Cinema's Must Have 'WOW' Presentations

LG's Curved Screen

In discussing digital conversion with cinema owners, I must make absolutely sure they understand that the conversion offers them a great opportunity to enhance their presentation with a 'WOW' factor which can not be replicated in the home.

Why? Because the competition for movie viewer eyes is relentless.  Home entertainment A/V equipment is constantly improving and reaching new heights, on what seems to be, a daily basis.

For example, this week both LG and Samsung unveiled Ultra High Definition (UHD) TVs with curved screens.  LG introduced a 77 inch (6.4 ft.) curved screen UHD-TV which, Havis Kwon, LG Home Entertainment CEO, said "was proof that we will never stop pushing the boundaries and exploring new possibilities".

Meanwhile, Samsung showed off a 65 inch (5.4 ft.) curved screen UHD-TV, as well as, debuting a 98 inch (8.2 ft.) UHD flat screen, which is a companion to the 110 inch (9.2 ft.) it unveiled in January (see right).

LG's 77 incher is the world's largest curved screen UHD-TV and is touted as presenting an IMAX-like image that fills the viewer's field of vision.  Jay Vandenbree, LG Senior VP, said "This new 77 UHD exemplifies our commitment to leadership - the razor-thin TV has an unlimited contrast ratio and technology that quadruples the resolution - making this the pinnacle of home entertainment viewing."

So, when exhibitors tell me they want to purchase the smallest digital cinema projector to save what amounts to a few thousand dollars vs. purchasing a projection system which would provide a WOW on-screen image - I argue my case: presenting a movie using a small, under-sized projector will not provide the means to compete long-term against constantly improving competition.

When movie patrons walk into a cinema they need to say "this is the best picture I have ever seen".  Having this WOW factor is not optional, but required.  Exhibitors must ensure that their movie and alternative content presentations are stellar and head and shoulders above what consumers can achieve in their living rooms.  If exhibitors think they can squeak by with poor on-screen images and uninspiring sound they are woefully mistaken - they will be crushed by the competition.

Jim Lavorato