A
system and method are disclosed for exhibiting wide-screen motion pictures, including in
multiplex-style theaters, with an immersive, “
virtual reality” picture-dominance effect not previously obtainable in such theaters. The invention uses a zero-
gain or nominal-
gain curved screen to accommodate a wide-screen presentation, and a digital
projector capable of delivering fourteen foot-lamberts or more of light to the screen. It can support any theatrical
aspect ratio for presentation, including 2.76:1. To eliminate image
distortion, the invention uses mapping
software to correct the image for the geometry of the auditorium and the shape of the screen. This correction is established for every
aspect ratio displayed in the auditorium in which the invention is installed, and aspect ratios can be changed to display content with different aspect ratios during a program. The images delivered to viewers through the invention deliver the full benefit of the native
aspect ratio in which they are displayed.