The rollout will establish the cinema chain as the largest Barco HDR-powered Premium Large Format exhibitor in Europe

9 July, London: Vue, the largest privately owned cinema operator in Europe and number one exhibitor in the U.K. and Italy*, today reveals the launch of its new premium large format experience, EPIC. Comprising the latest technological advancements in sight and sound, EPIC features the market-leading HDR by Barco laser projection and award-winning Dolby Atmos sound-system, and is part of Vue’s continued commitment to innovation and bringing the highest-quality cinematic experience to the widest possible audience.

To create EPIC, Vue has expanded its partnership with Barco, the leading provider of laser projection, to roll out state-of-the art HDR by Barco laser projectors across Europe. The agreement will see a minimum of 11 EPIC screens opened in the U.K., Italy and the Netherlands in 2025 and an additional minimum of 50 EPIC screens opened across Vue’s European estate by the end of 2027.

HDR by Barco combines Barco’s industry-leading 4K laser projection with its patented ‘Lightsteering’ technology to deliver premium, high-dynamic range (HDR) presentation for cinema. Barco's revolutionary approach to HDR cinema strategically directs light onscreen, offering up to 6 times higher peak luminance than standard digital cinema to deliver a more immersive, captivating viewing experience with breathtaking images, deeper darks, brighter highlights and an expanded range of colors onscreen.

Each EPIC by Vue screen also features Dolby Atmos — an immersive three-dimensional audio experience with up to 64 channels, including overhead speakers across the cinema which creates an incredibly detailed sound experience for the audience.

An EPIC by Vue screen will also always feature the largest screen at that Vue site, offering customers the best possible way to watch movies — whether that’s a family film, the latest blockbuster or a live performance from the Met Opera.

The first EPIC by Vue screen will open to the public at the end of July at Vue’s newly launched site in Nottingham, England.

* by market share

Commenting on the Barco deal and launch of EPIC by Vue, Vue CEO and Founder Tim Richards CBE said: “After researching and testing a variety of premium large format options, we decided to create EPIC using the very best market-leading technology available. By combining cutting-edge HDR laser projection by Barco and Dolby Atmos immersive sound, breathtaking colour, expansive screens and studio quality audio, we will bring the very latest technology to our biggest screens across Europe and give our customers the opportunity to enjoy a cinematic experience like no other.”

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Vue and bring HDR by Barco to moviegoers across Europe,” said Gerwin Damberg, EVP of Barco Cinema. “Like Vue, Barco is committed to delivering spectacular cinema experiences to all audiences. Together, we are transforming the theatrical landscape with exceptional, cutting-edge movie presentation.”

Vue is committed to growing and evolving its business through ongoing innovation and investment in its venues and technology, with the aim of delivering the ultimate big screen experience. As part of this commitment, Vue recently introduced a U.K. first: Vue Your Way — a pilot scheme offering a fresh approach to the cinema foyer. Customers can browse a wide selection of snacks and drinks at their leisure before checking out via self-service tills, having already scanned their tickets at digital entry gates.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About Vue

Vue is the largest cinema operator in the U.K and Italy by market share, and the largest privately owned cinema operator in Europe, spanning eight countries, 223 sites and 1,959 screens. From its inception in May 2003 Vue has grown organically and through strategic acquisition to deliver a premium out-of-home entertainment experience by combining the best content, with the best technology in the best environment.

About Barco

Barco, headquartered in Kortrijk (Belgium), is a global technology company leading in visualization, networking, and collaboration solutions. Its innovative technologies drive advancements in the healthcare, enterprise, and entertainment markets. At the heart of Barco’s success are over 3,000 dedicated ‘visioneers’, each passionately contributing to driving change through technology.

Listed on Euronext (BAR), Reuters (BARBt.BR), and Bloomberg (BAR BB), Barco realized sales of 947 million euro in 2024. For further insights, please visit www.barco.com, or connect on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

Barco. Visioneering a bright tomorrow. © 2025

Media Enquiries

Brunswick, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / +44 (0) 20 7404 5959

Naomi Curtis, Head of Communications, Vue +44(0)7572 183 679 and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Metro PR, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sarah Resnikoff, Publicity Director, Barco Cinema, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.