San Diego, Calif. Movie Theaters To Have Vending Machines Selling 3D Eyeglasses

March 29, 2011
San Diego, Calif. Movie Theaters To Have Vending Machines Selling 3D Eyeglasses

Marchon3D™, an eyewear manufacturer, and UltraStar Cinemas, a San Diego, Calif. movie theater chain, have teamed up to create a vending machine for Marchon3D's patented 3D glasses.

Marchon3D, the designer and supplier of circular polarized 3D eyewear, has created a vending machine for theater-goers. Beginning in the summer 2011, 3D movie-goers in San Diego, Calif. will be able to purchase the newly released line of EX3D glasses with patented M3D lens technology in the UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas.

This vending machine will have a sleek digital interface and allow consumers to browse and select from a wide assortment of EX3D glasses and pay with their credit card.

"This is the first time we'll be offering our EX3D glasses for sale in theaters and the first time we've ever built a self-service installation like this. 3D has become so pervasive in our culture, and 3D theaters are the most popular venue where we consume 3D content - having our glasses in-theater with a reputable partner such as UltraStar Cinemas makes perfect sense," said David Johnson, president, Marchon3D in a prepared statement. "Today's consumer has a vast digital footprint, using more digital devices than ever before. Marchon3D glasses are designed to easily move them through the 3D component of their digital 'life.' The EX3D glasses delivered in this vending machine can be used across all passive 3D platforms including movies, video games, 3D televisions and laptop computers and they offer a mix of style, comfort and affordability."

Movie fans can choose from adult, tween and children's sizes in a variety of trendy colors and fashionable shapes. Marchon3D will also offer smart solutions for prescription glasses wearers including clip-on lenses that easily work on any prescription frame as well as frames that comfortably fit over the entire prescription frame. Prices will range from $25-$80.

"We want to provide the best possible 3D movie experience to our customers and there is no better way to do that than to offer best-in-class and best-in-value 3D glasses from Marchon3D," said Damon Rubio, vice president of operations for UltraStar Cinemas. "With well over 40 3D movies coming out within the next year, it makes sense to invest in a comfortable, well designed pair of glasses that will deliver a top-notch movie viewing experience."

The test in the San Diego theaters is slated to begin in June and last three months.  Marchon3D plans to roll out additional vending machines in other markets in the upcoming months.

"Marchon3D is the first company to really take a 360-degree look at today's consumer and think about what they want in a pair of 3D glasses," said Hannah Sarbin, vice president of new business development, Marchon. "They want an exceptional 3D experience from a technical standpoint, and they want something that fits their lifestyle and personality. They don't want the same old black frames and flat lenses that come with the cost of a movie ticket.

Studios and manufacturers spend hundreds of millions of dollars pushing the boundaries of 3D technology, why settle for the generic 3D glasses for that experience?"

Marchon3D is attending CinemaCon and will have a suite in the Augustus Tower of Caesar's Palace.  For information, contact [email protected].