IMAX Corporation confirmed the launch of its new laser projection system at one of its flagship cinemas, The Empire Leicester Square, UK on October 2 with The Walk: An IMAX 3D Experience. The Empire Leicester Square will be the first IMAX cinema in Europe to launch the new technology.
IMAX with laser represents a quantum leap forward in cinema technology – providing audiences with the sharpest, brightest, clearest and most vivid digital images ever, combined with a whole new level of immersive audio. Designed from the ground up for IMAX’s largest screens, the dual 4K laser projection system is equipped with a new optical engine and suite of proprietary IMAX technologies capable of projecting an image with maximum resolution and sharpness, unparalleled 2D and 3D brightness, industry-leading contrast and an expanded colour gamut that will allow filmmakers to present more vivid and exotic colours than ever before.
The new system also includes IMAX’s next-generation sound technology that delivers even greater power and precision for ultimate audio immersion. It has been upgraded to 12 discrete channels plus sub-bass, and includes additional side channels as well as new overhead channels that will improve the system’s ability to position sounds around the audience and further ensure every seat is the best in the house.
The historic Empire Leicester Square opened its IMAX screen in June 2014; the previous ‘Screen 1′ was completely transformed for The IMAX Experience, which will now host Europe’s first ever IMAX with laser technology and an incredible projected screen image spanning 87-foot (26.5m) wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling – one of the biggest in the UK.
Andrew Cripps, President of IMAX EMEA, said: “We are raising the benchmark once again with the launch of IMAX with laser at Empire Leicester Square – providing film fans in the West End a cinemagoing experience unlike anything they’ve ever seen or heard before. We couldn’t be more excited to mark the European debut of this new laser technology at such an iconic venue – particularly with the strong upcoming slate of films like, The Walk, Crimson Peak, SPECTRE and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, that demand to be seen in this new format.”
Justin Ribbons, CEO of Empire Cinemas, said: “We’re delighted to bring laser technology to our flagship cinema & IMAX screen in the heart of London at The Empire Leicester Square. From the earliest days of the moving image The Empire Leicester Square has been at the forefront of advances in cinema technology. The introduction of IMAX with laser further reinforces our commitment to providing the most cutting edge, immersive viewing experience to our customers who will be the first in Europe to experience this new technology. It reinforces The Empire Leicester Square’s position as the home of the UK’s best cinema-going experience for years to come.”
Laser technology cinemagoers will be awe-inspired by the epic scope of The Walk (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ben Kingsley), Crimson Peak
(Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain) SPECTRE (Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz) and Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill).