Vue’s premium large-format experience ‘EPIC,’ powered by Barco’s groundbreaking HDR cinema technology, continues its rollout across its European markets
BERLIN, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Barco, the leading provider of laser cinema, and Vue, Europe’s largest privately owned cinema operator, announced today the expansion of EPIC into Germany. The rollout will begin with five CinemaxX theaters this year, including Stuttgart, Berlin and Magdebrug which are now open, with Freiburg and Bielefeld to follow in the coming months. The move comes on the heels of the one-year anniversary of the launch of EPIC, Vue’s premium large format which is powered by groundbreaking HDR by Barco laser projection with Lightsteering technology for a vivid and immersive-feeling audiovisual experience.
Comprising the latest technological advancements in sight and sound, EPIC is part of Vue’s continued commitment to innovation and bringing the highest-quality cinematic experience to the widest possible audience. An EPIC auditorium also features a fully immersive soundscape around and above the audience and the largest screen at that cinema, offering customers the best possible way to experience movies.
“With EPIC, we are setting new standards in picture quality, sound, and immersion. We are laying the foundation for the cinema experience of the future, redefining the way audiences experience films and taking cinema to a whole new dimension. In short, we are making the cinema of tomorrow a reality today,” said Frank Thomsen, Managing Director of CinemaxX Germany, Vue Netherlands, and Vue Denmark.
The new EPIC locations are a continuation of the rapid expansion of HDR by Barco across Europe, with locations in the U.K., Italy, the Netherlands and Germany. Barco is also working with Vue to upgrade the theater chains’ overall fleet to laser projection with the installation of over 1,000 Barco laser projectors and media servers across the chain’s non-premium auditoriums by the end of 2029.
Based on the company’s patented Lightsteering technology, Barco’s approach to cinematic HDR produces images with highlights that are over 6x brighter than traditional projection, while retaining rich details in the darks for greater depth, clarity, and range. HDR by Barco delivers expansive creative possibilities for filmmakers, producing a wide color gamut with high-contrast images that captivate audiences.
For more information on HDR by Barco or to find tickets to upcoming screenings in EPIC at CinemaxX visit: www.HDRbyBarco.com
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 964 million euro in 2025. For further insights, please visit www.barco.com or connect on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
Barco. Visioneering a bright tomorrow. © 2026
About CinemaxX
The CinemaxX Group is one of Germany’s best-known cinema operators, operating 30 cinemas with a total of 257 screens across 26 cities, including the HOLI arthouse cinema in Hamburg. The CinemaxX brand was launched in 1990.
CinemaxX stands for the highest quality standards in picture, sound, and seating comfort.
CinemaxX has been part of Vue International since 2012. Headquartered in London, Vue International is one of the world’s leading privately owned cinema operators. The company operates some of the most renowned cinema brands in Europe’s key markets and is active across eight countries, with 220 locations and 2,000 screens. The Vue Group operates in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, and Lithuania.
About Vue
Vue is the largest cinema operator in the UK and Italy 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.
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SOURCE Barco, Inc.
