Wed Nov 13 07:45:51 UTC 2024: ## London’s Cineworld Leicester Square to Become First International Theater Featuring HDR by Barco
**London, UK –** Cineworld Leicester Square will become the first theater outside of the United States to feature the groundbreaking HDR by Barco technology, with the highly anticipated release of Paramount Pictures’ “Gladiator II” on November 22nd.
The Superscreen auditorium, also receiving a new Harkness Hugo Screen, will be the venue for this immersive cinematic experience. Cineworld International president, Javier Sotomayor, expressed excitement about offering London audiences an enhanced viewing experience, stating, “As the first location outside of the U.S. to feature this cutting-edge format, we’re excited to offer London audiences an enhanced, brighter and deeply immersive film experience.”
Barco’s executive vice president of cinema, Gerwin Damberg, lauded the partnership with Cineworld, highlighting the iconic status of Leicester Square. He also expressed gratitude to Paramount Pictures for their collaboration, recognizing the film’s suitability for the HDR by Barco experience.
“Gladiator II” marks the sixth release within the HDR by Barco pilot program, which currently encompasses five U.S. theaters. The program, running until the end of the year, is a precursor to the technology’s commercial launch in 2025.
HDR by Barco leverages Barco’s “Lightsteering” technology, enabling projectors to distribute light more effectively. This results in a greater range of contrast, showcasing brighter highlights and deeper blacks for a more impactful and realistic visual experience.
The pilot program continues to expand, with participation from AMC Theatres, B&B Theatres and Regal Cinemas in the U.S. “Gladiator II” will launch simultaneously in the U.S. across these participating theaters, providing audiences worldwide an opportunity to experience the future of cinematic viewing.
First Piper 