Calibrated cinema screening room within a post-production facility – used during color grading and finishing to review work on a large screen under theatrical projection conditions, ensuring the final grade translates correctly to cinema exhibition.
What is a DI Theater?
A DI Theater (DI Cinema) is a calibrated cinema screening room within a post-production facility. Color grading work is reviewed here under real cinema conditions to ensure the look works on the big screen.
Why a Separate Cinema?
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Projector ≠ Monitor | Different rendering |
| Size | Details visible differently |
| Viewing Distance | Different perception |
| Room Reflection | Affects blacks |
| Client Experience | Authentic cinema feel |
Technical Requirements
| Element | Specification |
|---|---|
| Projector | 4K DCI, Laser or Xenon |
| Luminance | 48 cd/m² (14 fL) standard |
| Contrast | 2000:1 minimum |
| Color Space | DCI-P3 |
| White Point | D60 (DCI) |
Projector Types
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Christie | Industry standard |
| Barco | High-end |
| Sony | Native 4K |
| NEC | Reliable |
| Laser | Consistent, long-lasting |
Audio System
| Element | Specification |
|---|---|
| Format | 5.1 / 7.1 / Atmos |
| Calibration | According to SMPTE |
| Reference Level | 85 dB |
| Subwoofer | Full range |
Screen Requirements
| Aspect | Standard |
|---|---|
| Material | Perforated for audio |
| Gain | 1.0–1.4 |
| Aspect Ratio | 1.85:1 or 2.39:1 (maskable) |
| Size | Depending on the room |
Calibration
| Element | Frequency |
|---|---|
| SMPTE Pattern | Before each session |
| Full Calibration | Weekly |
| Lamp Hours | Monitoring |
| Color Accuracy | Measured regularly |
Workflow with DI Theater
| Phase | Usage |
|---|---|
| Look Development | First projection |
| Primary Pass | Rough check |
| Final Review | Complete walkthrough |
| Client Approval | Sign-off |
| QC | Final check |
DI Suite vs. DI Theater
| Aspect | DI Suite | DI Theater |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Monitor | Projector |
| Size | Small | Large |
| Usage | Grading | Review |
| Control | Colorist | Everyone |
Seating Arrangement
| Position | For Whom |
|---|---|
| Center | Director, DP, Colorist |
| Behind | Producer, Studio |
| Operator | Control |
| Guests | Periphery |
Typical Session
| Element | Time |
|---|---|
| Setup/Warmup | 15–30 min |
| Screening | Depending on film length |
| Notes Session | 30–60 min |
| Pickup Review | After corrections |
HDR in the DI Theater
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Projector | HDR-capable (1000+ nits) |
| Calibration | PQ or HLG |
| Dolby Vision | Specific workflow |
| Dual Review | SDR and HDR |
Costs
| Element | Price |
|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | €500–€1,500 |
| Half Day | €1,500–€4,000 |
| Full Day | €3,000–€8,000 |
| With Colorist | Premium surcharge |
Renowned DI Theaters
| Facility | Specialty |
|---|---|
| Company 3 | Multiple screens |
| Technicolor | Legacy location |
| EFILM | Deluxe network |
| Harbor | State-of-the-art technology |
Etiquette
| Rule | Reason |
|---|---|
| Punctuality | Expensive time |
| Phones off | Distracting displays |
| Taking notes in the dark | Quietly, without light |
| Clear communication | State timecode |
Alternatives
| Option | Application |
|---|---|
| HDR Monitor | When a cinema is not needed |
| Pop-up Screening | On location |
| Streaming Review | Remote clients |
| Cinema Rental | Final check |
Today
DI Theaters remain indispensable for cinema productions. Projection on a large screen reveals details that remain hidden on monitors – from banding and black levels to subtle color shifts. Projector review is essential for every theatrical release.
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