Film is sharper in the cinema

Oslo Kino AS will get the sharpest cinema pictures in 20 of its cinemas, after signing an agreement with Sony Unique Cinema Systems.

Norway's biggest cinema group, Oslo Kino AS, has decided to equip the majority of its cinemas with the world's sharpest cinema pictures. A total of 30 of the company's 65 cinemas are being digitised with Sony 4K cinema projectors from Unique Cinema Systems. The agreement comprises of 13 Oslo Kino cinemas and 17 Norsk Kino cinemas.

”We have chosen to go heavily into 4K, because it provides the audience with an optimal picture experience. 4K is as sharp as looking out of the window. Oslo Kino wants to be out in front and the choice of 4K is in accordance with our vision to provide the best cinema experience," says Geir Bergkastet, the Managing Director of Oslo Kino.

”We are working on offering the best entertainment experience possible in terms of pictures and sound. With new 4K technology, we maintain the technological edge that makes people think that film is still best experienced at the cinema,” Mr. Bergkastet explained.

With the installation of Sony's 4K machines in 30 cinemas, the digital cinema roll-out is full steam ahead. Norway is the first country in which all cinemas will be digitalised. This is taking place through a coordinated national roll-out directed by industry association Film & Kino, which last autumn issued an invitation to public tender for the purchase of digital equipment and system integration.

Sony developed the 4K standard, and with it took the step up among the leading players in the digitalisation of cinemas. After being embraced by the US cinema industry, which has ordered 11,000 4K projectors from the company for delivery over the next three years, Sony is now experiencing great demand for the sharpest cinema picture worldwide.

”Oslo Kino has set the standard for the digital cinema effort, by going for a technology that ensures a quality advantage going forward. Sony's 4K is the closest you can get in a cinema picture to the sharpness of reality. Cinema audiences expect the cinema to offer an experience that is greater than the one they have access to in their living rooms, and that is what they get with 4K”, says Tore Mortensen, Manager of Digital Cinema, Sony Professional Nordic.

Unique Cinema Systems is responsible for delivering 30 projectors to Oslo Kino and Norsk Kinodrift. The company won 9 out of 10 tender zones in the public tender process, and is looking forward to the start of the roll-out at the end of April / beginning of May.

”We will play a key role in the digitisation of Norwegian cinema and we're looking forward to getting on with the job. We have taken part in Sony's 4K development the whole way, and we are happy that Oslo Kino has chosen this technology”, said Dave Spilde, Director of Unique Cinema Systems.

In addition to 4K, the cinemas will also get the capability to show movies using the latest 3D technology.

Summary of cinemas to install 4K:

Oslo Kino AS (13 units):

Norsk Kinodrift AS (17 units):

Kilden Tønsberg 1 – 9
Asker 1
Askim 1
Halden
Horten 1
Hønefoss 1
Kristiansund 1
Sarpsborg 1
Verdal 1

The remaining cinemas of Oslo Kino AS will get 4K upgradeable digital cinema projectors, which will be upgraded to full 4K as soon as it is practically possible..