48 FPS, or 3D Higher Frame Rate technology has been talked about for so long now that I suppose many of us have sort of assumed it’s going to be available anywhere. Nothing could be further from the truth, since according to Clarion Communications:
“Due to the required technology, cinemas will be required to upgrade hardware and install new equipment in order to be able to exhibit 48fps films.”
Obviously not all cinemas will be able to do this, so the question is where can you find the right place to see The Hobbit in the new format? Fortunately, those nice people at Vue Cinemas have provided the answer, at least for their chain in the UK. Please read the press release below, (which includes a quote from Peter Jackson), and list of available cinemas, for further information. By the way, other cinemas are available, so if anyone wants to let The Hobbit Movie News know what they are doing, please do drop us a line!
Vue Entertainment presents The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in Higher Frame Rate 3D Technology at 29 UK cinemas
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, due to be released in the UK on 13th December, is the first film to be shown in 3D and captured using High Frame Rate(HFR) technology. Vue cinemas will be showing the film using HFR technology in 29 of its sites in the UK.
The innovative new format displays the visuals at 48fps which is actually closer to what the human eye really sees and creates a more realistic viewing experience. As well as providing enhanced clarity, it reduces motion blur during action sequences, artefacts, judder and strobing. Viewers will require standard 3D glasses to view.
Due to the required technology, cinemas will be required to upgrade hardware and install new equipment in order to be able to exhibit 48fps films. Vue Entertainment, which operates 120 state of the art cinemas across the UK, Ireland, Taiwan, Germany, Denmark, and Portugal, fully embraces the innovation in film and cinema technology and will be showing The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 29 locations in the UK, with more sites to follow for future releases.
Tim Richards, CEO of Vue Entertainment, says: “The release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey has been widely anticipated amongst the industry for some time and is an exciting development for film fans.
“The introduction of HFR 3D technology will provide a whole new dimension to cinema goers, bringing the action and finer detail closer to the audience. It’s hard to describe and summarise, but once you’ve experienced it for yourself, you’ll be amazed just how good it is along with incredible sound for an all-immersive viewing experience.
“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is the first of many productions to be produced using this technology, and along with James Cameron and Michael Bay, Director Peter Jackson is a big advocate of HFR technology and part of a group of leading Hollywood directors pushing the boundaries. James Cameron has always insisted that the sequels to Avatar will be filmed in HFR with 60fps his preferred choice.
“While we have invested in new technology to be able to exhibit in 48fps, there won’t be any additional charges to consumers – it will be exactly the same price as watching a 3D film, and at Vue, that includes free glasses for the price of the ticket”.
In Peter Jackson’s view, high frame rates are important for exhibition. “HFR 3D is “different” — it won’t feel like the movies you’re used to seeing, in much the same way as the first CDs didn’t sound like vinyl records. I think it’s critical that filmmakers employ current technology to increase the immersive, spectacular experience that cinema should provide. It’s an exciting time to be going to the movies*”.
It was not possible to confirm which cinemas would be presenting the film in HFR 3D prior to when the normal 2D and 3D screenings went on sale to the public. Therefore, where possible, Vue will attempt to exchange purchased tickets for customers who wish to experience the film in HFR 3D. Customers are advised to contact Vue on 08712 240 240 and press zero to speak to a customer service representative. It is anticipated that the HFR 3D screenings will be extremely popular, customers should therefore contact Vue as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours before their original bookings.
Since Vue Entertainment was first established in 1999, it has grown to be the second largest exhibitor in the world outside of North America operating 120 state-of-the-art multiplex cinemas in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Portugal, Denmark and Taiwan with over 55 million customers a year and £500 million of turnover. For more information, visit www.myvue.com
*Taken from www.thehobbit.com Q&A with Peter Jackson
-Ends-
The sites which will be showing The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in 48 Frames Per Second are:
· Vue Acton
· Vue Bolton
· Vue Bristol Cribbs
· Vue Bury
· Vue Camberley
· Vue Dublin
· Vue Edinburgh Omni
· Vue Exeter
· Vue Finchley North
· Vue Finchley Road
· Vue Fulham
· Vue Halifax
· Vue Harrow
· Vue Hull
· Vue Islington
· Vue Leeds Kirkstall
· Vue Livingston
· Vue Newcastle-under-Lyme
· Vue Norwich
· Vue Oxford
· Vue Plymouth
· Vue Portsmouth
· Vue Reading
· Vue Staines
· Vue Swansea
· Vue Watford
· Vue Westfield London
· Vue Westfield Stratford
· Vue York
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