France and Japan’s largest cinema operators opt for 3D supplier MasterImage 3D

Exhibitors Les Cinémas Gaumont Pathé and Toho have teamed with MasterImage 3D for the ongoing deployment of digital 3D cinema systems in their venues.

The deals were announced at this week’s CineEurope conference in Amsterdam.

The first installations for Gaumont Pathe in Paris will include 3D screens at Gaumont Marignan and Gaumont Ambassade on the Champs Elysees, Gaumont Opera Premier, Gaumont Opera Capucines and Pathé Haarlem.

Local integrators ADDE and Cinemeccanica France will be responsible for the installation and maintenance services supplying MasterImage 3D’s MI-2100 digital 3D system and MI-1000 dual projection 3D glass filters.

Toho Cinemas has already installed the MI-2100 system and glass filters in cinemas throughout Japan and are planning more 3D system installations throughout the year. MasterImage 3D reseller Xebex is responsible for the installation and maintenance services.

Founded in 2004, MasterImage 3D is based in Hollywood, with offices in the UK, Tokyo, Seoul and Taiwan. The company has existing deals with a number of international exhibitors, including Cinema City, Cineplex Germany, Empire Cinemas, Kinepolis Group and Ster-Kinekore.

The company recently received a ‘significant’ strategic investment from Samsung Ventures and also announced a glasses-free 3D reference tablet produced in collaboration with Texas Instruments. The company is pushing its 3D mobile display business at the Amsterdam conference.

Les Cinémas Gaumont Pathé is the leading exhibitor in France with 73 cinemas and 740 screens in the territory, 22 cinemas and 157 screens in The Netherlands, and 10 cinemas and 70 screens in Switzerland.

Toho is the biggest multiplex in Japan, operating 58 cinemas with over 520 screens.