MUMBAI: Marcus Theatres, a division of The Marcus Corporation, has plans to install 10 RealD 3D systems in new theatre locations throughout the Midwest.

The company also plans to install nine RealD 3D systems at existing 3D locations in select Marcus Theatres. With the addition of the 19 new 3D systems, Marcus Theatres will offer digital 3D at 53 screens at 43 locations in seven states. All 19 3D systems are expected to be installed by April 2010.

“Expanding our digital 3D footprint continues to be a major part of our growth strategy. Monster hits like Avatar continue to move digital 3D full-speed ahead as digital 3D movies attract a wide variety of audiences. In fact, digital 3D films have outperformed the corresponding 2D version of the same movie by a factor of two to three times. We expect that digital 3D movies will continue to positively impact the box office as the number of 3D films continues to significantly increase and more 2D movies are being converted to 3D films,” said Marcus Theatres president Bruce J. Olson.

Olson said there is an explosion of upcoming 3D releases in the pipeline. Popular 3D films opening this spring and summer include Alice in Wonderland, Clash of the Titans, Shrek Forever After, Toy Story 3, Despicable Me and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

“We will continue to explore additional opportunities to expand our digital 3D presence and we are actively considering the potential of eight to 10 additional digital 3D screens in the coming months. With the 19 new 3D systems we will offer digital 3D in nearly 80% of our theatre locations. As our digital 3D expansion continues, more and more of our guests will be able to enjoy these stunningly realistic 3D films at a Marcus Theatre location close to home,” added Olson.

RealD will provide the equipment and glasses for the 19 digital 3D system installations.