China (Hong Kong SAR) – Well that was quick! Having only been set up last year, Imax China Holdings is already planning an IPO. “IMAX China Holding Inc, majority-owned by the namesake giant screen movie theater equipment maker, filed for an initial public offering in Hong Kong, looking to benefit from booming entertainment demand in the world’s second largest economy. IMAX China didn’t disclose the planned size of the listing, intended to raise funds for expansion, and which has Morgan Stanley as a sponsor.” LINK
USA (CA) – After “Tomorrowland” became the first film to release in the Dolby Cinema format – which includes Dolby Vision high dynamic range (HDR) and Dolby Atmos immersive audio – Warner Bros’ “San Andreas” will be the second one. “This version can seen in select theaters that are equipped to handle the new format. According to AMC’s web sites, that will include Dolby Cinema at AMC Prime locations at AMC BarryWoods 24, in Kansas City; AMC Deerbrook 24, in Humble, Texas; and AMC North Point Mall 12, in Alpharetta, Georgia.” LINK
UK – A survey by Topcashback.co.uk claims that 60% of those questioned feel that cinema now represents “poor value for money” and 9 out of 10 “would go to cinema more if it was cheaper.” Perhaps most interestingly, “Half of people said they got to the cinema less now that Orange Wednesday 2 for 1 ticket promotion has ended.” But now that this has been replyed by Meerkat Movies, Express.co.uk points out that you can qualify if you buy an insurance policy for as little as GBP £1.37 and qualify. It also has other suggestions for cheap cinema deals. LINK
India – After bribery scandals, resignations, arrests on charges of corruption and accusations of general idiocy the Indian censor board is trying to clean up its act. “The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is planning to adopt an online system for the certification process of films in India. Information and Broadcasting Ministry sources tell Indiantelevision.com that the CBFC is presently adopting a partial online certification process.” LINK
USA – Regal shares are cheaper than Cinemark, but that does not mean that they are a better investment opportunity, argues this Seeking Alpha analyst. “No matter how you stack it, neither of these companies are value prospects but for investors who prefer looking solely at the bottom line, Cinemark appears to offer the better deal, whereas investors who like prices to be low relative to sales and cash flows will be more drawn to Regal.” LINK
UK (Wales) – Broughton Retail Park credits Cineworld with its Imax screen for increasing footfall in the mall. “The 11-screen Broughton Cineworld has proved a massive hit with movie-lovers and Broughton Shopping Park chiefs say since the multiplex opened on May 8 there has been a “strong increase in footfall” at the shopping centre.” LINK
India – Inox has together with Brenzy revamped its website and launched an app for iPhone, Android and tablet. “The new mobile app allows users to check show timings of movies, select seats and book tickets on the go. Nearest theatres can also be located through the app. The app will also provide real time information on movies and special offers.” LINK
China – Volfoni is jumping on the anti-RealD publicity bandwagon with a press release “welcoming” the invalidation of RealD’s utility patent in China (with no mention of MasterImage, who did the patent challenging). “Despite RealD’s unfounded threats and intimidation, Volfoni continues to offer its innovative and top of the class SmartCrystal™ Diamond throughout Russia and China. With over 300 units shipped, it is the most chosen Triple Beam 3D System in the world.” LINK
Event Cinema
UK – It seems that even experience cinema can be “pirated”, though this take in Ashtead on Secret Cinemas’ “Back to the Future” is for two good causes. “The village’s version of “Save the Clock Tower” – the fundraising event featured in the classic 1985 film – will take place on June 6 for two charities. The Dell Project – which is raising funds for a new hall at St Giles Church – and Leatherhead charity for homeless and vulnerable people ,The Pitstop, will both benefit from the cinematic extravaganza.” LINK
Accessibility
UK – DenofGeeks.com has a long and detailed article on what UK cinemas are doing to support those with special needs. Quite a bit, though there is always scope for improvement.
Although there’s an argument to be made that cinemas don’t do enough to help those with additional needs to make it to the movies, recent years have undeniably seen a spike in support from several cinema chains.
If you or a loved one has additional needs, and would like to know how the cinema supports them, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve had a trawl through the internet to find the support offered by the UK’s major cinema chains with regards to various forms of additional need. LINK
Cinema Opening/Closings
USA (AZ) – Harkins Theatre has begun work on a replacement theatre in Flagstaff to be opened in fall 2016. “Scottsdale-based Harkins is building a 16-screen movie house east of Flagstaff Mall to replace its existing 11-screen theater. The new multiplex will allow the company to show a wider variety of movies.” LINK
USA (CA) – Cinemark has opened its 10th multiplex in southern California to features its own-brand PLF Cinemark XD: Extreme Digital Cinema auditorium. “The new Cinemark Carson and XD theatre, located at 20700 South Avalon Blvd, #285 in Carson, CA at the SouthBay Pavilion, will showcase large, wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling screens, enhanced sound systems with multiple sound format capabilities and state-of-the-art digital projection in every auditorium. ” LINK
France – The Bonaparte cinema in Corsica is closing for good to make room for a clothing franchise store. “For all Ajaccians older than 15 years, the name Bonaparte film brings back sweet memories, flavors of Cinema Paradiso. Eight years since the same posters remained in the frames at the entrance. Eight years since the gates of the hall remained shut, closed by a chain with a padlock.” LINK
UK (London) – Bethnel Green’s The Rex is being converted into apartments. “Developers transforming east London’s Rex Cinema believe they are breathing “a new lease of life into a special building”.” LINK
Finally
A long think piece by The New Yorker’s resident film critic Richard Brody on the New York Time’s policy change of no longer reviewing every single last film receiving a theatrical release in New York. But it’s really about how cinema is an idea rather than four walls, and the role that the Internet has played in changing this.
Of course, this ineligibility aligns with the movie studios’ protection of their unique domain, the movie theatre. I’m reminded of a similar industry crisis, in the fifties and early sixties, when television cut deeply into American movie-going habits; Jerry Lewis spoofed movie executives’ defensive pose in “The Errand Boy.” Though there’s something distinctive, even magical, about the communal movie experience—the size of the screen, the public nature of the event, the theatrical sense of the event happening independent of the viewer’s control, the darkness, the sticky floors—movies and television have been overlapping, at the highest levels, for decades. LINK
