Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: New screen advice needed

This is topic New screen advice needed in forum Ground Level at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Travis Cape (Member # 466) on 10-12-2017, 05:25 PM:

I am attempting to help someone reopen a theater in the Midwest. The plan is to run a mix of commercial, art and classics. Among the many issues to resolve is installing a new screen.

The existing screen is a Hurley Superoptica. The tag shows it to be 22'6" x 50'. The screen has an approx. 6 ft depth of curve and is currently laced. It appears the screen is made of 1" unistrut.

The room is 60' wide and 90' deep and has 425 seats with side aisles.

I have zero experience with this much of a curve. Everyone that I have spoken with has an entirely conflicting option about screen type and how to hang it.

The theater will have digital installed, but will not be showing 3D. It will also continue to have 35mm capability as the owner has a film collection and the equipment is already there and functional.

Also, advice on an installer would be appreciated.

Thanks Travis

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 10-12-2017, 07:20 PM:

The most experienced screen installers I know is Franklin Designs. They are also insured as I once found out when they tore a 60K dollar screen. I have used them a lot over the years and zero problems. There are no doubt many others out there too.

Franklin Designs

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 10-12-2017, 09:56 PM:

They destroyed a $60K screen and yet you've had zero problems with them! Also, was that screen made of diamonds?

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 10-12-2017, 09:59 PM:

Mark, that very company recently killed an auditorium we service when they tried to do some work behind the screen. The theater lost the weekend because of it and they damaged some of the sound equipment in the process too.

Posted by Marcel Birgelen (Member # 6801) on 10-13-2017, 09:21 AM:

So, is the plan to replace the current screen with an equally curved screen?

In my opinion, a deeply curved screen only adds something useful if it's considerably wider than the seating area. Otherwise, it will primarily introduce headaches.

Posted by Travis Cape (Member # 466) on 10-13-2017, 05:45 PM:

The curved frame though not original to the room, fits well in the room.

I am picking my battles and leaving the front end alone. Replacing the screen frame would necessitate replacing the curtain track and curtain.

I have been around Franklin Design. I have also suffered through an install with Chuck Shoemaker. I suspect that every installer has their good and bad days.

Posted by Terry Monohan (Member # 8285) on 10-21-2017, 12:00 PM:

I have always liked a 1950's curved screen look. Some people don't like them but to me It adds something to the look of a movie. Every curved screen has a different curve to It, some more then others. Does anyone these days make a DCP lens to use on a deep curved screen to correct for problems, or can It be done with a chart projector alignment? I have been to some cinemas lately with extra large curved screens and they must have some correction in the lens set up as all the lettering did not bend on the sides but came across straight all across the curved screen and the light level was even with no distortion in the image. Glad you are keeping the curved frame.