the next evolution in cinema technology - Christie Digital Systems

Museum of the Moving Image
in NY selects Christie to create
a unique viewing experience
Originally part of a studio complex built by
Paramount Pictures in 1920 in Astoria, New York,
the Museum of the Moving Image opened in one
of the buildings in 1988. The recent three-year,
$67 million renovation and expansion — doubling
the size of the Museum — completed its
transformation in January of 2011.
According to The New York Times, the
architect Thomas Leeser “effectively blurs the
boundaries among architecture, film and viewer.”
Leeser invoked the unbounded possibilities of
screens and projectors, especially in the 267-seat
main theater, which presents newly restored
film classics to contemporary movies in formats
ranging from 16mm to 70mm film as well as
digital 2D and 3D.
Sweep and scope of
theater is spectacular
According to Leeser, “film going is an imaginary
voyage; entering the theater is not unlike
entering an alien’s spaceship.” Twin entry ramps
encased in blue felt and blue lights invite the
visitor into a space that feels like a suspended,
weightless pod. Upon entering, one encounters
an explosion of colors on the custom designed
stage curtain by textile designer Cindy Sirko, and
is surrounded by deep blue fabric triangles in a
pattern inspired by digital wireframe drawings.
“Our use of the Christie Digital Cinema projector
supports the core mission of the theater which
is the presentation of the highest quality cinema
experience possible,” notes Carl Goodman,
the newly appointed executive director of the
Museum. “It effortlessly handles the wide diversity
of programming we present to our audience
Photo: Wendy Moger-Bross. Courtesy of Museum of the Moving Image.
of cinephiles, movie buffs, educators and more
than 60,000 students each year, and the general
public. It allows us to fulfill the Museum’s mission
of advancing the public understanding and
appreciation of the moving image in all its forms.”
Film and digital cinema installer for the
Museum, Gregg Paliotta, president and owner
of Digital Media Systems, selected the Christie
CP2230 DLP Cinema ® 4K-ready Solaria Series
digital projector for the main theater. “As the
company responsible for cinema installation, I
felt that ‘it had to be a Christie’ for the most
important theater in the Museum. The need for
the brightest image on the screen, day-in-andday-out
reliability, and full DCI compliance were
important factors in my choice,” said Paliotta.
“Plus, Christie Brilliant 3D technology and
the projector’s powerful output of 32,000 ANSI
lumens were critical for 3D presentations, which
require the brightest image possible.”
Chief projectionist Richard Aidala's response
to the installation of the Christie digital projector
was summed up in just two words, “Love it!” He
explained that it exceeded all of his expectations.
“The projector is exceptionally user-friendly —
the lens shift and zoom are right there. The
touch panel control is so easy to navigate. I am
amazed by how intuitive the projector is.”
“…the Christie digital
cinema projector
supports the core
mission of the
theater which is the
presentation of
the highest quality
cinema experience
possible.”
Carl Goodman
Executive Director
Museum of the Moving Image
Photo: Peter Aaron/Esto. Courtesy of Museum of the Moving Image.
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