VUE Partners with Barco for Revolutionary HDR Cinematic Experience in Europe

VUE and Barco: A Game-Changing HDR Cinematic Collaboration

On July 10, 2025, a new era in cinema experiences was heralded as VUE, Europe's largest privately owned cinema operator, and Barco, the foremost provider of laser cinema technology, announced a landmark deal aimed at redefining film presentations across the continent. This expansive agreement focuses on the introduction of HDR by Barco, which will serve as a foundation for VUE's upcoming premium cinema offering dubbed EPIC.

The Vision Behind EPIC by VUE

This innovative initiative aligns with VUE's mission to deliver top-tier cinematic experiences by utilizing the most advanced technologies available. The EPIC format is projected to enhance the visual and auditory aspects of cinema, ensuring that moviegoers enjoy films not just on a screen, but through a comprehensive sensory adventure. Each EPIC auditorium will boast the largest screen available at each cinema site, providing a stunning backdrop whether patrons are watching family-friendly releases, the latest blockbusters, or live events such as performances from the Met Opera.

Expansion Plans

VUE's agreement with Barco entails the rollout of at least 11 EPIC screens in key markets, including the UK, Italy, and the Netherlands, scheduled to open in 2025. Following the initial launch, the plan expands to incorporate over 50 additional EPIC screens across VUE's extensive European portfolio by the close of 2027. This significant expansion underscores VUE's commitment to bringing state-of-the-art cinematic experiences to a wider audience.

Advancements in Movie Presentation Technology

What makes HDR by Barco a standout technology is its seamless incorporation of Barco's industry-leading laser projection capabilities combined with its patented 'Lightsteering' technology. This ingenious feature allows for superior high-dynamic range (HDR) presentations, resulting in richer colors, deeper blacks, and brighter highlights. The technology is designed to create a more immersive experience for viewers, elevating the emotional engagement with the films.

Gerwin Damberg, Barco’s EVP of Cinema, emphasized the transformative impact of their collaboration with VUE, stating, "Together, we are reinventing the cinematic experience for audiences throughout Europe, leveraging exceptional technology insights to delight moviegoers everywhere." VUE's CEO, Tim Richards, echoed this sentiment, confirming that rigorous research and testing had finalized their commitment to utilizing Barco's innovative HDR technology in the EPIC concept.

Looking Toward the Future

Beyond just the upcoming EPIC screens, the partnership holds further strategic potential as VUE and Barco plan to install over 1,000 Barco Series 4 laser projectors across VUE's venues by the end of the decade. The evolution of cinema is clearly at hand, marrying film with cutting-edge technology in a way that prioritizes viewer satisfaction.

Conclusion

The impending launch of the first EPIC by VUE screen at their Nottingham, England, location marks an exciting milestone in cinematic history, and promises to redefine what audiences can expect from their cinema experience. As technology evolves, so will the narrative of storytelling on the big screen, and with strong partnerships like those of VUE and Barco, viewers can look forward to an extraordinary future of cinema.

For audiences keen on experiencing this leap in cinematic presentation, the EPIC by VUE experience promises to be worth the wait. The excitement is palpable, as both companies prepare to make their mark on the European cinema landscape.