Zack Snyder's highly anticipated adaptation of 300, based on the Frank Miller graphic novel, will be simultaneously released domestically in both IMAX and conventional theaters on March 9.
"Warner Bros. Pictures and the filmmakers are very excited to bring this unique cinematic experience to both conventional and IMAX theaters this spring," said Dan Fellman, president of Domestic Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures. "The immersive IMAX Experience will transform this film, offering audiences an alternative way to view this highly-charged picture."
"300 is an exciting event film, which includes many aspects that we believe will appeal to commercial audiences," said IMAX co-chairmen and co-ceos Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "As a great partner to IMAX, Warner Bros. Pictures has provided many fantastic films that have resulted in significant incremental box office revenue for IMAX exhibitors, and we look forward to continuing this tradition."
"We are delighted that 300 will be the first feature motion picture to open in IMAX theaters in 2007," added Greg Foster, chairman and president of IMAX Filmed Ent. "Audiences that experience 300 in IMAX's immersive format will feel as if they were actually with the Spartans as this larger-than-life epic story unfolds."
300 is a ferocious retelling of the ancient battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas (Gerard Bulter) and 300 Spartans fought to death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy, drawing a line in the sand for democracy. The film brings Miller's (SIN CITY) acclaimed graphic novel to life by combining live action with virtual backgrounds that capture his distinct vision of this ancient historic tale.
Animal Logic is the main vendor with support from, among others, Pixel Magic, Screaming Death Monkey, Meteor, Hybride and Hydraulx, with simulated water for battle scenes supplied by Scanline's Flowline system.
Founded in 1967, IMAX Corp. (www.imax.com) delivers some of the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3-D 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. As of Sept. 30, 2006, there were 280 IMAX theaters operating in 40 countries.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
