THX and Barco taking cinema to next level
April 2, 2019
By Chris Forrester
A cinematic alliance between George Lucas-founded THX, in its highest-quality ‘Ultimate’ version, is getting into the giant screen business. THX Ultimate Cinema is linking with high-end projector company Barco to offer a super-bright dual laser projection system that can handle 4K and High-Dynamic Range movies.
THX Ultimate Cinema is deliberately getting into the Premium Large Format experiences which will challenge IMAX and Dolby Cinema in terms of giant screen theatres. THX-certified cinemas must offer an approved 7.1 Surround Sound installation which could include Dolby Atmos technology.
The THX and Barco (via its cinema projection business, Cinionic) is a joint-venture which says that it will support at least 30 specially master movies annually.
One theatre in Los Angeles (the Regency Westwood Village Theatre) is reported to be almost ready to open by summer.