Marcus Theatres to Feature Kodak Digital Cinema in Omaha

http://www.digitalcinemainfo.com/kodakdigitalcinema_10_16_09.php

October 16, 2009

Source: Kodak Digital Cinema

Kodak announced today that it has been selected to power the new Marcus Midtown Cinema at Midtown Crossing in Omaha, Nebraska, the most innovative and stylish complex in the legendary Marcus Theatres chain. 

Kodak Digital Cinema systems will be installed on all five screens of the four-level entertainment destination, scheduled to open on November 6. Systems will include several models of NEC projectors supplied by Ballantyne Strong who will handle projector installation.

"We've decided to step carefully into the world of digital feature systems," says Bruce J. Olson, president of Marcus Theatres. "We've been working with Kodak for some time and their depth of technology appeals to us. As our vision for the new Midtown complex began to take shape, we invited the best brands to participate and are pleased to welcome Kodak as an important partner in what will be a showcase for entertainment in the Omaha area."

"This is a relationship where we'll each do what we do best - and the moviegoers will benefit," says Drena Rogers, director of strategic accounts for Kodak Digital Cinema. "We took one look at Marcus's plans for Omaha and we knew we had to be involved. This is not just a gorgeous theatre, this is a rethinking of the future of cinema. We're excited to help them bring their vision to reality."

The new five-screen, four-level theatre will include two urban cocktail lounges, the latest theatre concessions, CineDine in-theatre dining, and a four-story glass façade with views of the Omaha city skyline. Marcus Theatres is the seventh largest theatre circuit in the United States and currently owns or manages 663 screens at 53 locations.

Powering the digital presentation in each auditorium will be the Kodak Screen Management Server which delivers the full program - pre-show, trailers and feature - through the cinema-grade NEC projector. Images will be big, bright, and consistent; the presentation will be seamless and can be fully automated, driven by the Kodak Theatre Management System (TMS).

Connected to the complex's ticketing system, the TMS loads and directs the show schedule, so shows start on time, automatically. Cinema managers can concentrate on serving their guests, while the Kodak system contributes to the overall experience.

"With Midtown Cinema's creative dining concepts and sleek environment, it's important to remember that the centerpiece of it all is the movie experience," adds Olson, "and that needs to be first rate. We're confident Kodak will do their part to deliver that in a way that is complementary and consistent with everything else our guests will experience."

The new complex will offer amenities that set a new benchmark for cinemas, including a two-story atrium with grand piano music, a 24-seat conference space with full catering services, a "features wall" with streaming trailers on LED flat-screen monitors, and an in-theatre call button system so guests can enjoy restaurant-style service in comfortable swivel chairs and tables while watching their favorite movie.

"Moviegoers who come to Marcus Theatres expect a great theatrical experience, but in the new Midtown complex, Bruce and his team will take that a giant leap forward," says Rogers. "This will be a magical place to socialize, dine and to see movies at their very best - because when great brands join together, magic happens."

In addition to providing network installation, Kodak is handling all training and support, including remote monitoring of components and on-site maintenance as required. "What Kodak is really offering," adds Rogers, "is peace of mind in a unique cinema environment."

Currently, Kodak Digital Cinema feature systems are installed in sites owned or managed by 42 exhibition chains in 17 countries, worldwide.