WEEKLY CineBUZZ REPORT - 18 November 2012

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS WEEK'S REPORT

- Cinemark Theatre Circuit Sued by Shooting Victims
- Barco Enters World of Sound
- NEC's New Small Venue D-Cinema Projector
- "That's All I Can Stands"

Cinemark Century 16 Where Shootings Occurred

Cinemark Sued By Shooting Victims

Cinemark, the third largest cinema exhibitor in the U.S., has been sued by victims of the July 20th shooting at their Century 16plex in Aurora, Colorado were 12 cinema patrons were killed and 58 wounded.  The suit was filed on behalf of 3 of the surviving victims and other law suits are anticipated.

The suits allege that Cinemark, 'failed to provide security personnel for the midnight screening of  The Dark Night Rises, the exterior doors to the theatre did not have any alarm or security system that would have alerted the staff that someone had surreptitiously left the theatre or that the door in the back of the theatre was being kept open.' 

The suit also states that 'there was no system in place for the theatre staff to monitor parking areas and external doors behind the theatre and that the multiplex had been the site of previous assaults and robberies, including a prior shooting'.

Cinemark representatives could not be reached for comment; however, the circuit plans to reopen the theatre in the beginning of 2013 although no set date has been given.

In a related story, a man in Bolivar, Missouri was arrested and charged in connection with threats to shoot up a theatre during a presentation of  'Twilight - Breaking Dawn.
Blaec Lammers, 20, was arrested at a Sonic Drive In Restaurant after his mother tipped authorities that her son had purchased weapons and may be planning a movie theatre shooting. 

When questioned, Lammers told police his intention was to target movie patrons at a Sunday night showing of the movie (which he had purchased a ticket for) along with a possible attack on people at the nearby Walmart where more ammunition would be available.  Lammers had purchased several rifles and 400 runs of ammunition. He has been charged with first-degree assault, making a terrorist threat, and numerous firearms violations. He is being held on $500,000 bond pending trial.


Barco Announces New Cinema Sound System

Belgium based Barco, known for its digital projectors, announced its new cinema audio system - the Auro 11.1 and the agreement it has signed with DreamWorks Animation in which the Auro system will be used for mixing and for playback at cinemas for the next 15 DreamWorks animated films

"We are thrilled with the Studio's long-term endorsement of the Barco Auro 11.1 sound format.  Barco is committed to not only developing digital cinema projection but we are making critical advances in cinema sound," said Wim Buyens, CEO of Barco's Entertainment Division.  The Auro 11.1 system creates sound in three distinct layers: surround, height, and overhead and features 11.1 channels of sound.

Similar to the new Dolby Atmos 11.1 sound system, the Auro system  is intended to envelope the cinema audience with life-like sound.

NEC's New NC900C Small Venue Digital Cinema Projector

There has been much talk about D-Cinema projectors for smaller venues such as, screening rooms, small cinema auditoriums, art houses, etc. becoming available.
Well, they are now available and the NEC NC900C is the best thus far.

The NC900C is DCI compliant and comes prepackaged with lens and server (including an integrated media block).  It has dual 350watt lamps and projects a 2048x1080 resolution (2k) on screens up to 21ft wide.  Its is 3D capable and can handle high-frame rates, and like its larger brothers it carries a two year warranty.

If interested in the NC900C contact EEC (800-448-1656) for more information.

Popeye Returns To The Big Screen

Popeye, the sailor man, has to battle his nemeses, Bluto, to save his girl friend, Olive Oyl, by using spinach to enhance his strength.  Sony Pictures has plans to bring Popeye back to the big screen. Slated to be released in 3D (probably in 2014).  Popeye, (who first appeared in a comic strip in 1929) should be a good box office draw.

One of the all time favorite cartoon characters, Popeye is a hero - and reflects his attitude with his famous saying, "That's all I can stands, I can't stands no more".

Best,
Jim Lavorato
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