Company supplies major theater chains, top arenas, television and motion picture production studios, theme parks and architectural sites around the world. For more information visit www.ballantyne-omaha.com
Except for the historical information in this press release, it includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, quarterly fluctuations in results; customer demand for the Company’s products; the development of new technology for alternate means of motion picture presentation; domestic and international economic conditions; the management of growth; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Actual results may differ materially from management’s expectations. Ballantyne assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Contacts
Ballantyne of Omaha
Kevin Herrmann, 402-453-4444
or
Jaffoni & Collins Incorporated
David Collins/Ratula Roy, 212-835-8500
btn@jcir.com
October 04, 2007 12:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Ballantyne to Provide 24 NEC Digital Projectors Equipped with REAL D 3-D Technology to Regal for October 19th Launch of ''The Nightmare Before Christmas'' in Disney Digital 3-D
OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc. (Amex: BTN), a motion picture projection, digital cinema and specialty lighting equipment and services provider, announced today that its Strong Digital Systems (SDS) division will provide 24 NEC STARUS™ NC2500S Digital Cinema projectors with REAL D 3-D technology to Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC). The 24 projectors will be shipped in time for the October 19th release of Walt Disney Pictures’ animated feature film The Nightmare Before Christmas in Disney Digital 3-D. Financial terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
Digital Link II, LLC, a separate entity formed and co-financed by REAL D and Ballantyne, will fund the projector purchases. Digital Link is in discussions regarding securing per-film virtual print fees from feature film distributors – for both 3-D and non-3-D features - in order to reduce Digital Link’s and the licensee’s ultimate capital investment.
John P. Wilmers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ballantyne, commented, “We are pleased to extend our partnership with REAL D to deliver state of the art 3-D digital projection solutions to our longstanding customer, Regal Entertainment Group. The NEC STARUS digital projection system, combined with the REAL D 3-D digital 3-D solution, creates a memorable theater experience for Regal’s customers.
“The sale underscores Regal’s commitment to state-of-the-art digital cinema projection systems, as Regal is also opening its Regal Fiesta 12 screen complex in Henderson, Nevada on October 12th. The Henderson complex, Regal’s first all-digital installation, is equipped with NEC digital projectors provided by Ballantyne. The dawn of digital projection is clearly upon us, and we continue to work closely with Real D and our customers to provide top quality solutions that expand our market penetration.”
About REAL D
REAL D is bringing the premier digital 3-D experience to cinemas worldwide. With over 700 screens in 14 countries currently and 1000 screens expected later this year, REAL D has the world's largest 3-D platform.
Beyond cinema, REAL D is the worldwide inventor and provider of key stereoscopic technologies used in science, marketing and other industries. REAL D's mission-critical 3-D visualization technologies are used by organizations such as NASA, Pfizer, BMW, Boeing and more.
About Regal Entertainment Group
Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) is the largest motion picture exhibitor in the world. The Company's theatre circuit, comprising Regal Cinemas, United Artists Theatres and Edwards Theatres, operates 6,368 screens in 529 locations in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Regal operates theatres in all of the top 25 and 43 of the top 50 U.S. designated market areas. We believe that the size, reach and quality of the Company's theatre circuit not only provide its patrons with a convenient and enjoyable movie-going experience, but is also an exceptional platform to realize economies of scale in theatre operations. Additional information is available on the Company's Web site at http://www.regmovies.com/
About Ballantyne of Omaha
Ballantyne is a provider of motion picture projection, specialty lighting, specialty projection equipment and digital cinema equipment and services. The Company supplies major theater chains, top arenas, television and motion picture production studios, theme parks and architectural sites around the world. For more information visit www.ballantyne-omaha.com
Except for the historical information in this press release, it includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, quarterly fluctuations in results; customer demand for the Company’s products; the development of new technology for alternate means of motion picture presentation; domestic and international economic conditions; the management of growth; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Actual results may differ materially from management’s expectations. Ballantyne assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Contacts
Ballantyne of Omaha
Kevin Herrmann, 402-453-4444
or
Jaffoni & Collins Incorporated
David Collins/Ratula Roy, 212-835-8500
btn@jcir.com
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