The future of cinema is all about higher frame rates. 

High frame rate (HFR) movies record and play visuals at twice or more the rate of what’s seen in today’s cinemas, meaning less flicker, motion blur and stuttered movement. The improvements to 3D movies will be particularly dramatic, creating ultrarealistic moviegoing experiences, and resolving some of the issues that have been problematic for the medium.

Higher frame rates of 48 FPS and 60 FPS will soon be the norm.

Some of the biggest movies on the horizon – a pair of “Lord of the Rings” prequels and “Avatar’s” sequels – will use 3D HFR. “Avatar” director, James Cameron, is working with Christie in leading the global Research and Development work to make the industry ready for this big shift – from the film set and all the way to the local movieplex. HFR provides directors and cinematographers with a new medium for storytelling. They will enjoy enhanced creative freedom on set with support for a wider range of camera moves. HFRs will also have a profound effect on their ability to capture and display sporting events, theater and dance.

Christie’s Previsto™ high frame rate technology

Christie is leading the industry in developing HFR technology and will soon roll out a transition plan for exhibitors, starting with our Solaria 2.2 software upgrade for our Solaria Series 2 digital cinema projectors. Using our close relationships with the director and post-production communities, Christie’s Previsto high frame rate technology will ensure that moviegoers see feature films and alternative content the way the director intended it to be seen.

Moving forward

The drive is on to make theater operators fully ready for the HFR-driven movie experiences that are coming in late 2012. For the cinema business, adopting HFRs will mean more satisfied customers, more filled seats, and direct contributions to bottom lines. It will also improve the overall product, and expand business opportunities for alternative content already coming at high frame rates.

For more information about high frame rates, download our High frame rate technology overview for exhibitors or contact one of our knowledgeable sales managers today.