Vista-based movie theater operator UltraStar Cinemas recently announced it has entered into a joint venture with China’s Letian Entertainment, to develop and operate theaters in China.

A statement from UltraStar said plans call for bringing 40 all-digital theaters to the Hunan province by 2016. Officials estimated that the full build-out will cost $80 million to $100 million.

Theaters will be located in the Changsha area, with a total of 10 screens at each site with all digital projection, 3-D capabilities and concessions. The companies are currently on track to complete construction of three cinemas by the end of 2013.

UltraStar operates seven theaters in Southern California and Arizona. Letian Entertainment is a subsidiary of Hunan Broadcasting System, China’s second largest broadcast network.

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