Date of Award
8-1-2010
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Mass Communication and Media Arts
First Advisor
Meehan, Eileen
Abstract
This thesis analyzes the current transition to digital cinema projection technologies within the film exhibition business. I begin by discussing two historical cases of technological change in film exhibition technology, and I identify the corporations that successfully controlled periods of technological change in order to solidify their position atop the film industry. In drawing from these historical case studies, I examine the current transition to digital cinema projection technologies by discussing the structure of the film exhibition business and identifying those exhibitors that are controlling the transition to digital cinema. I find that the top three exhibitors - Regal Cinemas, AMC Entertainment, and Cinemark - are controlling digital cinema through two joint ventures: Digital Cinema Implementation Partners (DCIP), and National CineMedia (NCM).
Access
This thesis is Open Access and may be downloaded by anyone.