News

Empire Cinemas has today announced The Empire Leicester Square will be the first cinema in the UK compatible with Dolby's new Atmos surround sound format, and the tech will make its debut next week with the fantasy flick Life Of Pi. Ang Lee's Oscar-tipped movie is getting a seven-day run at the Empire before its nationwide UK release on December 20.   Dolby claims its new Atmos format is 'the most significant development in audio since the arrival of surround sound', thanks to its use of overhead speakers and a twin-layer object-based sound design. 'Developed with input from professionals throughout the movie industry, Dolby Atmos delivers audiences a more natural and realistic soundfield, transporting them into the story with a lifelike sensory experience,' claims the aural innovator. The format debuted with Disney Pixar's flick Brave earlier this year, but until now there were no commerical cinemas Atmosified in Blighty.   Adds Jon Nutton, Marketing Director for Empire Cinemas: 'Dolby Atmos is set to change the cinema experience – we’re honoured that the Empire Leicester Square will be the first cinema in the UK to bring this to audiences.'   Team HCC already counts the Empire as one of the UK's best-sounding cinemas. We're looking forward to seeing what Dolby Atmos can bring to the party. As well as Life of Pi, other films confirmed for release with Atmos audio include the sci-fi sequel Star Trek Into Darkness and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.   Click here for more information about Dolby Atmos.