December 15, 2014

Cinerama

Photos by Lara Swimmer Photography [enlarge]

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The Cinerama at 2100 Fourth Ave. has reopened after a major renovation.

The upgrade was designed to add advanced technology while respecting the community's nostalgia for the theater.

A Christie 6P laser projector was added — a first in a commercial theater — to show an enhanced picture on a low-gain Matt Plus white screen. New audio systems were installed.

Specifically designed for 3D, the Christie dual-head system delivers both left- and right-eye images simultaneously to the viewer, reducing eye strain and fatigue that some people experience when viewing 3D content.

Several rows of seating were eliminated to create extra legroom, and wider chairs were installed. Seating has gone from 798 to 570.

A mural painted on the upper exterior facade references scenes from action, adventure, science fiction, western, horror and fantasy films.

The theater can show 35mm, 70mm and original three-strip Cinerama films. The signature curved screen is stored behind the new main screen.

This is the Cinerama's fourth and most substantial renovation since it was purchased by Paul Allen in 1998.

Owner: Paul G. Allen

Contractor: Abbott Construction

Architect: Studio 440

White screen: Harkness

Audio systems: Dolby Laboratories, Meyer Sound

Chairs: Figueras

Exterior artwork: Invisible Creatures

Do you have photos of recent projects? Share them with DJC readers. Send high-resolution images and information to lisa.lannigan@djc.com.

Previous columns:

• DLR Group offices, 12-08-2014
• Transportation Interpretive Center at Port of Kalama, 12-01-2014
• True North, 11-24-2014
• U of A Fairbanks Wood Center addition, 11-17-2014
• Puget Sound Kidney Center — Monroe, 11-10-2014
• CHCSC Edmonds Medical and Dental Clinic, 11-03-2014
• ICHS — Shoreline, 10-27-2014
• Queen Anne Towne, 10-20-2014