AEG, one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment presenters, and Regal, operators of the largest theater circuit in the United States, are partnering Barco on a multi-year, strategic partnership to create Regal L.A. Live: A Barco Innovation Center. The current Regal Cinemas L.A. Live, owned by AEG, will transform into a one-of-a kind creative hub for all of Barco’s cinema technology. The deal also marks the first and only naming rights partnership for an entire movie theater complex.
“Regal L.A. Live: A Barco Innovation Center represents a new step in the movie theater industry for business and technology,” said Shelby Russell, vice president, AEG & L.A. Live Marketing. “Together with Barco, we will be continually committed to bringing audiences at L.A. Live the best theater experience they can find anywhere.”
“Regal Cinemas L.A. Live hosts over 20 movie premieres annually and, since opening in 2009, has provided the public with one of the best movie-going experiences possible,” said Greg Dunn, president and chief operating officer for Regal. “We are taking the next step in the movie theater’s illustrious history by installing all the latest Barco technology, yet again setting a new standard in cinema quality.”
Regal L.A. Live: A Barco Innovation Center exemplifies Barco’s vision for modern movie complexes to offer premium, differentiated cinema experiences with cost-efficient and streamlined operations. The theater will be an all-around immersive experience from start to finish, featuring the four key Cinema Barco premium movie-watching technologies:
Barco Lobby Experience: Numerous digital displays, lights and other innovative technology will be installed throughout the lobby and concourse area, captivating moviegoers with the cinematic experience from the moment they step through the doors using light, sound and interactive content.
Barco Laser: Initially, two theater screens in the complex will be illuminated with Barco’s latest Flagship Laser projector, offering game-changing image quality with unprecedented brightness levels, increased contrast ratio, and vivid colors. All other cinema screens in the complex will be fitted with Barco Laser Phosphor projectors, turning Regal L.A. Live into the first all-laser multiplex on the U.S. West Coast, later this year.
Barco Escape: One auditorium will feature Barco Escape, the three-screen, panoramic movie format that offers the ultimate immersive cinema experience. Barco Escape debuted to the public with scenes in both The Maze Runner and Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials. Additionally, director Scott Waugh (Act of Valor and Need for Speed) is currently in preproduction on the first feature length Barco Escape film and is tentatively scheduled for a late 2016 release.
Immersive Sound: Multiple auditoriums will include the most advanced immersive sound technology from Barco and Auro technologies, featuring a new way of delivering audio that completely surrounds the moviegoer, generating the most natural and life-like audio experience imaginable.
“Cinema Barco is helping exhibitors around the world to offer differentiating, premium movie experiences to their audiences,” says Wim Buyens, senior vice president for Barco. “Through our partnership with AEG, we now have the opportunity to showcase all of these great experiences under one roof, bringing an unprecedented cinematic experience to thousands and thousands of moviegoers in the film capital of the world.”
Regal L.A. Live: A Barco Innovation Center will kick-off its public opening with a launch party celebration on April 1st from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a block-party style event on the streets located in front of the theater at L.A. Live, the downtown entertainment district.
Guests will be treated to a live DJ, street performers, local artists, and more. Moviegoers purchasing tickets for movies starting at 6 p.m. or later on April 1st will receive a voucher for a free small popcorn and small fountain drink.
To learn more about the block party and Regal L.A. Live: A Barco Innovation Center, please visit lalive.com/barco.