Space Theatre at Science City to transform into 2D/3D digital unit

Kolkata: Visitors of Space Theatre at Science City will soon have a unique viewing experience in terms of content and technical quality with the switch from 2D analogue to 3D digital. The theatre which remained shut since March 1, 2017, due to renovation, will be unveiled with a new avatar by the middle of January 2019.

"The time has come to switch to digital with the advancement in technology. We had been running the content in analogue format for 20 years. There will be six projectors in place of the old standalone projection system — the sound quality will be world class. The pioneering German manufacturer of optical systems Carl Zeiss is implementing the entire project," said Subhabrata Chaudhri, director of Science City. The total project cost is around Rs 20 crore.

The six new projectors that will replace the old system have been procured from Christie, the US-based manufacturer of projectors and digital

cinema devices.

The 23m tilted dome is being designed and installed by Astro-Tec Manufacturing of the US.

"Back in July 1997, when the dome was inaugurated for the first time, it was in seismic zone II compliant but now it has been made seismic zone IV compliant," a senior

official said.

The air conditioning system and the sitting arrangement will also witness a change in the new dome though there will be no change in the capacity. There will be a total of 360 seats with more leg space and better reclining ability.

"There will be 8 to 10 shows per day and the price of tickets for the show is expected to go up with the viewing experience seeing a total change. The latest digital content will be screened in ultrahigh definition and also in 3D, giving viewers the feel of 'being there'," a official said.

Space Theatre at Science City is India's first and the first film that was screened was Serengeti, which documents the journey of more than two million wild beasts, zebras and antelopes over 500 miles across the Serengeti plains

in Tanzania.

Science City, which operates under the National Council of Science Museums, had sent its proposal for an upgrade to the Union ministry of Culture in September 2015. The approval came in

March 2016.