Do Movie Theaters Still Use Film? Transition to Digital Projection

In the past, movie theaters used 35mm film reels to project movies. By the mid-2010s, most theaters globally converted to digital projection. The current digital cinema projectors employ hard drives or receive satellite feeds rather than old film reels.

Digital formats solved the issue of switching film reels mid-movie, as one reel did not last the full runtime. Additionally, maintaining and developing physical film was expensive and time-consuming.

Some art house theaters still use film, but it is increasingly rare. The quality and convenience of digital projection make it preferable for most theaters. Directors may still shoot with film, but digital editing and distribution simplify the process.

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