After two years of extensive renovation, Nordisk Film’s Saga Kino has reopened its doors in the heart of Oslo, marking a new chapter for one of Norway's most beloved cinemas. CinemaNext is proud to have played a key role in this landmark restoration, providing state-of-the-art audio technology that honours the venue's 91-year heritage whilst providing audiences with a truly world-class cinematic experience.
A Landmark Venue Reborn
Originally opened on 15 February 1934, Saga Kino was designed by architects Gudolf Blakstad and Herman Munthe-Kaas as a flagship venue for Oslo Kinematografer. The cinema represented the pinnacle of theatrical design, featuring exclusive materials, elegant marble staircases, and mosaic columns that continue to greet visitors today.
The comprehensive two-year renovation, completed in November 2025, has transformed the venue whilst preserving its historical character. Now operated by Nordisk Film Kino under the leadership of cinema manager Sondre Singdahl-Larsen Hegna, Saga Kino offers six premium auditoriums with a total capacity of 498 seats, each equipped with luxurious reclining seating and cutting-edge technology.
CinemaNext's Technical Solution
CinemaNext supplied audio hardware across all six auditoriums, with particular emphasis on the flagship Saga Supreme auditoriums. The project required a sophisticated approach that could deliver premium audio quality whilst integrating seamlessly with the venue's broader technical systems.
1. Dolby Atmos Implementation
The crown jewel of the installation is the Dolby Atmos system in the two Supreme auditoriums. CinemaNext supplied two Dolby CP950A Cinema Processors, each upgraded with the full Dolby Atmos license, enabling true object-based audio that places sounds precisely within a three-dimensional space. This represents a significant advancement beyond traditional surround sound, with audio emanating not just from the walls but from overhead speakers, creating an immersive soundscape that envelops the audience.
2. Q-SYS Network Audio Infrastructure
At the heart of the venue's audio distribution sits a robust Q-SYS ecosystem. CinemaNext supplied two Q-SYS Core 110F-v2 Network Audio Processors for the primary systems, complemented by four Q-SYS Core 8 Flex units for the smaller auditoriums. This networked architecture provides exceptional flexibility and reliability, allowing centralised management of audio across all six screens.
The deployment includes four Q-SYS DCIO-H Network Audio Peripherals, ensuring high-quality digital-to-analogue conversion throughout the signal chain. Seven QSC TSC-70-G3 touchscreen controllers provide intuitive interfaces for staff to manage audio settings, supporting both the cinema's day-to-day operations and special events.
3. Premium Speaker Systems
CinemaNext delivered QSC speaker systems throughout the venue, including nine pairs of AD-C6T-LPZB-WH ceiling speakers for ambient and fill audio, along with AC-S6T 2-way PA speakers for announcements and special presentations. A Powersoft Unica 1K8 amplifier with DSP, AES67, and Dante connectivity drives the auxiliary speaker systems, providing the headroom and precision required for professional cinema applications.
A Premium Experience for Every Audience
The audio installation complements Saga Kino's positioning as Oslo's premier family cinema. Supreme 1, the largest auditorium with 241 reclining seats, offers the full Dolby Atmos experience, whilst Supreme 2 provides 73 seats with the same premium audio specification. The four intimate auditoriums in the basement level, ranging from 19 to 79 seats, deliver exceptional sound quality through the Q-SYS infrastructure, making them ideal for private screenings, birthdays, and special events.
The technical specification also supports the venue's capability for immersive promotional content, with the system designed to project audio alongside visuals on the auditorium walls during trailers and special introductions.
Preserving Heritage, Embracing Innovation
"Saga Kino represents exactly the kind of project where CinemaNext's expertise makes a real difference," explains the CinemaNext’s International Sales Manager Gerrit Doorn. "The challenge was to provide absolutely premium audio technology within a heritage building that has been at the heart of Oslo's cultural life for over nine decades. The Q-SYS and Dolby Atmos combination provides the venue with a future-proof infrastructure that will serve audiences for years to come."
The project was finalised in August 2025, ahead of the grand reopening on 22 November. The gala opening welcomed industry guests and influencers in formal attire, echoing the glamour of the original 1934 opening when audiences were greeted by uniformed attendants and live orchestral music, with screenings of both Wicked: For Good and local hits such as Stargate - en julefortelling and Hvis ingen går i fella. It should set the course for many more decades of being at the heart of Oslo’s cinema community.
CinemaNext Supplies Premium Audio Solutions for Oslo's Iconic Saga Kino Reopening