National CineMedia

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National CineMedia (NCM) is the sales and marketing arm of the three largest movie theater circuits in the United States, representing approximately 1,105 theatres and 13,567 screens in 45 U.S. states, according to its statement of December 2005: "On July 18, 2005, Cinemark Theatres joined AMC Theatres and Regal Entertainment Group as the new owners of National CineMedia to solidify the most powerful and creative in-theatre advertising company."

It is perhaps best known to the general public for sponsoring "NCM Event" showings of movies. In this regard, NCM offers private movie showings as a basis for private meetings, seminars, or simply private showings.

Beginning with the 30 December 2006 Saturday matinee live performance of the 110-minute version of Julie Taymor's production of The Magic Flute, NCM Fathom^[1]^[2] and the Metropolitan Opera launched Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD, a series of six productions from the 2006/2007 season in 100 movie theatres across the USA, Canada, Japan, and several European countries including Britain and Norway which are equipped to present high definition satellite video downloads on the big screen.^[3] ^[4] 48 out of 60 US theaters had sold out prior to the broadcast, including venues in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Miami and Washington, D.C., while all seven of the UK participating theatres had also sold out. A repeat of Flute via high definition videotape was given on 23 January 2007.

Starting on 6 January 2007 with I puritani, more theatres joined those presenting the operas, with other performances given later in January, in February, and in March and April. High definition sound will be provided by Sirius Satellite Radio.