Our take...
Elsewhere in the US, Muvico Theatres has pledged to convert a large proportion of its screen base to 4K and internationally, exhibitors are also making first strides. Odeon, the leading exhibitor in the UK, installed three 4K projectors in its theatre in Guildford, Surrey as part of a wider beta test of various digital cinema equipment. The installations were made for the screening of SpiderMan 3 in 4K. In Singapore, it was recently announced that all major cinema complexes were participating in commercial trial of Sony's 4K projector.
Landmark will be initially looking at 4K content in select clips and trailers as to date content has been limited in the 4K format. One exception was the re-release of the classic movie Dr Strangelove restored in 4K for the grand opening of the Landmark complex. Landmark originally announced it would convert all of its screens to 4K back in 2005, although the technology was not deemed market ready at the time. Initially, Sony and Warner have been the most active Studios distributing content in 4K. Factors that would influence further take up include development of the 4K screen base and a reduction in costs for production/development. HDNet, the US broadcaster, has also made plans to develop content in 4K, although there are no further details available. HDNet and Landmark Theatres are part of the same group of companies owned by Mark Cuban and Todd Wagner. Sony is the only equipment manufacturer to launch a 4K projector.