Audio Video News

High-dynamic range (HDR), wide color gamut, 4K resolution are recurring topics in these pages as we enjoy continuous, incremental advances in video quality and never have to search for reasons to upgrade. Have you gotten your 4K/HDR-enabled TV yet?

Those same technologies that wow us at home are in play in movie theaters around the country—and the public is impressed. Dolby Cinema theaters equipped with the latest video and surround sound technologies have been so successful that Dolby Labs and AMC Theatres have announced an accelerated schedule to complete 100 new installations by the end of 2017, seven years ahead of the original plan.

AMC said it is “earning rave reviews” at the 22 Dolby Cinema theaters it currently operates nationwide and plans to open 50 new locations by the end of this year.

“Today’s announcement of the expedited expansion of Dolby Cinema at AMC theatres is a direct result of the incredibly enthusiastic responses we have received from consumers nationwide,” said Doug Darrow, senior vice president of Dolby’s Cinema Business Group.

“It’s clear that our guests enjoy the premium audio, vibrant contrast and color, and the incredible comfort of the plush, power recliners at Dolby Cinema at AMC, and with this announcement, we’re thrilled that more guests than ever will have access to this incredible experience,” added John McDonald, executive vice president of AMC’s U.S. operations.

Since its launch in spring of 2015, more than one million Dolby Cinema at AMC moviegoers have experienced Hollywood movies from a variety of genres, including action, drama, science-fiction, and fantasy. With support from all major Hollywood studios, 50 Dolby Cinema movies have been released or announced.

Recent and upcoming titles include Suicide Squad, Pete’s Dragon, LAIKA, Kubo (KUBTY) and the Two Strings, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, Doctor Strange, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Moana, Beauty and the Beast, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Wonder Woman, and Cars 3.

Dolby Cinema at AMC theaters feature Dolby Atmos surround sound with overhead speakers and a Dolby Vision laser projection system that delivers high dynamic range images with enhanced color and contrast ratio. The design of the cinema itself is intended to draw audiences deeper into the story and includes recliner seating with built-in tactile transducers that moviegoers can reserve.

For more information, visit amctheatres.com and dolby.com.

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