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