The Matrix Reloaded: The IMAX Experience Set to Open In Select International Markets
First IMAX(R) DMR(TM) Film to be Released to International IMAX(R) Theatres
LOS ANGELES, June 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IMAX Corporation (Nasdaq: IMAX; TSX: IMX) today announced that The Matrix Reloaded: The IMAX Experience will be distributed to select international markets, marking the first time that an IMAX(R) DMR(TM) (Digital Re-mastering) film is released to multiple IMAX(R) theatres located outside North America. The film will open throughout June and in the beginning of July at IMAX theatres in the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, South Africa, Singapore and Japan.
The Matrix Reloaded, from Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures and producer Joel Silver, has been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) using the revolutionary and proprietary IMAX DMR technology.
"The Matrix Reloaded set a new international industry record, surpassing $113 million in one weekend, and continues to captivate audiences around the world. The re-mastered IMAX 15/70 version of The Matrix Reloaded will provide these audiences with a whole new way to experience the film that is immersive and thrilling," said Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President, Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures International.
"IMAX is pleased to bring this cutting edge, record-breaking motion picture to select IMAX theatres worldwide," said Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler, co-Chairmen and co-CEO's of IMAX Corporation. "We are encouraged by the IMAX theatre network's strong interest in The Matrix Reloaded: The IMAX Experience and are confident that this film will help strengthen the international consumer demand for The IMAX Experience, ultimately increasing the demand for more IMAX theatres worldwide."
"The top quality experience that our IMAX cinema offers, combined with the appeal of IMAX DMR films, gives us a real opportunity to broaden our customer base," said Jim Hamilton of the BFI London IMAX Cinema. "We are thrilled to be premiering The Matrix Reloaded: The IMAX Experience in the UK."
In November, The Matrix Revolutions, the third chapter in the Wachowski Brothers' revolutionary film trilogy, is scheduled to be released on giant IMAX screens in the IMAX 15/70 format and in conventional theatres in the standard 35mm format.
About IMAX Corporation
Founded in 1967, IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies. IMAX's businesses include the creation and delivery of the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX and IMAX(R)3D technology, and the development of the highest quality digital production and presentation. IMAX theatres feature the highest quality film presentations on screens that are up to eight stories high and 120 feet wide surrounded by 12,000 watts of pure digital sound to create The IMAX Experience. In 2002, IMAX introduced its revolutionary, proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology, making it possible for virtually any 35mm live-action film to be transformed into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience. The IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive family entertainment experiences. As of March 31 2002, there were more than 230 IMAX theatres operating in 34 countries. More than 700 million people have seen an IMAX presentation since the medium premiered in 1970.
IMAX(R), IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX(R) DMR(TM) and The IMAX Experience(R) are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at www.imax.com.
This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on management assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Important factors that could affect these statements include the timing of theatre system deliveries, the mix of theatre systems shipped, the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses on film production and distribution agreements, the viability of new businesses and products, and fluctuations in foreign currency and in the large format and general commercial exhibition market. These factors and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and in the subsequent reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE IMAX Corporation
-0- 06/05/2003
/CONTACT: Media, Romi Schutzer, +1-212-821-0144, or rschutzer@imax.com,
or analysts, Stephen G. Abraham, +1-212-821-0140, or sabraham@imax.com, both
of IMAX Corporation, New York; or entertainment media, Al Newman of Newman &
Company, Los Angeles, +1-818-784-2130, or asn@newman-co.com, for IMAX
Corporation; or business media, Whit Clay of Sloane & Company, New York,
+1-212-446-1864, or wclay@sloanepr.com, for IMAX Corporation/
/Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/103201.html/
/Web site: http://www.imax.com /
(IMAX)
CO: IMAX Corporation
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