AMC’s Carmike and Odeon-UCI buys approved, Anschutz sells, deadly Peru cinema fire, Korea safety report, Imax to show Marvel TV, Philips’ Xenon business sold, Kino.de app reviewed, Regal L.A Live: Barco all-laser, NYC Clearview to become luxury Cinemex, Cinépolis tests your cinema knowledge.
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USA (KA) – The acquisition of Carmike by AMC has been approved by the shareholders of Carmike. The original USD $1.1 billion had been sweetened to USD $1.2 billion, plus giving Carmike shareholders a stake in the enlarged AMC. The deal expands AMC’s base by more than 600 screens in 45 US states plus D.C. It is still subject to regulatory approval, but little geographical overlap between the two chains means it is likely to be passed. Wanda-owned AMC thus overtakes Regal as the largest cinema chain in US and the world. Variety – 15 November 2016
Belgium – Making it a doubly rewarding week for AMC/Wanda, the European Commission approved AMC’s take-over of Odeon-UCI.“We’re pleased by the European Commission’s approval,” Adam Aron, CEO and President of AMC is quoted as saying. “With today’s approval, we’re one step closer to gaining first-mover advantage in Europe by delivering AMC’s proven guest-favorite initiatives, such as plush recliner seats, to European movie-goers.” The verdict was never much in doubt, but still required. Oh, and AMC also had a record Q3. Lots of reasons to smile. Press Release – 16 November 2016
USA (TN) – The same week as AMC thus zoomed past Regal as the world’s largest cinema operator, Phil Anshutz reduced his controlling stake in Regal Entertainment. Regal announced a secondary offering of 13 million shares on behalf of The Anschutz Corporation. After the conclusion of the deal Anschutz will still control 70.5% of the combined voting power of the outstanding shares of class A common stock and class B common shares. Regal previously put itself up for sale but found no good suitors. The company is still considered a good investment, having had a good Q3. Press release – 17 November 2016
#Miraflores: evacúan Larcomar por incendio en cine antes de proyección especial de #FantasticBeasts [#FOTOS] https://t.co/TBvMGp70Al pic.twitter.com/bW82cE0aw9
— Sociedad El Comercio (@sociedad_ECpe) November 16, 2016
Peru – Four people were killed in a fire in a cinema and luxury commercial complex in Larcomar, Miraflores. The four dead – three women and one man – were workers UVK Multicines chain. The fire apparently started in auditorium 10, which was screening “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” for film critics. The cinema’s front door was apparently locked because there were no public screenings at the time. LaVoz (ES) – 17 November 2016
Korea, Republic of (South) – The Korean government has published its study of fire safety reviews of the country’s cinemas – some 388 cinemas in 50 location. Korea has one of the world’s highest per-capita cinema use at 4.22 (2015), with 220 million cinema visits last year. 125 cases of required improvements were cited, for issues such as emergency light, indoor air quality and evacuation plan procedures. Korea-news.com (KR) – 16 November 2016
Canada – Imax has partnered Disney’s Marvel Television to screen the first two episodes of “Marvel’s The Inhumans” in its cinema globally in September 2017. The move represents an attempt by Imax to widen its content offering, having previously screened the “Game of Thrones” season finale and a teaser in its cinema. The TV series will be shot with Imax digital cameras and screen on the ABC television network in the US. Screen Daily – 14 September 2016
USA (NY) – Asset management fund Saratoga Partners has acquired the Xenon Cinema and special lighting business from Philips. The new company will be called Lighting Technologies International LLC (LTI), but has retained the right to use the Philips brand, with Philips having bought the independent company in 2007. While laser projection makes Xenon a sunset business for cinema, there will still be Xenon projectors for enough time to make this profitable. Press Release – 3 November 2016
Germany – A detailed review of the Kino.de app for smartphones (iOS and Android). Apparently it is an indispensable platform for film lovers in Germany and looks pretty impressive in its functionality. Giga.de (DE) – 17 November 2016
USA (CA) – Barco has completed the first all-laser multiplex installation on the US West Coast. It happens to be the Regal L.A. Live: A Barco Innovation Center. Owned by AEG it is still where Barco shows of all of its innovations in Hollywood, so didn’t make sense to keep it Xenon. Press release – 15 November 2016
Cinema Opening/Closings
USA (NY) – The former Clearview cinema in Manhattan’s Upper Eastside will re-open as a luxury cinema. The former B-cinema on First Avenue and 62nd street has been acquired by Cinemex and is the company’s first outpost in New York, with the world’s sixth-largest cinema chain already having over 300 sites in Mexico. The cinema is located just seven blocks away from Trump Tower. New York Post – 15 November 2016
Finally
Mexico – Cinépolis has put together an impressive tribute to cinema that tests your knowledge of films.
With the phrase “for those who can see, look further” ; Cinépolis launched an advertisement which tests your observation and your knowledge about the world of cinema. With references to films such as “Taxi Driver” or “The Grand Budapest Hotel , ” surely you remember those movies that you’ve liked so much throughout the cinema.
We spotted at least ten. You? SanDiegoRed.com (ES) – 4 November 2016
