You recently invested in the latest digital 3-D system for Bow Tie Cinemas in Hartford? How expensive of an investment is this and why did you make it?
The cost of installing a digital 3-D projection system is approximately $75,000 to $100,000 per screen depending on the size of the screen and the distance from the projector to the screen. Our installation falls within this range. We made the investment because we believe that digital 3-D is a fantastic technology, which provides a greatly enhanced viewing experience to the public. We always strive to provide the best possible experience and value to our customers, and this is one of the many ways in which we can do that.
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Is 3-D necessary to get the public through your doors? Is this intended to compete with high definition television?
The public patronizes our theater because of the total experience we provide, which includes great value, first-rate customer service and a clean, comfortable environment. Digital 3-D is an important part but not the only element of that experience. It’s not intended to compete with anything; it’s intended to provide an enhancement to an already fantastic experience, which it does with great success.
Haven’t had the pleasure yet of viewing a 3-D movie at your complex. Do you still have to wear the funny glasses to enjoy the experience?
You should go and check it out for yourself. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the whole experience. Glasses are required (and provided at the theater), but they’re much more advanced than the cardboard glasses from decades ago. Digital 3-D glasses look and feel like sunglasses and are very comfortable to wear.
How is the movie theater business doing in Connecticut?
The movie business nationally and in Connecticut is doing very well and growing at a significant pace. In both cases, movie theater attendance has increased more than 10 percent over the same period last year. The mix of films this summer is diverse and very strong in all categories, and we anticipate that they will perform very well.
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The press release about the new 3-D technology says it is one of only 1,550 sites in the country. How many movie screens are across the country?
The numbers are changing as new theaters are built, old theaters close and new 3-D installations take place. Some recent statistics are: There are approximately 39,000 movie screens in the United States, approximately 1,850 of which are equipped for digital 3-D. So, even accounting for some changes that may not be reflected in these numbers, it’s safe to say that only about 5 percent of the screens in the United States can exhibit digital 3-D films.
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What are the summer blockbusters going to be? And, in your opinion, what’s going to be the biggest movie that the general public has not heard about?
I wish I had a crystal ball, but I learned a long time ago that there’s little upside in predicting what’s going to be a hit. That’s what makes a sleeper a sleeper — the fact that nobody predicted it. I think the summer will be very strong as a whole, but I’m not pinning hopes on any one title.
