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The Dome
Built (in only 16 weeks!) in 1963, Pacific Theatres' Cinerama Dome opened with the "single-strip Cinerama" production of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World", and has been host to nearly four decades of premieres and blockbusters since then. Still under the ownership of Pacific Theatres, the first and largest theater of its kind in the world has been carefully refurbished and refreshed. The signature marquee and portico on Sunset Boulevard and the 316 hexagons in the geodesic dome have been restored to their original dramatic presence. The Dome still seats more than 800 guests per showing, and the historic loge seating which has been a favorite of moviegoers over the years has been maintained. Sight and Sound: The Dome's unique size, shape and history both require and allow some interesting technical differences from the newer ArcLight cinemas. Kinoton projectors, JBL speakers and Dolby and SDDS sound systems are used as they are in the multiplex. But the Dome is also equipped with a different model projector (FP75E) plus DTS 6-channel sound allowing 70mm films to be screened. The Dome sound system has been further upgraded with 44 computer-placed surround speakers (where there were previously 8) and the acoustics have been completely redeveloped, including the installation of sound absorbent materials in each of the hexagonal and pentagonal panels in the ceiling. The deeply curved (126 degree) screen has been replaced to its original size and shape - all 32 by 86 feet of it! - having provided 40 years of movielovers with an exciting sense of being surrounded and becoming part of the moving picture. And the original three-portal projection booth has not only been retained, but very excitingly, now houses three restored Cinerama projectors. The Dome can now play 3-strip Cinerama with 7-channel Cinerama Stereophonic, 35mm Magnetic sound.
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