Prosser Theater To House Area's Only 3D Digital Cinema Featuring First Run Movies
GUNNISON, CO - When the Prosser family donated $1.5 million dollars for a new theater in the Western State College Student Center, SLATERPAULL Architects contacted Adam Babb, audiovisual and acoustical consultant for Geiler and Associates to help design the new 3D digital cinema. Adam in turn contacted Harkness Screens and selected the 28' wide Perlux 180 screen with a custom curved MF Wrap Frame.
The design team felt confident that, as the world's leading manufacturer of projections screens for cinema applications, Harkness could deliver a state-of-the-art, high-quality presentation surface in a timely manner and within the project's budget.
"Andy McGarrity, project superintendant for Nunn Construction, and I were impressed with Harkness' flexibility and responsiveness to our construction schedule," says Babb. "Their customer service was excellent. When the construction schedule was expedited to accommodate a theater opening with the release of "Avatar", they assured us that our order would be received when required and Harkness delivered on that promise."
The Harkness Perlux screen is considered by leading cinema exhibitors worldwide to be the premier gain projection surface. The Perlux line of screens provides a choice of gain characteristics, high contrast, bright pictures, generous viewing angles and excellent color temperature. The Perlux 180 high gain screen option is a perfect companion for digital 3D systems, which by nature of the 3D architecture have a lower light output when compared to traditional 2D projection systems.
"This is an exciting addition for Western State College and the small mountain town of Gunnison, CO which will be enjoying its first modern movie theater," adds Babb. "This much desired amenity will benefit both the campus and Gunnison Valley community. Prior to the opening of the new theater, Gunnison Valley residents had to travel 35 miles to the city of Crested Butte in order to see first-run movies."
Opened on December 18, 2009 with the release of Avatar, the addition of the 3D cinema and first-run movie theater at the new college center was designed by SLATERPAULL Architects and is part of Western State College's continued efforts to strengthen its presence within the local community.
"The Harkness frame and screen look great," continues Babb. "Harkness is extremely competent in the industry serving as a valuable resource from initial design to final integration. It is a pleasure to work with a knowledgeable manufacturer that is passionate about their products and understands the importance of customer service through the entire process. Working together we have created a state-of-the art theater that the College and local community will be able to enjoy for many years to come."
About Harkness Screens
Harkness Screens is the world's leading manufacturer of large screens. Thousands of screens are supplied every year for cinema, film production, special effects, live events and custom AV applications. Founded in 1929, Harkness has just celebrated its 80th year in business and has screens in place in over 50 countries. With its corporate office located in the Ireland, other offices and factories are located in UK, France, Beijing and Fredericksburg, VA. Harkness Screens combines unrivalled experience with the latest technology to provide innovative solutions to the company's key markets worldwide. For more information, visit the Harkness Screens web page at www.harkness-screens.com.