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Ribbon cutting commemorates base theater’s digital upgrade

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jason Wiese
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Col. Christopher Coffelt, 90th Missile Wing commander, 90th Force Support Squadron leadership Army and Air Force Exchange Service leadership gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the F. E. Warren Base Theater to commemorate the theater's recent digital upgrade March 15.

A $115,000 upgrade brought the theater from the age of movie reels to the age of hard drives, said Jeff Hyatt, F. E. Warren AAFES manager.

The funding for the upgrade came from non-appropriated funds, so they were not a tax-payer burden, Hyatt added.

Instead of changing reels every 20 minutes throughout movie showings, a projectionist only needs to start the movie and can move onto other duties, said Eric Johnson, theater supervisor.

"It's all digital," he explained. "All the movies come in digital format. It would be like copying a DVD to your computer then playing it from there.

"The movies are a lot clearer. If we, as projectionists, made a mistake like not switching the reels in time, the audience would see it, but now, from start to finish, there are no interruptions."

Effectively, the digital projector eliminates the projectionist job, ultimately passing on the savings to the customers, Hyatt said.

In addition to better picture, the digital format provides a better sound quality, Johnson said.

"The audio is a lot clearer and it actually vibrates the building and you," he said. "It's a lot more personal; you feel like you're part of the movie. When we had reels, you didn't feel that. It enhances the whole movie experience."

Although eliminating the need for a full-time projector helps mitigate the cost, the addition of the digital projector has caused a necessary increase in ticket price for adults from $2 to $2.50, but prices are still Hyatt said.

Hyatt encourages people to come to the base theater so they can continue to offer their services to the base.

Throughout the Air Force, approximately half the base theaters closed down, while F. E. Warren's theater was one that was chosen to be upgraded because it was making money rather than losing it, Hyatt explained.

AAFES is often able to screen movies in advance and hosts customer appreciation weekends during which admission is free for everyone on base, he said.

"The more customers utilize this service, the more we'll be able to offer," he said.

"We are very fortunate that local AAFES has upped their support by upgrading their equipment," said Coffelt. "Be sure to take advantage of it."

Movies are shown Fridays and Saturdays at 6 and 9 p.m. Admission price for adults is $2.50 and $2 for youths aged 6 to 11. Children 5 years old and younger get in free.

Be on the lookout for special showings on Sundays and customer appreciation weekends during which admission is free for everyone on base.