Film & Kino, the Norwegian interest organization for cinemas, is launching an initiative billed as the world’s first non-commercial, complete national digital rollout, with agreements with 20th Century Fox, United International Pictures (the local distributor for Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures in Norway), Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International, and Warner Bros. Pictures International.

The rollout will transform all of Norway’s cinemas, big and small, to modern DCI-compliant digital-cinema houses. The process will begin in late 2009 after the completion of public offerings for the procurement of equipment and services.

“This is a great undertaking for a small country”, said Jorgen Stensland, director of consultants at Film & Kino. “Under these agreements, Disney, Fox, Paramount, Universal, and Warner have committed to deliver wide releases to Norwegian digital cinemas. The deal also covers our own mobile cinema in rural areas… We are happy that Norwegians will be able to experience the perfect quality of a DCI-compliant digital exhibition, which will also give our audiences the opportunity to see the new generation of 3D films that are underway.’

Roger Pollock, Paramount Pictures’ executive VP, international distribution and operations, said, “Film & Kino is aggressively stepping forward to place Norway at the forefront of this technology, providing their audiences with the very best movie-viewing experience available. This is an important step in Europe’s rollout to digital conversion and will hopefully serve as an influential example across the region.”

Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, Warner Bros.’ president of international distribution, stated, “This holistic transition to DCI-compliant digital projection systems firmly establishes Norway as a leader in technological innovation and ensures the continued growth of this robust theatrical market."

Julian Levin, Fox’s executive VP, digital exhibition, commented, “The transition to a digital projection platform will…provide the foundation for 3D exhibition capability, exhibition of alternative content and improved flexibility in distribution and exhibition operations. The ultimate beneficiary of the transition will be the moviegoing audience.”

Duncan Clark, executive VP, international distribution, Universal Pictures International, called the rollout “an important step” in the growth of 3D and digital distribution, while Jason Brenek, Disney’s senior VP, worldwide digital cinema, deemed it “a bold and exciting move.”