Barco Launches HDR Cinema Experience in Belgium with Kinepolis Partnership

Barco Set to Revolutionize Cinema in Belgium

In a significant move for the cinema industry, Barco, a pioneer in projection technology, has announced plans to introduce its innovative HDR by Barco format at Kinepolis Kortrijk, marking a momentous occasion for both the company and film enthusiasts in Belgium. The new auditorium, which will officially open its doors on November 18, is merely steps away from Barco's headquarters, bringing the premier cinematic experience directly to its hometown.

Barco's HDR technology, first launched in the fall of 2024, has rapidly gained traction in major film markets globally, with installations already in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Italy, and the Netherlands. The decision to expand this format into Belgium is a testament to Barco's commitment to enhancing the cinematic experience and further signifies its ambitions in the European market.

Carl Rijsbrack, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Product for Barco Cinema, expressed his enthusiasm about the new venture: "Bringing HDR by Barco to Belgium — and to Kortrijk in particular — makes this especially meaningful for us. We developed this technology with the aim of elevating the cinema experience, and seeing it come to life in our town is a significant milestone."

This upgraded cinema will feature a state-of-the-art HDR by Barco screen, providing moviegoers with a visual feast characterized by extraordinary detail, color richness, and contrast. Such advancements not only enhance the viewing experience but also align with the creative visions of filmmakers. According to Nicolas Hamon, Head of Projection and Sound at Kinepolis Group, "HDR by Barco allows us to showcase more detail, color, and contrast on screen, giving just justice to the filmmakers' vision and ensuring an exceptional viewing experience for our customers."

The collaboration between Barco and Kinepolis marks a fruitful continuation of their longstanding relationship, rooted in mutual innovation. Kinepolis has been at the forefront of adopting new cinema technologies, having previously leveraged Barco's laser projection technology for its Laser ULTRA brand in 2014. These two companies are once again setting the stage for exceptional cinema quality in Belgium.

Gerwin Damberg, Executive Vice President of Barco Cinema, stated, "Bringing HDR by Barco home to Kortrijk with Kinepolis completes a significant circle for us. Every HDR by Barco title is a specially graded version of the film, crafted under the endorsement of the original creative team. It’s an unrivaled cinematic experience that won't be found on standard screens. Our patented Lightsteering technology ensures that brightness is exact where it should be, resulting in great images without increasing power consumption."

Barco's HDR technology elevates cinematic presentation to new heights, with highlights that are over six times brighter than conventional projection methods, while still maintaining detail in darker scenes. This innovation produces a strikingly wide color gamut and high-contrast images that captivate audiences, thus enhancing the storytelling aspect of cinema.

As the push towards premium cinema experiences continues across Europe, Barco's introduction of HDR by Barco not only enriches the visual landscape of Kortrijk's Kinepolis but also sets a new standard for the industry. Movie enthusiasts can now anticipate an unparalleled experience that is poised to redefine traditional cinema. For further details regarding upcoming releases and showtimes, interested viewers are encouraged to visit www.HDRbyBarco.com.

About Barco

Barco, with its headquarters in Kortrijk, Belgium, is a leading global technology company specializing in visualization, networking, and collaboration solutions that drive advancements in healthcare, enterprise, and entertainment markets. With over 3,000 dedicated professionals, Barco is at the forefront of driving change through technology.

About Kinepolis

Kinepolis Group NV is a significant player in the international cinema sector, managing a vast network of cinemas across Europe and North America. Established in 1997 and publicly listed since 1998, Kinepolis operates 134 cinemas with 1,474 screens, delivering exceptional entertainment experiences to millions each year. Supporting a diversified business model, Kinepolis continues to innovate within the industry.