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“Our relationship with VSS-Southern Theatres has been a strong one for quite some
time, but we’re especially grateful for the trust they have placed in us with this exclusive
agreement,” said Pierre Richer, President and C.O.O. of NEC Display Solutions. “The
3D juggernaut is upon us, and NEC is prepared to help forward-looking exhibitors, such
as VSS-Southern Theatres, capitalize on the powerful opportunities presenting
themselves to the industry.”
NEC Financial Services is providing the financing for the project, which will be rolled out
in three phases over the course of this year and early 2011. Phase I will be completed
in time for the movie releases, “How to Train Your Dragon 3D” and “Clash of the Titans
3D.”
Ballantyne of Omaha, a trusted partner and master reseller for the exhibitor segment of
NEC’s business, is supplying the ancillary digital components, screens and installation
for the 18 VSS-Southern Theatres locations, which consist of 268 screens.
“Ballantyne Strong, Inc.’s, relationship with VSS-Southern Theatres extends back to its
start as a theater circuit. We have been providing projectors and associated equipment
to the Solomon family since the ‘70s,” said John Wilmers, President and CEO,
Ballantyne Strong, Inc. “VSS-Southern has aggressively been equipping theaters over
the past two years to keep up with the 3D demand, and we are excited they are
committed to lead the pack as the industry transitions to digital cinema.”
“We pride ourselves on offering the best movie-going experience to the public,” said
George Solomon, President of Southern Theatres, LLC. “NEC and Ballantyne Strong,
Inc., are playing crucial roles in that objective.”
Solomon has been in the theater business with his family for more than 50 years and
launched Southern Theatres, LLC to develop and operate state-of-the-art, multiplex
stadium-seating movie theaters.
Among the NEC digital cinema projectors being deployed are the NC1600-C, NC2500S-
A, NC1200C, NC2000C, and the ultra-bright NC3200S at 31,000 lumens.
