Regent launches its new cinema upgrade

BALLARAT'S Regent Cinema is set to bring new-age 3D technology to the region with the introduction of more than $250,000 of upgrades, including digital and 3D digital projection equipment and a new 25-metre Harkness Spectral 240 3D silver screen.Business development manager for Regent Cinemas, Christopher Jones believes that this technology, set for a June 29 start, is a real departure from any 3D scenes in films over the past 20 years."What makes Regent Digital 3D a spectacular movie-going experience is that the technology has been developed significantly in recent times, coupled with the fact the movie studios have invested millions of dollars in 3D production, with studios such as DreamWorks and Pixar now committed to producing all of their films in the 3D format," he said.The new screen will also ensure this is a unique cinema experience, with the Harkness Spectral 240 considered by cinema exhibitors and special venue operators worldwide to be the optimum 3D projection surface for systems using polarised light. "From an industry point of view, this is a cinema experience that can't be replicated at home, especially on the big screen."A price rise of $3 per ticket is all the new cinema will set you back, and as marketing coordinator for The Regent, Shona Gull points out "this is nothing" compared to going to Melbourne for a similar experience."I think it will be great for Ballarat and the surrounding community to have the opportunity to see 3D without the inconvenience of having to travel a long way," she said.Included in the price is the 3D eyewear. Forget the old red and blue cardboard glasses, The Regent Digital 3D eyewear looks like sunglasses and is both comfortable and good looking. "It will give the experience of things jumping out at you which, during action scenes, will make you feel part of the action," Ms Gull said.The 3D experience is not just for kids, with many adults looking forward to being part of the movie action. There are six major 3D releases expected this year and many more for 2010 including the much anticipated Avatar, written and directed by James Cameron.Historic Cinema One auditorium will incorporate the new equipment in the upgrade and the first film to be seen with the new technology will be Ice Age 3D from June 29.