IMAX has great success with its DMR conversion of blockbuster hits, venturing internationally into China, India and soon Pakistan. But with THE POLAR EXPRESS: AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE, the large-format giant will unveil the first all-CGI 3D feature on its towering screens, Nov. 10, 2004, day-and-date with the 35mm release from Warner Bros. Pictures. THE POLAR EXPRESS: AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE will debut on more than 70 IMAX Theaters, the widest worldwide release ever.
Based on Chris Van Allsburgs illustrated childrens book, THE POLAR EXPRESS introduces new performance capture technology from Sony Pictures Imageworks. ImageMotion, as its called, utilizes facial sensors to lend more believable human facial emotions, creating a tour de force for Tom Hanks, who performs five roles for director Robert Zemeckis. The collaboration between Imageworks and IMAX has resulted in a groundbreaking and more immersive CGI/3D experience.
THE POLAR EXPRESS is the perfect match for the depth and visual impact of IMAX 3D," offered Dan Fellman, president of Domestic Theatrical Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. "Every scene is dazzlingly vivid and cast on a grand scale. As filmgoers ourselves, we're very excited and proud to offer this state-of-the-art theatrical experience to audiences through our continuing partnership with IMAX. The fact that THE POLAR EXPRESS: AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE is the widest IMAX digitally re-mastered release to-date is testament to the excitement building around this spectacular holiday film."
Since the original digital file for the CGI movie is already in 3D, the DMR conversion for THE POLAR EXPRESS in IMAX 3D is a smoother fit than live action conversions. Technical director Hugh Murray supervised the DMR conversion for IMAX.
Founded in 1967, IMAX Corp. (www.imax.com) is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
