Editor

Barco, a global leader in digital cinema technology, proudly announces that Kerasotes ShowPlace Theatres LLC has purchased 48 digital cinema projectors to be distributed throughout multiple markets. Locations include three new multiplexes in Secaucus NJ, Minneapolis MN and Chicago IL, plus standalone 3D installations in Denver CO and Illinois. Kerasotes, once a large player only in the Midwest, is now truly a coast-to-coast exhibitor with a national footprint.

With the opening of the new 16-screen multiplex in Chicago's "Roosevelt Collection" and a new 14-screen multiplex in Minneapolis, Kerasotes unveils their innovative ShowPlace ICON Theatre design, a multi-sensory experience of lounge, dining and digital widescreen picture and sound. The Chicago multiplex is scheduled to open on December 18, 2009.

True to their name, each ICON multiplex offers unprecedented levels of amenities and design. In a glamorous atmosphere reminiscent of Hollywood, guests 21 years and older can enjoy food and beverages in the lounge or VIP Premium seating areas. Additional amenities include reserved seating, specialty foods at the concession stand, stadium seating for perfect viewing, and the brightest presentations in the market with Barco projection.
"Kerasotes' new ICON multiplexes have a beautiful and sophisticated urban vibe," said Scott Freidberg, Vice President of Sales for Barco's Digital Cinema business, "and they've become destination locations that encompass movies and so much more."

Each new Barco-equipped Kerasotes multiplex offers both 2D and 3D capability, using the industry's most sophisticated and advanced projection equipment. Barco provides a full line of digital cinema projectors, purpose-built for screen sizes ranging from 12m (40 feet) wide up to 30m (98 feet). Customers such as Kerasotes select Barco projectors not only for their superior image quality, but also for their efficient power consumption, ease of use, modular design, sealed optics, high reliability and low cost of ownership.

"When it comes to projection and audio, I always buy state-of-the-art technology" said Fred Walraven, Kerasotes' Technical Director. "That's the driving force in each of these installations, from the Barco projectors to the QSC audio amplifiers and the Dolby servers. The important factor is that our customers get the best performance and I get the best product reliability," continued Walraven. "Whether it's 2D or 3D, our customers have a theatre experience that's unbeatable."

"We are very pleased that Kerasotes has selected Barco as their digital cinema technology provider for these remarkable premiere theatres," said Todd Hoddick, Vice President of Digital Cinema, for Barco N.A. "Kerasotes has a reputation for providing a customer experience that's beyond compare, and now, we're honored to provide Kerasotes with our own expertise - the brightest images, the highest reliability, and the most comprehensive levels of service and support in the industry."