News
PR: Dreamworks Pacts For 3 Imax 3D Films
See author comments at bottom of this file.
LOS ANGELES, CA, Nov. 14, 2007 /PRNewswire - IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ:IMAX; TSX:IMX) and DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (NYSE:DWA) today announced an agreement to release the studio's first three 3D motion pictures worldwide in IMAX(R) 3D. The IMAX 3D releases will include Monsters vs. Aliens in March 2009, How to Train Your Dragon in November 2009 and Shrek Goes Forth in May 2010. A fourth DreamWorks Animation title, Kung Fu Panda, will be released in IMAX’s 2D format in June 2008.
The IMAX 3D titles are expected to be among the first presented with IMAX's digital 3D projection system,
DreamWorks' Monsters vs. Aliens coming March 27, 2009
which is scheduled to be launched beginning June 2008. This is IMAX's first multiple 3D picture deal with a Hollywood studio. The 3D titles also will be simultaneously released to conventional digital 3D theatres. Paramount Pictures will be the exclusive distributor of the pictures.
“3D cinema has an opportunity to revolutionize the way people experience movies," said Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation. "We believe the immersive quality of IMAX will provide our audiences with a unique way to experience our films and we are delighted to include IMAX as a key part of our 3D strategy.”
“DreamWorks Animation envisions 3D as the future of CGI animation, and we are excited to help them implement their approach to delivering outstanding content in the years ahead,” said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. “Further, we are so pleased that the timing of the roll-out of our digital projection technology can take advantage of DreamWorks Animation's 3D content - content that will look, sound and feel amazing when it is presented in IMAX.”
All four films will be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-mastering) technology.
About DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Animation SKG (NYSE-DWA) is devoted to producing high-quality family entertainment through the use of computer-generated (CG) animation. Utilizing world-class creative talent and state-of-the-art technological capabilities, the company is committed to making two computer-animated feature films a year that appeal to a broad movie-going audience. The Company has theatrically released a total of fifteen animated feature films, including Antz, Shrek, Shrek 2, Shark Tale, Madagascar, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Over the Hedge, Flushed Away, Shrek the Third and Bee Movie. Please visit dreamworksanimation.com to learn more about DreamWorks Animation.
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading digital entertainment and technology companies. The worldwide IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event Hollywood films around the globe, with IMAX(R) theatres delivering the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX(R) 3D, and IMAX DMR(R) technology. IMAX DMR is the Company's groundbreaking digital remastering technology that allows it to digitally transform virtually any conventional motion picture into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience. IMAX's renowned projectors and new digital systems display crystal-clear images on the world's biggest screens. The IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences for consumers. As of September 30, 2007, there were 296 IMAX theatres operating in 40 countries.
IMAX(R), IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX DMR(R), IMAX(R) MPX(R), and The IMAX Experience(R) are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at www.imax.com.
Notes from author Robert Marich. 3D projection--meaning three dimensional depth—is finally emerging to lead the conversion of theaters from mechanical film projectors to electronic digital. Mechanical film projectors provide fine quality and low cost, but the 3D capability easily possible with electronic projectors is a hook to lure audiences from their homes and also charge $2-5 premium ticket prices.
IMAX has a nifty giant screen projection system, but conventional non-IMAX screens that go electronic digital can also add 3D capability. London-based researcher Screen Digest estimates there will be 6,000 3D cinema screens worldwide by 2009, of which 4,000 will be in the U.S. This weekend, Paramount’s premiere of Beowulf will be on 1,000 3D screens worldwide, of which 90% in the U.S., according to the Financial Times.
For full text of Financial Times story, click the link below:
www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d2c274be-9087-11dc-a6f2-0000779fd2ac.html