Cineworld To Debut First International HDR By Barco Theater With ‘Gladiator II’

Cineworld is set to introduce the first international theater equipped with HDR by Barco technology, opening on Nov. 22 at its Leicester Square location in London. This debut will coincide with the release of Paramount Pictures’ anticipated film Gladiator II, offering audiences an enhanced visual experience in HDR for the first time outside the U.S.

HDR by Barco, known for its advanced laser projection system, is designed to elevate brightness, contrast and color depth in films. The Cineworld Leicester Square Superscreen auditorium, which will showcase this technology, will also feature a new Harkness Hugo screen, further enhancing visual quality.

“We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Barco and introduce their revolutionary HDR technology to our Superscreen at Cineworld Leicester Square,” said Javier Sotomayor, president of Cineworld International. “As the first location outside the U.S. to feature this cutting-edge format, we’re excited to offer London audiences an enhanced, brighter and deeply immersive film experience, starting with the epic Gladiator II.”

This launch marks the sixth film under the HDR by Barco pilot program, which includes recent titles such as Transformers One and Smile 2. The technology has already been rolled out in select theaters across the United States, including AMC, B&B Theatres and Regal Cinemas, in cities like Glendale, Kansas City and New York.

Gerwin Damberg, Barco’s executive vice president of cinema, called Cineworld Leicester Square “one of London’s most iconic theaters, making it the perfect first international venue for HDR by Barco.” Damberg also credited Paramount Pictures for their support, noting that “Gladiator II” is ideally suited to showcase the depth of HDR on the big screen.

The HDR by Barco pilot program, set to conclude by the end of the year, aims for a full commercial rollout in 2025, bringing what Barco describes as “Lightsteering” technology to a wider audience. This innovation is intended to heighten the visual range of movies, balancing bright highlights and deep blacks for a more immersive viewing experience.