Sony Pictures and Sony Electronics Team to Deliver "Angels & Demons" in 4K Resolution

http://www.digitalcinemainfo.com/sonyprofessional_05_20_09.php

May 20, 2009

Source: Sony Professional

New Release Joins DreamWorks Pictures and Universal Pictures’ “The Soloist” and Fox’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” as Recent High-profile Titles Distributed in 4K

The growing list of feature-length motion pictures distributed in 4K resolution now includes “Angels & Demons,” the highly anticipated follow-up to 2007’s “The Da Vinci Code.” The Sony Pictures Entertainment movie, which opened worldwide on May 15, will be shown in 4K resolution using Sony 4K digital cinema projection systems.

It will also be available as a 4K Digital Cinema Package for playback in 2K-equipped theaters.

The movie’s availability in 4K marks the third major studio release to be distributed in 4K in the past month, joining “The Soloist” (DreamWorks Pictures and Universal Pictures, released by Paramount Pictures) and “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” (Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation).

This trio of high profile 4K releases continues the growing trend toward making more 4K content available to audiences, and follows Sony Pictures Entertainment’s recent announcement that it will use 4K digital technology in the making of some of its most highly anticipated productions. Previous 4K releases from Sony include “Spider-man™ 3,” “The Da Vinci Code,” and “Hancock,” with 4K distribution also planned for the upcoming releases of “Salt” and “The Green Hornet,” among others.

“We are proud to offer ‘Angels & Demons’ in 4K resolution,” said Rory Bruer, President of Worldwide Distribution for Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution. “The picture and sound quality is truly stunning and it showcases the superior capability of digital projection.”

The team behind the global phenomenon “The Da Vinci Code” returns for “Angels and Demons,” with both movies based upon the bestselling novels by Dan Brown. Tom Hanks reprises his role as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, who once again finds that forces with ancient roots are willing to stop at nothing, even murder, to advance their goals. Ron Howard returns to direct the film, which is produced by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, and John Calley. The screenplay is by David Koepp and Akiva Goldsman.

“Exhibitors and studios understand the incredible value of 4K projection and how it allows audiences to see more detail than ever before, creating a truly unique cinematic experience,” said Gary Johns, vice president of Sony Electronics’ Digital Cinema Systems Division. “With 4K becoming an increasingly important part of studios’ distribution plans, the fast-growing number of 4K-equipped theaters will now have even more content available to offer their customers.”

When a 4K screening of “Angels & Demons” is booked, it will be shown using Sony’s SRX-R220 model digital cinema projectors. The units, which are engineered for DCI-compliance, are Sony’s newest 4K systems, with 21,000 lumens, designed specifically for movie theater projection.