AMC goes digital with Sony 4K projectors

The beginning of the end of cinema as we knew it....

AMC cinema chain announced they are going to get rid of the 35mm projectors and go to all 4K Sony digital projectors...

Others will surely follow. I wonder what this will do to the price of a used 35mm projector? (Tim League at the Alamo drafthouse better sell his quick....)

Tonight I will see ADVENTURELAND on 4K projection, having just watched it in 35mm two nights ago. Expect a full report soon.

relevant details include:

"With 309 theatres and 4,628 screens, AMC will be the largest entertainment company equipped with 4K digital technology in North America."

"The AMC roll-out of Sony digital projection systems is planned to begin in the second calendar quarter of 2009 and continue across AMC's North American theatre circuit through 2012. Currently, AMC features Sony's digital projection systems in 11 theatres on 150 screens throughout the circuit; 29 of the current Sony-equipped screens feature 3D capabilities, with additional 3D screens planned as the AMC roll-out continues."

Oh, and Sony has announced its movie division and camera/post equipment divisions are hard at work on the conversion, too.

"Looking beyond theatrical projection, Scarcella said the motion picture industry is now working with studios and cinematographers to produce and release 4K features. Sony Pictures Entertainment recently announced they will make and release most of their filmed productions using 4K technology. Sony is currently developing a complete line of digital 4K cinematography production equipment, including systems for 4K acquisition, storage and post-production."

This is not a good day for Kodak, I'd say.