VUE ENTERTAINMENT CONFIRMED AS EUROPE’S LARGEST EXHIBITION CIRCUIT TO USE SONY 4K DIGITAL CINEMA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) March 1, 2011 -- Vue Entertainment, one of the UK’s leading operators and developers of state-of-the-art multiplex cinemas, has signed an agreement today with Sony Europe to install Sony 4K Digital Cinema Projection Systems across its circuit.

With over 37 million customers every year at its 68 cinemas and 657 stadium seated screens, Vue Entertainment will become the largest cinema circuit equipped with Sony 4K digital technology in Europe which will provide audiences with the most state-of-the-art highest resolution on-screen presentation available, delivering both a fully immersive, easy-on-the-eye 3D experience and superior 2D quality, thanks to Sony’s unique 4K projection technology.

Tim Richards, CEO, Vue Entertainment, said: “We are delighted to have signed such an significant agreement with Sony Digital Cinema. The partnership between our 2 brands will deliver the very best possible cinematic big screen experience for our customers. The transition to all digital screens also heralds a new era for cinema offering greater choice not only of films but also allow us to expand our range of live and recorded 3D and 2D content covering sports, music, opera, ballet, theater, comedy gaming and other major special events.

Over the coming weeks we will be announcing an exciting customer marketing campaign that communicates the benefits of the Vue/Sony partnership and 4K projection. This along with the many other plans we already have in the pipeline between our two companies marks the start of a very special moment in our company’s strategy moving forward.”

David McIntosh, Director, Sony Europe, commented, “This is a particularly exciting partnership for Sony Digital Cinema 4K, which further demonstrates our commitment to the long-term success of the industry, heralding the next generation of digital cinema. We are very excited about working with Tim and the team at Vue as one of the most progressive cinema companies in the world and are delighted that Sony 4K is going to play a key role in helping Vue offer its customers a revolutionized industry-leading movie-going experience”

Vue and Sony will start the conversion process immediately and it is expected to take 18 months to complete.

-ENDS-

About Sony 4K Digital Technology
SXRD 4K technology from Sony is leading the digital cinema revolution. Meeting the most demanding performance standard defined by DCI, the 4K format offers a four-times increase in resolution over 2K for the ultimate big screen experience. Sony is the only manufacturer able to supply the end-to-end 4K projection system.

About Vue Entertainment

Vue Entertainment is one of the UK’s leading multiplex developers and operators of state-of-the-art multiplex cinemas. Formed in May 2003 with the acquisition of Warner Village Cinemas, Vue is one of the fastest growing and innovative cinema companies in the country. Vue’s modern state-of-the-art circuit has 68 cinemas and 657 screens covering the UK and Ireland.
Vue Entertainment was acquired by Doughty Hanson & Co, one of the largest independent private equity firms in Europe, in November 2010 from Cavendish Square Partners, affiliated investment funds of Och-Ziff Capital Management Group and the existing management team. The entire Vue management team, including Tim Richards (CEO) who established the company, reinvested in the transaction.

Following recent openings in Camberley, Eastleigh, Newbury, Wood Green and Bury, Vue opened, in February 2010; Europe’s largest purpose built all digital 14 screen cinema at the Westfield Shopping Centre located in West London which has repeatedly been the UK’s most popular cinema. Vue are on site at the stunning Westfield Stratford City retail and leisure development located at the gateway to the Olympic Park – this 14 screen all digital cinema is due to open at the end of September and is certain to be one of the most popular cinemas is the UK.

Vue has won many accolades for its service and innovations over the years, including its fourth win of Best Cinema of the Year UK (Vue Westfield) and Cinema of the Year Ireland (Vue Dublin) at the recent 2010 RAAM Awards. In 2005 Vue also won prestigious award for International Exhibitor of the Year at Cinema Expo.

CEO Tim Richards was awarded the title of the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2006 and he also won the Leisure Report Individual of the Year award.

4K     cinema     film     movies     sony     sony digital cinema     technology     VUE