Central Europe’s first LED cinema opened in Budapest: another universe of film magic – video, photos

Starting today, audiences can purchase tickets to Hungary’s—and indeed Central and Eastern Europe’s—first LED cinema, whose grand opening we had the pleasure of attending yesterday.

A stunning spectacle of colours and lights

Unlike traditional cinemas that project films onto a screen, the new auditorium operated by the Kultik cinema network displays movies on a giant nine-metre-wide HeyLED panel. This groundbreaking setup replaces the classic combination of film, projector, and screen with an independently illuminated LED wall, revolutionising picture quality. While this may sound like bold marketing, the experience truly lives up to the hype.

When a speeding asteroid hurtles towards you through space, or a child’s thrown stone seems to fly right at you, your natural reaction is to brace yourself in your seat—or, if you’re easily startled, to jump and perhaps even let out a shout.

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Revolutionary technology

Although the technology is not entirely new worldwide, István Kalmár, owner of the 100% Hungarian Kultik cinema network, first encountered it in Los Angeles and immediately decided to bring it home. Kultik is dedicated to reviving small cinemas in towns that have closed or are at risk of closure, bringing high-quality movie experiences closer to local communities.

LED cinema first in Csepel

Kultik already operates cinemas in Sopron, Hódmezővásárhely and Kaposvár, and thanks to a successful collaboration with the Indotek Group led by Dániel Jellinek, they have relaunched the cinema in Csepel, Budapest’s 21st district. The cinema’s second auditorium now features a 4,000 kg HeyLED screen manufactured by a Chinese company, along with extensive renovations to the auditorium and sound system—both of which left a strong impression.

Supported by Magyar Telekom, this game-changing technology means Csepel residents can enjoy films with superior image and sound quality for years to come. The LED screen achieves true black by completely switching off pixels, resulting in breathtaking contrast ratios far exceeding traditional cinema standards.

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The Csepel Kultik auditorium seats 150 people and is equipped for 3D screenings, where the real enchantment takes place. Special glasses costing tens of thousands of forints are required and collected after each screening. Ticket prices for LED-supported films are only 800 forints more than standard showings.

Cutting-edge technology to be hired

Wondering how to spot a HeyLED-supported film in the listings? It will be clearly marked.

Yesterday’s premiere also featured a video game review by YouTuber Büki Dani. The new technology is perfectly suited for hosting e-sports events and conferences—plans that Kultik hopes to realise in the future. In addition, the auditorium is available for private hire, making it ideal for large groups, private parties or corporate screenings.

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Tech details

• Over 2.2 million pixels
• HDR-compatible image
• Sharp contrasts with a contrast ratio of up to 30,000:1 (compared to 500:1–3000:1 in traditional cinemas)
• Non-glare display that’s easy on the eyes
• Brightness up to 6,000 nits, compared with under 1,000 nits for most current DLP projectors
• Full coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut

This cutting-edge LED cinema promises an immersive movie experience that brings films to life like never before in Hungary.