Bay City Cinemas has entered a new 3D digital age.
Two of the latest digital projection units have been installed at its complexes in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.
"The technology gives the picture more depth and makes movies more realistic", said Bay City Cinemas general manager Justin Chaney. "It will just
blow you away."
The new Real D digital projectors are two of 14 throughout the country. They will replace the older technology and movies on film will be replaced with digital versions, which Mr Chaney said was similar to that of a DVD.
Paul Desmond, managing director of Bay City Cinemas, said, "I've been researching and watching very closely the new digital roll out in cinemas worldwide and I believe both the projection equipment and 3D technology we have selected is the most superior available in the world today."
Each digital projector is worth close to $160,000 but Mr Desmond said this technology is vital in enhancing the viewing experience.
He said it was likely the cinema complex would screen about 15 different films in the digital 3D format this year and next.
One of these movies is James Cameron's epic movie Avatar, which will be released in New Zealand on December 17.
Mr Chaney said at a recent conference he had a 30-minute preview of the film and he said the 3D technology was "unbelievable".
"The trailers do not give the film justice. Once people see it, they will be blown away," he said.
Other upcoming 3D films are Toy Story 3 and Shrek 4.
Mr Chaney said the new digital cinema revolution was exciting and could be compared with both the introduction of colour into movies as well as the introduction of digital sound.
One aspect of the 3D technology was that viewers must wear special 3D glasses.
Mr Chaney said the glasses were not like the old cardboard-style, but were sturdy and plastic.
He said that having the glasses stolen was not an issue, because movie goers bought the glasses with their tickets. He said because of the number of 3D films being released, people keep the glasses and bring them next time they visit the cinema.
The price of the 3D glasses has not been confirmed but Mr Chaney said it would be a matter of only a few dollars.
