COMPANY TOWN ANNEX

United Artists Nearing a Deal With Showscan: The nation’s largest theater chain is close to an agreement with Culver City-based Showscan Corp. on installing computer-controlled seats in 10 theater multiplexes over the next five years. Details of the deal with United Artists Theatre Circuit Inc., valued at about $20 million, should be worked out within days, a Showscan spokeswoman said. The theater seats can be programmed to pitch and roll along with specially projected images so that moviegoers feel the motion of riding in a race car, airplane or roller coaster. The technology has been used nationwide in theme parks, with rides such as “Back to the Future” at Universal Studios Hollywood and “Star Tours” at Disneyland. The United Artists contract would be the first for installing so-called ride films in theater complexes.