CORNWALL, UK — When Simworx, market leader in 3D/4D effects theatres, was given the challenge of creating a turnkey, 100-seat, 4D high-tech cinema at the UK-based Land’s End amusement park, it turned to Harkness Screens Spectral™ 240 for its 3D presentation surface.
The installation of the Harkness Spectral™ 240 screen and custom frame is part of the amusement park’s million-dollar investment that also includes state-of-the-art projection equipment and digital surround sound. In addition, the multi-sensory 4D experience offers high-tech moving seats, air blasts, water sprays, aromas and even leg ticklers. Added in-theatre effects include special effects lighting, wind, bubbles and low smoke.
“Simworx has been using Harkness screens for almost six years,” says Terry Monkton, Simworx managing director. “Harkness’ screen quality and frame materials, as well as the brightness and clarity of images on screen, are excellent.”
“The Curse of Skull Rock” is a 12-minute swashbuckling animated adventure that pits plucky cabin girl Jill Hopkins against the tyrannical Captain Scabb in pursuit of the legendary lost treasure of Skull Rock. The film has also won two international animation awards, including Best Children’s Film.
The Harkness Spectral™ 240 3D screen is considered by cinema exhibitors and special venue operators worldwide to be the optimum 3D projection surface for systems using polarised light. The Spectral 240 features a high extinction ratio and provides spectacular 3D images. The surface also supports 2D images and can be used successfully in auditoriums where 2D and 3D are both shown. The intrinsically high gain (2.4) overcomes light losses in 3D systems.
The Land’s End site is one of the top tourist destinations in the South West of England, attracting over 400,000 visitors a year. Land’s End is one of Britain’s best loved landmarks, famous for its unique location, natural beauty and stunning scenery.
“The effectiveness of 3D imagery makes Harkness our screen of choice,” adds Monkton. “In fact, every 4D theatre installation that Simworx has done to date has a Harkness screen.”
Other UK-based projects that Simworx has used Harkness presentation surfaces on include, Drayton Manor Park, The Deep Aquarium, The National Aquarium, The Beatles Story, Le Pal Theme Park, Manchester Science Museum, Pleasure Beach, The Works at Ebbw Vale, Grand Pier Weston Super Mare, Bagatelle Theme Park, Amneville Theme Park, Flamingoland, Babbacombe Model Village, Familiepark Drievliet and London Science Museum.
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