Southern Theatres to Complete Circuit-Wide Digital Conversion of All Screens Exclusively with Christie Digital Cinema Projectors
Agreement Includes More Than 140 Christie Solaria Series Projection Systems

NEW YORK, NY, December 01, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- New Orleans-based Southern Theatres, operator of the AmStar Cinemas and The Grand Theatres, has agreed to complete the digitization of all of its screens with Christie Solaria Series DLP Cinema projectors. The agreement, which will provide patrons with the highest quality movie-viewing experience available, covers the purchase of 147 Christie DLP Cinema systems. This includes the Christie CP2210 and Christie CP2220, as well as the Christie CP4230, which features the Christie 4K+4 advantage for the sharpest 4K-resolution images in the industry. Southern Theatres plans to be 100 percent digital by the end of December 2011.

"We decided to complete our conversion to 100 percent digital cinema with Christie because we are very comfortable with the company and their quality technology," said George Solomon, CEO of Southern Theatres. "They offer a first-rate product, backed by a top-notch support team."

Among notable conversions is the historic Dallas AmStar 14, the nation's first megaplex, which opened in 1995 and features 14 auditoriums with screens lit exclusively by Christie. AmStar's auditoriums also boast all-digital sound, 3D capabilities, wall-to-wall screens, stadium seating and high-back rocking chairs, in addition to a birthday party and game room. The megaplex will now include four new Christie CP4230 4K-resolution projectors, which provide the highest resolution available in the industry.

"Through the years, Christie has demonstrated the highest capabilities, service levels and reporting," Solomon added. "We look forward to working with them for many years to come."

"Southern Theatres is one of the top 20 independent exhibitors in the country, and they continue to expand successfully because they have earned a reputation for providing a superior movie viewing experience to their loyal patrons," said Craig Sholder, vice president, Christie Entertainment Solutions. "Christie values the trust they have placed in us to provide them with the best products, services and technical support in the industry."

Southern Theatres, LLC.
Southern Theatres, L.L.C., owned and operated by George Solomon, was formed in May of 2002. George has been in the theatre business with his family for over 50 years and launched Southern Theatres, L.L.C. to develop and operate state-of-the art multiplex stadium-seating movie theatres. In April 2005, Veronis Suhler Stevenson (VSS) made a $30 million equity investment in Southern Theatres, L.L.C. VSS is a private equity and mezzanine capital fund management company dedicated to investing in media, communications and information industries in North America and Europe. Southern Theatres, L.L.C. is responsible for the daily operations of The Grand Theatres and Amstar Cinemas in 20 locations with 292 screens in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. The Company is well positioned for continued expansion in key markets throughout the Southeast. Southern Theatres, L.L.C. is proud to be headquartered in New Orleans, LA. For more information, visit http://thegrandtheatre.com/.

About Christie
Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world's most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit www.christiedigital.com.

For more information contact:
Dave Paolini
1 519-749-3127
david.paolini@christiedigital.com

Mario Almonte
Herman & Almonte PR
(212) 616-1190, ext. 267
malmonte@herman-almontepr.com

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Christie is a registered trademark of Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc.DLP Cinema is a registered trademark of Texas Instruments

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Mario Almonte
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