Movies - Gladiator II: HDR by Barco Expands Internationally with a New UK Premiere Location

By Mulder, 12 november 2024

Barco, the global leader in laser-powered cinema solutions, has announced a major international expansion of its premium HDR by Barco format, setting the stage for an unparalleled cinematic experience. The groundbreaking technology will debut outside the United States at the iconic Cineworld Leicester Square in London, coinciding with the highly anticipated release of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II on November 22, 2024. This move marks a significant milestone in Barco's mission to revolutionize the way audiences experience movies, bringing its state-of-the-art High Dynamic Range (HDR) format to new global audiences.

Known for hosting world premieres and high-profile screenings, Cineworld Leicester Square is the perfect venue to showcase Barco’s revolutionary Lightsteering technology, which enhances screen brightness and color contrast to deliver unmatched depth and clarity. The Superscreen auditorium, upgraded with HDR by Barco and a new Harkness Hugo Screen, is poised to redefine how films are presented, starting with Gladiator II. This expansion also includes screenings in major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Miami, and Kansas City, giving moviegoers on both sides of the Atlantic the chance to experience the epic sequel in its full glory.

The HDR by Barco format utilizes cutting-edge technology to redistribute light strategically across the screen, producing highlights that are over six times brighter than those of traditional projection systems. Shadows retain their intricate details, and the enhanced brightness and contrast immerse audiences in a cinematic world of vivid imagery. This approach enables filmmakers to push creative boundaries, delivering visuals that resonate with emotional and artistic intensity. For Gladiator II, the sweeping vistas of Ancient Rome, the visceral intensity of the Colosseum battles, and the nuanced performances of the cast are all magnified, ensuring a viewing experience as grand as the film itself.

The collaboration between Barco and Cineworld has been praised for its ability to enhance audience engagement through technology. Javier Sotomayor, President of Cineworld International, expressed his excitement: “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Barco and introduce their revolutionary HDR technology to our Superscreen at Cineworld Leicester Square. As the first location outside of 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.”

Directed by the legendary Ridley Scott, Gladiator II continues the saga of intrigue, honor, and vengeance in Ancient Rome. Picking up years after the death of Maximus, the story follows Lucius (Paul Mescal), who is drawn into the brutal world of gladiatorial combat after his homeland is conquered by tyrannical rulers. With a stellar cast that includes Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington, the film promises a powerful narrative brought to life through Barco’s transformative HDR technology. Gerwin Damberg, Executive Vice President for Cinema at Barco, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “Leicester Square is one of London’s most iconic theaters, making it the perfect first international venue for HDR by Barco. Gladiator II is a sweeping epic that truly shines in Barco’s HDR on the big screen, developed in line with the new DCI HDR specifications, allowing us to bring the creative vision of filmmakers to life in the best possible light.”

This expansion also reflects Barco’s commitment to innovation, following successful HDR launches in the U.S. at venues such as AMC Americana at Brand in Los Angeles and Regal Dania Pointe in Miami. Cineworld Leicester Square joins an elite group of theaters equipped with HDR by Barco, providing audiences with a premium movie-going experience that amplifies the emotional and visual impact of blockbuster films. For Cineworld, this collaboration aligns with its reputation for offering cutting-edge formats, from IMAX and 4DX to ScreenX and Superscreen, all designed to elevate the magic of cinema.

As Gladiator II approaches its release, the anticipation among fans and industry professionals continues to grow. The film’s fusion of compelling storytelling, exceptional performances, and technological innovation underscores the enduring power of cinema to captivate audiences. With HDR by Barco, viewers are not just watching a movie—they’re being transported into a vivid, immersive world where every detail comes to life. This November, Gladiator II will herald a new era of filmmaking and projection technology, ensuring its place as both a cinematic and technological triumph.

Synopsis :
Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum when his country is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now rule Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must turn to his past to find the strength and honour to return the glory of Rome to his people.

Gladiator II
Directed by Ridley Scott
Written by David Scarpa
Story by Peter Craig, David Scarpa
Based on Characters created by David Franzoni
Produced by Ridley Scott, Michael Pruss, Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher, Walter F. Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, David Franzoni
Starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Denzel Washington
Cinematography : John Mathieson
Edited by Claire Simpson, Sam Restivo
Music by Harry Gregson-Williams, Ariyan Mehedi
Production companies : Scott Free Productions, Red Wagon Entertainment, Parkes+MacDonald Image Nation
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release dates : November 13, 2024 (France), November 22, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 141 minutes