IMAX Corporation (Nasdaq:IMAX) (TSX:IMX) and DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq:DWA) today announced opening weekend results for Shrek Forever After, the final chapter in the Shrek film series.
Press Release from IMAX Corporation
LOS ANGELES, May 24, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) --IMAX Corporation (Nasdaq:IMAX) (TSX:IMX) and DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq:DWA) today announced opening weekend results for Shrek Forever After, the final chapter in the Shrek film series. The film generated approximately $4.8 million from 194 IMAX(R) theatres domestically from Friday May 21 through Sunday, May 23, representing approximately 7% of the film's total gross of $70.8 million on 2% of the screens and domestic per screen average of approximately $25,000. Internationally, the film generated an estimated $750,000 from 12 IMAX theatres, for an international per screen average of approximately $62,500.
"Shrek Forever After achieved a very high rating from CinemaScore, and we're optimistic that the film will deliver a steady performance in IMAX theatres during the weeks ahead, especially as moviegoers take advantage of Memorial Day Weekend and the official start of summer," said Greg Foster, Chairman and President, IMAX Filmed Entertainment.
IMAX's second quarter to date box office through Sunday, May 23, 2010 was $69.7 million, a 52% increase over the $45.7 million recorded as of the same period in last year's second quarter.
Shrek Forever After is still scheduled to open in another 33 IMAX locations internationally. The film has been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with IMAX DMR(R) technology and will be presented in IMAX theatres in IMAX(R) 3D. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.
About Shrek Forever After
After challenging an evil dragon, rescuing a beautiful princess and saving your in-laws' kingdom, what's an ogre to do? Well, if you're Shrek, you suddenly wind up a domesticated family man. Instead of scaring villagers away like he used to, a reluctant Shrek now agrees to autograph pitch forks. What's happened to this ogre's roar? Longing for the days when he felt like a "real ogre," Shrek is duped into signing a pact with the smooth-talking dealmaker, Rumpelstiltskin. Shrek suddenly finds himself in a twisted, alternate version of Far Far Away, where ogres are hunted, Rumpelstiltskin is king and Shrek and Fiona have never met. Now, it's up to Shrek to undo all he's done in the hopes of saving his friends, restoring his world and reclaiming his one True Love.
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in immersive motion picture technologies. The worldwide IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event Hollywood films around the globe, with IMAX theatres delivering the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3D, and IMAX DMR technology. IMAX DMR is the Company's groundbreaking digital re-mastering technology that allows it to digitally transform virtually any conventional motion picture 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 for consumers. As of March 31, 2010, there were 438 IMAX theatres (316 commercial, 122 institutional) operating in 47 countries.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
