Barco Escape is a theatrical format debuted about two years ago that adds two side screens to a conventional cinema. This creates a 170-degree field of view (not sure where they measure that in the theater), according to Barco, but it requires content to be mastered specifically for the format. The fully DCI-compliant technology is available in eight countries across four continents. Barco Escape’s exhibitor partners include Cinemark, Cinepolis, China Film Group, Kinepolis, Reel Cinemas, Santikos, and more.
At CinemaCon, new content was announced with Wesley Snipes making an appearance to highlight his new film, “The Recal”l, which will premier in the Escape format. In addition, other films that will use the format are “6 Below”, “24 Hours to Live” and “The Humanity Bureau”.
The Recall will premiere June 2nd, 2017 in Barco Escape’s panoramic, multi-screen theaters across North America and is breaking new ground for immersive cinema experiences as the first movie shot natively for Barco Escape to release in theaters. Apparently, only around 30 minutes will be shown in the full Escape format, however.
In addition, there will be a 12-minute VR short called Abduction, which is part of The Recall’s universe. The idea is to witness an alien invasion through the eyes of co-star R.J. Mitte’s (“Breaking Bad”) character. Following the VR release and a two-week exclusive theatrical window in Barco Escape, The Recall will open in select 2D theaters.
In our discussions with Barco at CinemaCon, they noted that there is now a $100M commitment on the part of Barco and partners toward the Escape format. This includes funding to help Barco build out to 1000 Escape theaters eventually as well as financing for the exhibitors. Barco believes 500 venues are needed to get to a breakeven point with the 1000 installs the goal in 3-4 years.
Barco explained that it costs them about $150K to outfit a theater with the screens and projectors for the Escape format. But, they charge the exhibitors $120K plus a per title fee of $10K. Financing allows the exhibitors to choose how they want to make these payments.
While venues are very limited today – 30 sites showed Star Trek Beyond in the format; only 36 sites are planned right now. That’s a long way from 500 sites – and it will require a steady flow of content.
But exhibitors seem to be happy with the format so far. Barco noted that theaters generated 62% greater revenue for Star Trek Beyond in the Escape format compared to the average screening. This was realized via a $4-5 up charge that most exhibitors implemented – although pricing is up to each venue operator.
At CinemaCon, Barco has an Escape screening room where we saw a clip from Star Trek Beyond and 6 Below. The wide aspect is kind of fun, but unless you sit dead center, you see distortions where the screens meet, which is a bit annoying especially where most of the content is fast moving and action packed. I would have preferred slower scenes with less action to enjoy the immersive feel and having a continuous curved screen would be preferable as well, but that would require edge blending – something that Barco and exhibitors may not want to take on. We will continue to track this format going forward, of course. – CC
