Three EPIC auditoriums are open in Stuttgart, Berlin and Magdeburg, with Freiburg and Bielefeld next as Vue continues its investment in laser projection across Europe.
Barco and Vue are expanding their EPIC premium large-format cinema experience to Germany, with five CinemaxX locations scheduled to receive the technology. The rollout comes as EPIC marks its first anniversary, combining high dynamic range (HDR) laser projection with immersive sound to improve the theatrical experience.
The first three German locations, in Stuttgart, Berlin and Magdeburg, are now open. CinemaxX theaters in Freiburg and Bielefeld are expected to introduce EPIC in the coming months.
Developed by Vue and powered by HDR by Barco, EPIC combines a large cinema screen with advanced projection and an immersive sound system. The audio extends around and above the audience, while HDR projection is designed to deliver brighter highlights, deeper contrast and greater detail in darker scenes.
Frank Thomsen, Managing Director of CinemaxX Germany, Vue Netherlands and Vue Denmark, said the investment reflects the company's plans for improving theatrical presentation.
"With EPIC, we are setting new standards in picture quality, sound, and immersion," Thomsen said. "We are laying the foundation for the cinema experience of the future, redefining the way audiences experience films and taking cinema to a whole new dimension."
The expansion adds Germany to the growing European presence of HDR by Barco, which is already operating in the United Kingdom, Italy and the Netherlands. In June, FlickDirect reported that Vue's EPIC format had surpassed 400,000 admissions in less than a year, with plans to expand to more than 60 screens across Europe.
The partnership also extends beyond EPIC. Barco and Vue are working to transition the operator's wider cinema network to laser projection, with plans to install more than 1,000 Barco laser projectors and media servers across Vue's non-premium auditoriums by the end of 2029.
At the center of HDR by Barco is the company's patented Lightsteering technology, which directs light to improve brightness and contrast. According to Barco, the system can produce highlights more than six times brighter than traditional cinema projection while retaining detail in darker portions of the image.
The technology also supports a wider color gamut, giving filmmakers additional options for presenting images with greater contrast, color and detail. Barco's HDR technology has also attracted interest from major studios. Earlier this year, Sony announced expanded support for HDR by Barco across several upcoming releases, including films in the Spider-Man, Jumanji, Resident Evil and Insidious franchises.
For Vue, EPIC is part of a broader effort to distinguish the theatrical experience from watching movies at home. Premium large-format screens have become an important part of cinema exhibition, giving audiences options beyond standard digital presentations.
CinemaxX operates 30 cinemas with 257 screens across 26 German cities. Founded in 1990, the chain has been part of Vue International since 2012.
Headquartered in London, Vue operates cinemas across the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland and Lithuania.
Barco, headquartered in Kortrijk, Belgium, develops visualization and projection technologies for entertainment, healthcare and enterprise customers.
The EPIC rollout is already underway in Stuttgart, Berlin and Magdeburg, with Freiburg and Bielefeld expected to follow. Moviegoers can find more information about HDR by Barco and upcoming screenings at HDR by Barco.
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