CINE.L Regulatory News (CINE)

9 Oct 2007 07:01

Cineworld Group plc09 October 2007 9 October 2007 CINEWORLD GROUP PLC SIGNS DEAL WITH REAL D TO REVOLUTIONISE THE CINEMA EXPERIENCE BY BRINGING 3D TO ITS CUSTOMERS Cineworld Group plc, which has the largest portfolio of digital screens of anycinema operator in the UK, has today signed a deal with REAL D to bring 3D toits customers. REAL D is the world leader in 3D technology. The deal will see Cineworld introduce 3D projection into its digital cinemaportfolio to create the largest 3D estate in the UK. REAL D 3D systems willinitially be installed into 30 of Cineworld's 72 digital auditoria and theroll-out will coincide with the release of Beowulf on 16 November 2007. The dealwill see Cineworld continue to add REAL D systems to bring the most advanced 3Dexperience to its moviegoers as Cineworld finalises its deals with studios onthe business terms of digital deployment. Steve Wiener, CEO of Cineworld Group plc, said, "This is a significant deal forCineworld and one which will revolutionise the cinema experience for ourmoviegoers across the country. We could see as many as 100 Real D screens onceour digital platform is in place." Wiener added, "The impact of 3D on the filmindustry can be compared to the move from black and white to colour. Afterreviewing all of the latest technologies in the market we are delighted to bepartnering with REAL D in spearheading the UK's move to 3D. " DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. announced its intention to produce all of itsfilms in 3D starting in 2009. Visionary filmmakers including Robert Zemeckis,James Cameron, and Peter Jackson have embraced 3D as a natural enhancement totheir cinematic storytelling. In addition, George Lucas, the creator of StarWars, announced his intention to remaster the original Star Wars movies indigital 3D, although no date has been set at this stage. Joseph Peixoto, President, REAL D Worldwide Cinema said, "This marks animportant step in REAL D's international expansion. Cineworld has the largestdigital estate of any cinema operator in the UK so it is a natural fit for us.The rapid growth of 3D content mastered in digital format has led to an excitingand totally new 3D experience for cinema viewers and we look forward to workingwith Cineworld to bring greater reach of 3D to the UK." -Ends- Contacts: For Cineworld Group PLC For REAL DGeorgina Briscoe U.S: Lynda Dorf / Gina Lang, BWR PRM: Communications ldorf@bwr-la.com / glang@bwr-la.comBriscoe@MComGroup.com T: 310-550-7776T: +44 207 153 1548 International: Lisa Lazure, DDA PR lisa.lazure@ddapr.com T: +44 207 932 9800 Notes to Editors Cinemas which will have digital installations: England Scotland WalesAshton-Under-Lyne Aberdeen CardiffBexleyheath Edinburgh NewportBirmingham Broad Street FalkirkBrighton Glasgow Renfrew Street (the UK's highest grossing cinema)CastlefordCheltenhamChichesterCrawleyDidsbury (Manchester)EnfieldFeltham (Middlesex)Milton KeynesHarlowIpswichLutonNottinghamSheffieldShrewsburySt HelensStevenageWakefieldWandsworthWest India Quay (London)Wolverhampton Cineworld Group plc Cineworld Group plc was founded in 1995 by a management team including SteveWiener, Chief Executive. It is the UK's second largest cinema operator with 73sites and 758 screens, including 5 out of 8 highest grossing cinemas in the UKand Ireland. The Group listed on the Main Market on May 2nd 2007 at an offer price of 170p.As at 28 June 2007 the number of shares in issue was 141.7m. To see where in theUK you can see Beowulf and other great movies in digital 3D go towww.cineworld.co.uk. REAL D REAL D is the undisputed leader in 3-D technology. The REAL D cinema platformenables a single digital projector to beam images that seem to move toward oraway from viewers when wearing special, comfortable, lightweight glasses.Unlike traditional anaglyph (red and blue) 3-D, REAL D leverages digital cinemaprojection technology to eliminate eye fatigue ensuring that moviegoers enjoythe most comfortable 3-D viewing experience possible. The company's breakthroughtechnology was 25 years in the making and is used in scientific applications byNASA and Fortune 500 companies. For more information, visit www.REALD.com. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange