300 added another $2.7M to its record-breaking IMAX gross of $9.1M in its second weekend from 62 domestic IMAX screens.
"The overwhelmingly positive moviegoer response to 300 in IMAX's immersive format is contributing to the overall success of the film," said Dan Fellman, president of Domestic Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures. "We are very pleased with the film's performance and look forward to its continued success in both conventional and IMAX theaters in the coming weeks."
"Moviegoers are loving 300: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE and research results speak very favorably to increased word-of-mouth and repeat visitation to IMAX theaters," said IMAX co-chairmen and co-ceos Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "We are encouraged by the positive consumer reaction and box office performance of this exciting motion picture, and we believe it will help increase the popularity of the IMAX brand with moviegoers and exhibitors."
"It's working. Our theaters are happy, moviegoers love the film and they're returning to theaters to see it in IMAX," added Greg Foster, chairman and president of IMAX Filmed Ent. "Based on our advance ticket sales and this weekend's amazing hold, it's obvious this film has strong legs, which is a terrific way to kick off our 2007 film slate."
300: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE had a strong opening weekend in Korea, and is performing very well through its second weekend in Taiwan. The film is slated for release in at least 20 more international locations during the next few weeks. Meanwhile, IMAX signed a distribution agreement in China.
"The IMAX release of 300 is off to a great start internationally," said Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, president of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. "We are delighted that audiences are experiencing the film in this unique and immersive way, and we anticipate even stronger box office returns as it opens in additional international IMAX theaters during the weeks ahead."
IMAX Corp. (www.imax.com) is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in digital and film-based 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 theaters delivering some of the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3-D and IMAX DMR technology. 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.
