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I've seen a bit of ... misleading ... info here, so I thought I'd try to clear a few things up. (At least from my limited knowledge bag.)
1: Yes, 2k digital is about 10% better than "BluRay" quality at the default aspect ratio, but it's not an exact comparison. BluRay storage does not morph to all aspect ratios as well as a 2k DI projector can display (or as well as a 2k digital source can be provided.) You won't see much difference at 1:85, but you will see it at 2:33. Further, BluRay is also playing a compressed format with FAR less storage space, and compression artifacts will contribute to reducing the quality of the presentation. The numbers may look similar, but the equipment is NOT the same. And sadly, the average ticket-buying patron tends to find a BluRay run through a 2k digital rig to be a better presentation (and more consistent) than film.
2: 2k DI has become the standard in Hollywood for laser encoding digital inter-negatives and inter-positives as part of bulk 35mm print production. Craptastic as it may seem, these days the 35mm print you're watching in the theater was more than likely printed from a 2k source.
3: Almost every digital projection feature film you've seen in Columbus in the past 10 years has been 2k. The majority of the houses in town only have 2k equipment, and even houses like the Lennox, which was originally set up with 4k, hasn't seen a 4k digital print in years. The Wexner has a 4k rig, but they don't get a lot of 4k prints to show. 95% of digital distribution is 2k, and the audience doesn't seem to be lighting torches and grabbing pitchforks.
4: As for the Drexel, I know nothing at all about what's coming up for the next marathon, what's going on in their booth, or what anyone's plans for the next Sci-Fi Marathon are. The last I'd heard, they still weren't basically "done" up in the booth and the inclusion of a 35mm projector (at least for the main house) wasn't out of the question. What that really means, though, I have no idea. It could change before I'm done with this post.
As always, as soon as we have anything official or important or even relatively interesting to say on the matter, we'll say it. Asking the question over and over again doesn't magically make the answers appear.
Do I want to see 35mm go away? Hell no, I still prefer the warmth and the imperfections and the clarity and brightness of a pristine print. But I'm a dinosaur, and I'm going to be killed by an asteroid any day now, so ... whatever.
_________________ David A. Zecchini; Creature of the Wheel, Lord of the Infernal Engines "Damnati Im Ludum" ( VitruvianZeke@att.net)
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