IMAX Corp. and DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. announced a deal to release the studio's first three 3-D motion pictures worldwide in IMAX 3-D. The IMAX 3-D releases will include MONSTERS VS. ALIENS in March 2009, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON in November 2009 and SHREK GOES FOURTH in May 2010. A fourth DreamWorks Animation title, KUNG FU PANDA, will be released in IMAX's 2-D format in June 2008. The IMAX 3-D titles are expected to be among the first presented with IMAX's digital 3-D projection system, which is scheduled to be launched beginning June 2008. This is IMAX's first multiple 3-D picture deal with a Hollywood studio. The 3-D titles also will be simultaneously released to conventional digital 3-D theatres. Paramount Pictures will be the exclusive distributor of the pictures.
"3-D 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 3-D strategy."
"DreamWorks Animation envisions 3-D 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/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 3-D content -- content that will look, sound and feel amazing when it is presented in IMAX."
"DreamWorks Animation's creative spirit is well suited for IMAX 3D and we are delighted to be collaborating with their talented team to bring moviegoers a premium 3D cinematic experience," added Greg Foster, Chairman/President of IMAX Filmed Ent. "DreamWorks Animation consistently produces and markets films that appeal to adults and kids alike and these films will certainly play an important role in maintaining a well-rounded IMAX film slate over the next several years."
All four films will be digitally re-mastered via The IMAX Experience with IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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