Regal Ent. Group, the owner and operator of the largest movie theater circuit in the world, and RealD 3D, the global leader in 3-D, today announced an unprecedented partnership.
The deal calls for a rollout of 1,500 RealD 3D screens, bringing the RealD 3D screen count to more than 3,500. The rollout will allow most U.S. markets to have 3-D capability and will commence upon the completion of the Digital Cinema Implementation Partners (DCIP) initiative. Regal and RealD will work together to market and develop the RealD premium 3-D platform in key Regal markets and theatres throughout the U.S.
The consummation of the announced deal is subject to completion of definitive agreements and is contingent upon DCIP finalizing the necessary digital cinema conversion arrangements.
"This partnership between Regal Entertainment Group and RealD is a significant step forward in the implementation of digital 3-D screens nationwide," said Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation. "The growing number of digital theater installations makes it possible for more audiences to enjoy the unprecedented and immersive experience of 3-D at the movies and I applaud Regal and RealD's combined efforts toward this goal."
Chuck Viane, president of distribution, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, said, "We're thrilled that Regal Entertainment is now working in partnership with RealD to significantly increase the number of 3-D venues and bring exciting state-of-the-art 3-D experiences to moviegoers in most major markets. Disney has been a pioneer in producing groundbreaking 3-D motion pictures, and has an ambitious slate of projects starting with the November release of our newest animated feature, BOLT. Moviegoers have enthusiastically demonstrated their preference for quality 3-D entertainment, and we join Regal and RealD in making the theatrical experience as exciting and enjoyable as possible."
Bruce Snyder, president, Domestic Distribution, 20th Century-Fox Film Corporation, stated, "With ICE AGE 3: DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS, and James Cameron's AVATAR both being released in the not-so-distant future in the 3-D format, we at Fox clearly believe in the 3-D process as the next great thing in the movie-going experience. We are currently deep into the negotiation with DCIP to keep the digitalization of theaters moving forward. And we are thrilled that RealD and Regal have joined together to make 3-D viewing a reality on a nationwide basis."
