Polar Express Goes 3D for IMAX

IMAX Corp. and Warner Bros. Pictures have struck a deal where the CGI feature, THE POLAR EXPRESS will screen in IMAX 3D format day-and-date with the release of the film in conventional theaters, Nov. 19, 2004. The film will be digitally converted into IMAX 3D using both the proprietary IMAX 3D conversion process and IMAX DMR(R) (Digitally Re-mastering) technology.

"When I saw the tests for THE POLAR EXPRESS in IMAX 3D, I was excited that audiences would be able to experience the film this way," said Robert Zemeckis, director of THE POLAR EXPRESS. "The 3D adds incredible depth and allows the viewers to experience the visual splendor and amazing adventure of this classic story in a way which should create a really memorable experience, not only this holiday season but for many years to come."

"By releasing THE POLAR EXPRESS in IMAX 3D with the most powerful 3D images in the world, we can offer movie fans something they have never experienced before," said Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures. "We believe this spectacular holiday film will satisfy consumers' rapidly growing appetite for both a premium and 3D cinematic experience. We think this added dimension will contribute to the success of the film in all of its other formats, as fans will want to see the film again and again."

"With THE POLAR EXPRESS in 3D, all audiences -- especially children -- will experience an entirely new way to see Hollywood movies," said IMAX co-ceos Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "Through the magic of IMAX 3D technology, fans of this story are going to have the opportunity to be a part of a narrative work like never before, whether it's catching the snowflakes off of screens that are up to eight stories tall, dodging the train's arrival as the whistle blows in 12,000 watts of digital surround sound, or feeling the journey of traveling to the North Pole - audiences will literally be a part of the story. The combination of a popular book, an Academy Award-winning filmmaking team and IMAX 3D is exactly what we were looking for to complete IMAX's 2004 commercial film slate, which is the strongest in the Company's history."

Based on the classic Caldecott award-winning children's book written by Chris Van Allsburg, the film stars two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks. Using state-of-the-art CG and motion capture produced by Sony Pictures Imageworks, the film blends realism and fantasy and tells the tale of a doubting young boy who takes an train ride to the North Pole and embarks on a journey of self- discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

THE POLAR EXPRESS will be the sixth film released to IMAX theaters by Warner Bros. Pictures since 2003. On June 4, Warner Bros. plans to release an IMAX DMR version of HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN to IMAX theatres day-and-date with the conventional release of the film in the U.S., Canada and selected international territories, followed by an IMAX DMR release of CATWOMAN in July.

Founded in 1967, IMAX Corp. is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies. IMAX's businesses include the development of the highest quality digital production and presentation. For more information, visit www.imax.com.