THX CINEMA CERTIFICATION EXPERIENCES GROWTH IN EUROPE AND EMERGING MARKETS
CINEMA EXPO 2005, Amsterdam, June 28, 2005 – THX Ltd., the leading provider of technologies, certification programs and quality assurance standards for the entertainment industry, today announced that 42 screens throughout Europe, Asia and South America have achieved THX cinema certification since last June. THX recently celebrated the opening of the AFM Sinemalari cinema in Irmiz, Turkey, and looks forward to another All-THX Kinepolis opening in Nancy, France later this year. In addition, two of Europe’s finest professional post-production and digital mixing studios, Marinastudios in Genova and Mic Studio in Stockholm, have achieved THX studio certification.
“We are realizing continued growth opportunities in many overseas markets, especially in countries like Turkey, India and China, where there has been a recent push to modernize cinema venues,” said Michael Franzi, chief marketing officer at THX. “By supporting international cinema owners in their efforts to integrate THX technologies and design their auditoriums to THX specifications, we are enabling the development of state-of-the-art cinemas across the globe. We are pleased to also be assisting cinema owners in the creation of business strategies and new venue installations for the eventual transition to D-cinema.”
In a THX Certified Cinema, the auditorium environment is designed to ensure patrons enjoy a film’s true sensory impact. THX is directly involved early in the design process, working with cinema architects to incorporate standards for acoustics, audience viewing angles, and projection and audio equipment performance. These standards ensure that moviegoers are presented an immersive and robust movie experience in line with the filmmaker’s intent. For example, every seat has a superb view; sound is evenly distributed to the audience; and noise from adjacent auditoriums, street traffic, and lobby concessions never distracts from the feature presentation.
“THX cinema certification goes beyond just adopting a presentation format or technology. It’s about building a cinema environment and eventual experience from the ground up to present film content accurately, the way it was produced in the studio,” Franzi said. “We believe the level of noticeable quality provided by THX will enable exhibitors to remain competitive and improve attendance as they improve the theater experience for movie and alternative content.”
For a full list of THX Certified Cinemas or to learn more about THX, visit THX.com.
ABOUT THX LTD.
As consumers seek entertainment experiences with greater sensation and sensory immersion, using precision science to invent new technologies has become paramount. THX Ltd. is continually enhancing these consumer experiences by enabling the creation, delivery and presentation of digital content through more efficient, more powerful, and more enjoyable methods. With structured certification programs and innovative technology development, THX is embedding the science of sensation in diverse entertainment venues and influential products. Today, the world’s premier commercial cinemas, post-production studios and home entertainment products incorporate THX technologies and have achieved the coveted THX Certification. The company is headquartered in San Rafael, Calif. Its Digital Works office, offering movie and DVD mastering and post-production services, is based in Burbank, Calif. For more information, visit www.thx.com.
