3-D: Dolby, Disney, Digital

For those of you who felt yesterday's court ruling was a blow against technological progress, here's some news to brighten your day. Disney & Dolby Labs have partnered to roll out new digital projection equipment with 3-D technology developed by Industrial Lights & Magic to 100 new screens in 25 markets. This more than doubles the current 80 digital screen around the country. Also, they seem to have a surprisingly forward thinking attitude: All of the companies involved are free to pursue further relationships with other companies to further develop 3-D & digital projection technology.
The deal is being put in place primarily for the benefit of Disney's new 3-D toon, Chicken Little, to be released November 4th. ILM's new software allows the 3-D version of the film to be created from the artists original 3-D computer models, rather than simply cutting out and moving pieces of the 2-D image. After Chicken Little, other films will be able to take advantage of the new technology and equipment as well. It also seems to me that the new digital projectors will be capable of showing traditional 2-D digital films. This will be most beneficial for films produced with an entirely digital workflow, preferred by directors like George Lucas and Robert Rodriguez.
Congrats to Disney & friends. Glad to see that you have more in mind for digital technology than just deleting excessive cleavage from Lindsay Lohan's kid pics.