Now screening

It’s almost impossible to faithfully describe the magic of film or the effect it has on the millions who are touched, amused and inspired by it. ‘Going to the movies’ has been a universal staple for generations, but while the concept has remained largely unchanged over the years, the technology driving it has come along in quantum leaps. 

The advancement in technology has meant projection, sound design, cameras and image capture are ever evolving to give audiences more realistic and immersive experiences, and taking that concept of ‘moving pictures’ to new levels. 

This constant technical progression is what lies at the heart  Audi’s brand  philosophy ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ or ‘advancement through technology’ so it comes as little surprise that Audi and film have long been strong partners on any number of levels.

From supplying vehicles to major productions which have gone on to become cinematic icons – think the Audi S8 in Ronin or Tony Stark’s R8 e-tron in the Iron Man films – to working with studios to develop completely new concept vehicles for some of the biggest films of the modern era, Audi has always been very much at home on the big screen.

The futuristic RSQ, specially developed for the 2004 screen adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s classic I, Robot, or the Audi Fleet Shuttle quattro created for the 2013 Ender’s Game with Harrison Ford – Audi has long worked with the international film community.

It is a culture of thinking outside the box, pushing the envelope and always striving for progress that Audi forge its greatest partnerships.

In 2018, Audi will again partner with St George OpenAir Cinema in what is an extraordinary cinematic experience. A unique combination of superb location and state-of-the-art cinematic technology which adds a whole new dimension to the idea of ‘a night at the movies’.

Like something from a Bond film, the giant screen (nearly 400 square metres) is hydraulically raised in front of the guests, and Sydney’s iconic night skyline becomes the backdrop for a movie event with a distinct and memorable difference.

The open air concept is the brainchild of photographer and cinematographer Peter Hürlimann, who founded Cinerent (OpenAir’s parent company) in 1978. Looking to take the cinematic experience outdoors and combine it with stunning  locations, he set to work trying to develop the technology that would create these experiences without compromise.

Natural elements would be an issue. Wind in particular created numerous problems with a large flat surface like a screen raised in the open. Hürlimann’s experience with hydraulics from working in the film industry ultimately afforded him a solution, and along with the help of Cinerent engineers, he perfected the technology that allowed not only a massive high-definition screen to be safely raised in a variety of conditions, but one that could be placed above water for maximum impact.

Further development perfected other vital areas such as projection units suitable for outdoor applications and sound installations to bring the purity of indoor sound reproduction to audiences watching the magic unfold on the edge of the harbour. Taking 48 hours to put in place, no other outdoor cinematic experiences comes close to the level of technology and sophistication of the Cinerent system. The screen is anchored to permanent flanges bolted to the harbour floor for stability, and the result is a system that includes 36 surround sound speakers, a 4K digital projector, 2000 seat grandstand and entertainment areas. The overall effect – unrivalled.

Nowhere can quite matchup to a movie under the stars at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair on the shores of Sydney Harbour. 

The epitome of Vorsprung – a night at the movies will never be quite the same.