Barco and China Film Group (CFG) have announced the installation of Asia’s first multi-screen, panoramic Barco Escape movie theatre at the Changping AEON Cineplex in Beijing, China. A second Barco Escape theatre is also planned for CFG’s United square Cineplex in Shanghai.
The format will be showcased to audiences with 20th Century Fox’s movie Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials this month. Barco Escape has also announced a five-year, multi-title per year agreement with the movie studio to release more films in Barco Escape.
Chris Aronson, president of domestic distribution at 20th Century Fox, said: “We started working with Barco on this technology because we believe immersive experiences are the future of cinema. Now that Barco has upgraded its Barco Escape systems to be fully DCI compliant, we are further interested in finding tent pole movies for the format that will inspire audiences to leave their homes and go to the theatre to share in this unique experience.â€
Regarding the partnership with CFG Todd Hoddick, CEO of Barco Escape, said: “We’re honoured to partner with China Film Group to install Asia’s first Barco Escape theatres, further signifying the format’s ongoing momentum and global expansion since its 2014 launch. CFG is a leader in the movie industry and we’re excited to strengthen our longstanding relationship with them by bringing this immersive new cinema experience to audiences in China.â€
Zhang Yanqin, general manager of the Beijing division of China Film Group cinema, commented: “As a long-term Barco partner, we are pleased to be the first to install Barco Escape in China. As one of our most popular locations, the Changping AEON Cineplex is the perfect place to introduce moviegoers to this brand new experience our customers can only get by coming to the theatre.â€