Bryan Singer Film Makes History with IMAX's Proprietary 2D to 3D
Conversion Technology
LOS ANGELES, CA, March 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - IMAX Corporation and
Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that Superman Returns, directed by Bryan
Singer, will become the world's first live-action Hollywood feature to be
converted from 2D to IMAX(R) 3D. IMAX Corporation will use its proprietary 2D
to 3D conversion technology to convert approximately 20 minutes of the film
into An IMAX 3D Experience(R), the most immersive cinematic 3D in the world.
"Releasing select sequences of Superman Returns in IMAX 3D marks a
groundbreaking moment in movies," said Dan Fellman, President of Domestic
Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures. "This film is going to give fans an
opportunity to be immersed in a major live-action motion picture like never
before."
The epic action-adventure directed by Bryan Singer (X-Men, The Usual
Suspects), will be transformed into the unparalleled image and sound quality
of The IMAX Experience(R) through IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-Mastering)
technology. The film will be simultaneously released to IMAX(R) and
conventional theatres on June 30, 2006. Warner Bros. Pictures will be the
exclusive distributor of the film to the growing IMAX theatre network
worldwide.
"The test scenes that have been converted into IMAX 3D look, sound and
feel absolutely amazing," added Bryan Singer, Director of Superman Returns.
"The magic of IMAX 3D will envelop audiences in this story, enabling them to
feel the emotion, drama and suspense in a completely new and unique way."
During select sequences of the film, a visual cue designed by Singer will
indicate when audiences should put on and remove their IMAX 3D glasses.
"We are delighted to partner with pioneering visionaries Bryan Singer and
Warner Bros. Pictures to transform part of this highly anticipated release
into An IMAX 3D Experience," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L.
Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "Today's announcement is a culmination of a
great film, a great filmmaker, a great studio, and great technology - all
working together to produce the most powerful and immersive cinematic
experience available to moviegoers worldwide."
"Five out of the seven films in our 2006 line up now feature IMAX 3D,"
said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "We are
thrilled that moviegoers will be able to experience Bryan Singer's unique and
exhilarating vision. Through the magic of IMAX 3D, they will feel as if they
are actually flying alongside the man of steel, weaving in and out of
Metropolis."
Following a mysterious absence of several years, the Man of Steel comes
back to Earth in the epic action-adventure Superman Returns, a soaring new
chapter in the saga of one of the world's most beloved superheroes. While an
old enemy plots to render him powerless once and for all, Superman faces the
heartbreaking realization that the woman he loves, Lois Lane, has moved on
with her life. Or has she? Superman's bittersweet return challenges him to
bridge the distance between them while finding a place in a society that has
learned to survive without him. In an attempt to protect the world he loves
from cataclysmic destruction, Superman embarks on an epic journey of
redemption that takes him from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of
outer space.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents Superman Returns, directed by Bryan Singer
and starring Brandon Routh (Clark Kent/Superman), Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth,
James Marsden, Hugh Laurie, Sam Huntington and Eva Marie Saint. Written by Dan
Harris and Mike Dougherty. Produced by Gilbert Adler, Jon Peters and Bryan
Singer; co-produced by Stephen Jones; and executive produced by Chris Lee.
Superman Returns is based on the DC Comic Book Superman.
About IMAX Corporation
----------------------
Founded in 1967, IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading
entertainment technology companies and the newest distribution window for
Hollywood films. IMAX delivers the world's best cinematic presentations using
proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3D, and IMAX DMR technology. IMAX DMR (Digital Re-
mastering) makes it possible for virtually any 35mm 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
entertainment experiences. As of December 31, 2005, there were 266 IMAX
theatres operating in 38 countries.
IMAX(R), IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX DMR(R), IMAX MPX(R), and The IMAX Experience(R)
are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be
found at www.imax.com.
IMAX Corporation's proprietary 2D to 3D technology includes technology
licensed from Three-Dimensional Media Group, Ltd. and invented by David M.
Geshwind.
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 performance of films, 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, 2005.