Vue Entertainment and RealD Announce Exclusive Digital 3D Partnership

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Market-Leading RealD 3D Cinema System to be Installed in 200 Vue Screens

 

Last update: 1:42 p.m. EST Feb. 23, 2009

LOS ANGELES & LONDON, Feb 23, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Vue Entertainment, the UK's leading developer and operator of state-of-the-art multiplex cinemas, and RealD, the world's leading outfitter of 3D-enabled theatres, announced today that Vue Entertainment will add 200 RealD 3D screens to its circuit.

The rollout of RealD 3D-enabled screens has already begun with an installation at Vue's flagship location in Leicester Square. Additional RealD systems are ready for installation immediately as new screens are added monthly at Vue cinemas.

 

"Vue prides itself on providing the most compelling cinema experience available and RealD 3D will give our audience a new and exciting way to experience movies," said Tim Richards, CEO of Vue Entertainment. "RealD 3D is the market-leading choice for its remarkable track record of providing a superior viewing experience, something we can't wait to bring to our many locations across the UK."

"We're thrilled to be partnering with Vue to bring tens of millions of moviegoers the unmatched RealD 3D experience," said Michael V. Lewis, chairman and CEO of RealD. "This alliance with the UK's leading exhibitor furthers RealD as the market-leader in the UK and is a reflection of our continued expansion across Europe."

 

RealD's next-generation 3D technology is deployed across the world's largest 3D platform in 34 countries with over 1,700 screens today and an additional nearly 6,000 screens under contract. Bob Mayson, RealD Europe Ltd. managing director and head of the company's recently opened European headquarters, added, "With a packed slate of upcoming films being released in RealD 3D, we're delighted to be working with Vue Entertainment to bring this global entertainment phenomenon to their circuit."

 

Vue has 62 cinemas with 607 screens and 134,413 seats which attract over 32 million customers a year. The company is the largest operator of modern multiplex cinemas in the country. It is also the market leader in the critical London market and has the second largest market share in terms of box office in the UK.

 

About RealD

RealD is the global leader in 3D, bringing the most advanced and enjoyable digital 3D experience to cinemas worldwide. RealD's next-generation technology provides a stunningly realistic viewing experience. Beyond cinema, RealD is the worldwide inventor and provider of key stereoscopic technologies used in science, manufacturing, marketing, and other industries, with thirty years of scientific development behind its systems. RealD's mission-critical 3D technologies are used by organizations such as NASA, Pfizer, BMW, Boeing and more. www.RealD.com

About Vue Entertainment

 

Vue Entertainment is one of the UK's leading multiplex developers and operators of state-of-the-art multiplex cinemas. Formed in May 2003, Vue is one of the fastest growing cinema companies in the country. Having acquired the Ster Century cinema chain at the end of April 2005, Vue announced a management buyout in June 2006 in partnership with Bank of Scotland Corporate, through its Integrated Finance Team in a deal valued in the region of GBP 350 million. Vue now owns 59 multiplexes across the UK and Ireland, with over 570 screens, and it continues its expansion with a programme of building new multiplexes across the UK involving plans to open 15 to 20 new sites in the next two to three years. The company has the most modern cinemas in the UK, with over 90% stadium seating and as a result it won the prestigious award for International Exhibitor of the Year at Cinema Expo 2005.

CEO Tim Richards was awarded the title of the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2006 and he also won the Leisure Report Individual of the Year award.

SOURCE: RealD