Written by Adam Mast
What exactly is CinemaCon? It’s an annual convention held for movie theater owners from around the world. No, I don’t own a movie theater, but as you’ve probably guessed by now, I go to the movies. A lot. And as far as I’m concerned, CinemaCon is one of the industry’s best kept secrets. Particularly if you’re a movie fan.
Over the course of this four-day convention, CinemaCon will give attendees a look at all the latest in movie theater hardware (projectors, seats, sound equipment, etc.) and all the best in snack bar goodness (returning favorites like Red Vines and Icee will make an appearance, in addition to up and comers like White Castle). Of course, as great as all of that stuff is, I attend CinemaCon for the studio product reels, and this year’s convention will see presentations from heavyweight staples like Disney, Warner Brothers, Universal, 20th Century Fox, Sony, and Paramount.
What do major studios have in store for attendees this year? For starters, 20th Century Fox will deliver an advance screening of the Melissa McCarthy-fronted comedy, “Spy,” and Disney will screen the latest Pixar effort, “Inside Out,” nearly two months before its release date. Beyond that, it’s anyone’s guess.
I’m hoping for extended “Mad Max: Fury Road” footage from Warner Brothers, and given that I missed the much talked about “Star Wars Fan Celebration” in Anaheim last weekend, I can only hope that Disney will bring director J.J. Abrams and crew out for another grandiose dose of the Force.
Other items on the advance footage wish list: “Spectre” (Sony), “Jurassic World” (Universal), “Vacation” (Warner Brothers), “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” (Paramount), “Tomorrowland” (Disney), and “Fantastic Four” (20th Century Fox), just to name a few.
Whatever the studios decide to bring though, it’ll be okay in my book, especially taking into consideration that I’ll get to experience these epic product reels and screenings in the best possible way. CinemaCon prides itself on the theatrical experience, and they always do this convention up right. Yes, the parties are great, and the look at all the new hardware is a treat, but witnessing the best the studios have to offer by way of new Dolby projection equipment and Dolby Atmos sound is what it’s all about for us!
The convention opened their 5th year with an advanced screening of “Pitch Perfect 2” on Monday. We’re not permitted to give a full review at this point as the film doesn’t open until May 15, but what I will say is that it’s the directorial debut of the beautiful Elizabeth Banks, and her infectiously likable spirit is all over the movie. Banks was on hand to introduce the film and may I just say that she’s even lovelier in person.
As for the film itself, your favorite characters are back, and yes, they sing… a lot! But then, that’s a big part of the hook.
Again, watch for a full review from me closer to the May 15 release date, but in short, I had a fun time.
The “Pitch Perfect 2” screening was followed by an epic afterparty at Omnia in Caesar’s Palace. I’m not one for night clubbing, but it was a fun-filled evening spent with great friends, amazing food, and appropriately loud music.
CinemaCon is in full swing as I write this on Tuesday April 21. What’s on the itinerary? How about presentations from Paramount and Warner Brothers?!
More from CinemaCon soon!
