RealD

RealD was founded in 2003 and acquired StereoGraphics two years later, with its first commercial North American installation in 2005. By the end of the decade the 3D conversion wave had put it in over ten thousand auditoriums; it now reports more than 30,000 installations across around 75 countries, which makes it the default 3D system rather than one option among several.

The commercial model is licensing rather than sale, which for an exhibitor means the 3D capability is an ongoing relationship rather than a one-off purchase.

The Ultimate Screen addresses the real weakness of polarised 3D: brightness. Polarisation discards a large share of the projector's light, and the compensating silver screens are noticeably worse for the 2D content that fills most of the schedule. RealD claims the Ultimate Screen delivers around 75 per cent more light than a standard silver screen, which is aimed squarely at the complaint that 3D looks dim.

Filmgrail has no commercial relationship with RealD and this listing is not an endorsement. It is here because a cinema evaluating its supply chain should be able to see the whole of it in one place. Details change — check anything decision-critical with the supplier.