Christie, the global visual and audio technologies specialist, has announced that its pioneering HFR cinema projection system was used at the premiere of Ang Lee’s new film, Gemini Man.
Christie was proud to be a part of the premiere of Gemini Man, the latest film from Paramount Pictures and much-loved filmmaker Ang Lee. The film made its debut at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on the 6th October, and the screening used CINITY, the new HFR (high frame rate) cinema projection system developed by Christie for Huaxia Film Distribution. This innovative technology offers the latest advances in HFR screening and Christie RealLaser illumination technology.
Gemini Man pushes technological boundaries by its use of 4K resolution and 3D, as well as the fact that it was shot at an HFR of 120 fps (frames per second). The exciting action-thriller follows the story of Henry Brogan, played by Will Smith, as he is targeted by a mysterious stranger who seems to know his every move.
RealLaser projectors by Christie comply with DCI standards. They deliver intense colours with high contrast, creating stunning visuals and providing efficient operation.
The latest projection technology
The new film is an ideal showcase for the progress of HFR technology, and to demonstrate the hyper-clarity and realism that this technology is able to bring to audiences around the world. At the premiere, the CINITY cinema system was able to produce a brightness of up to 28-foot lamberts, thanks to Christie’s laser optical system technology. The star-studded audience enjoyed a high-quality 3D-viewing experience in 4K resolution at 120fps.
Christie’s partnership with Huaxia Film Distribution and GDC Technology Limited resulted in the development of the CINITY Cinema System. This is based on two Christie CP4450-RGB HFR projectors.
Paramount Pictures will distribute the new film in several versions, including 2D 4K 24fps through to 3D 2K 60fps for use with current cinema projectors. 3D 2K 120fps will also be available for Dolby Cinema. As well as being shown at the premiere, the 3D 4K 120fps version, created in partnership with Christie, will be shown at select locations in Asia.
A perfect fit for dramatic storytelling
“We’re proud to be presenting Ang Lee’s incredible film to the premiere audience in 4K resolution, 3D, and at 120fps using the CINITY system with Christie RealLaser technology – a bold specification that exceeds all DCI-compliant presentation systems,” says Kyle Davies, President of Domestic Distribution for Paramount Pictures. “We are excited by this new technology and look forward to its rollout in theatres worldwide.”
Lee is an award-winning director, well known for both his dramatic storytelling. He won an Oscar for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, in the category of best foreign-language film. He also won Oscars for his direction of Brokeback Mountain and Life of Pi. He is also renowned for his adoption of new technologies – his 2016 film Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, was the first-ever feature film to be shot in 120 fps high frame rate.
“Since working with Ang Lee and having created an HFR preview shown at NAB and IBC in 2016, we have demonstrated to the world that Christie is the only projector manufacturer capable of showing 4K, 3D and 120 fps per eye on a giant cinema screen,” says Brian Claypool, vice president, Product Management at Christie.
“Our partnership with Huaxia Film to develop and promote premium format movies has led us to helping to bring Ang Lee’s vision to life with his latest film, and the results are simply spectacular. It is exciting to be leading the way in this field and helping to deliver exciting new experiences to audiences.”
Later this month, Christie will be welcoming visitors to its Wokingham offices for the two-day Christie Connect UK event where the company will be demonstrating its latest ProAV and cinema innovations.
