Metro Cinema, one of the oldest and most famous art deco multiplexes in Mumbai, India, has installed Barco’s Auro 11.1 sound technology. This unique sound format is designed to complement the crisp clear images on screen with an unmatched auditory experience. Metro Cinema, which is owned by major Indian cinema chain Big Cinemas, a division of Reliance MediaWorks, is the first Bollywood theatre to adopt the sound platform.
Opened in 1938, Metro Cinema has long been the most famous red-carpet theater in Bollywood.
For many years, Barco and Big Cinemas have worked and many of Big’s 516 screens are outfitted with Barco DP2K projectors. In addition, the chain uses many Barco post-production projectors at its various studios.
“After witnessing the Auro 11.1 demonstration at the Whistling Woods Institute last month, we knew that Barco could help us with more than just visualization,” says Shirish Srivastava, marketing head at Metro Cinema. “Auro 11.1’s unique, three-layer approach evokes impactful and lifelike sound unlike anything I’ve heard before. It is perfectly in line with our aspiration to offer a complete, immersive experience.”
Barco’s business partner in India, R&S installed the Auro 11.1 system. An R&S spokesman said, “We have offered support for most of BIG’s projects in Mumbai, so we were already well-acquainted. The installation of Auro 11.1 by Barco at the Metro Theater went very smoothly as well, and we managed to get it done within the set timeframe.”
Brian Claypool, senior director strategic business development, digital cinema at Barco said he is pleased with the format’s steady rollout in the heart of Bollywood. “We are very happy to see renowned theaters all over India recognize the unique differentiating features of the platform,” Claypool said. “In India’s booming cinema industry, offering an unmatched experience can make all the difference.”