In an attempt to up the exhibition ante, IMAX has arranged for four scenes of Warner Bros. Pictures' THE DARK KNIGHT to be shot with its proprietary 65mm cameras for projection on the enormous 15/70 format, including the introduction of the Joker (played by Heath Ledger). Chris Nolan's sequel to BATMAN BEGINS will open day-and-date July 18, 2008, in conventional and IMAX theaters.
While it is not unique for a feature lensed on traditional 35mm film to be re-mastered to screen in IMAX theaters, this marks the first time ever that a major feature film has been even partially shot using IMAX cameras, marking a unique integration of the two film formats.
The marriage of footage filmed with IMAX and 35mm cameras in the final feature will have a marked impact on the audience's viewing experience, whether seeing THE DARK KNIGHT in an IMAX or traditional theater. When the scenes shot on IMAX cameras are shown in IMAX theaters, the aspect ratio will morph to 1.43 to 1, expanding the image to fill the entire screen and magnifying the overall effect, both literally and figuratively.
"Warner Bros. has always been committed to advancing the art of filmmaking," stated Jeff Robinov, president of production, Warner Bros. Pictures. "The use of IMAX cameras to film select scenes in an action feature is a great step forward in big-screen entertainment, especially in the talented hands of Christopher Nolan. We can't wait to see the results..."
The first of the scenes, including a prologue that introduces Batman's arch-nemesis the Joker, was shot in April, several weeks in advance of the actual start of principal photography. Additional selected scenes are being filmed with IMAX cameras during the course of production.
Director Christopher Nolan added, "In continuing the story of such a great icon I'm thrilled to be able to expand the scope of the film, not just in terms of its story, but in giving Batman and the Joker the largest possible canvas on which to face off. No existing technology compares with the IMAX format in terms of its ability to throw the audience into the action, and we're very proud and excited to use this technology in a way that no one has before."
Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. President of Domestic Distribution, offered, "Chris has been a huge fan of IMAX technology for a long time. It will be a groundbreaking event to see him incorporate the use of IMAX cameras into the 35mm presentation of THE DARK KNIGHT..."
"Mr. Nolan's enthusiasm towards IMAX, combined with the success of Batman Begins in IMAX theaters underscores the significant impact that The IMAX Experience has on audiences and the role IMAX can play in providing filmmakers with innovative ways to deliver movies," said IMAX co-chairmen and co-ceos Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler.
Greg Foster, chairman and president of IMAX Filmed Ent., added, "Chris shares our vision that the moviegoing experience should transport audiences into the action. His innovative use of IMAX cameras to film scenes in THE DARK KNIGHT will allow our crystal clear images, 14 thousand watts of digital surround sound and screens up to eight-stories tall to give Batman fans the most immersive cinematic experience in the world. It is entertainment in a big, big way."
BATMAN BEGINS was the first action feature to play on IMAX screens in museums as well as multiplexes, after being digitally remastered for the IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR technology.
In 2006, SUPERMAN RETURNS became the world's first live-action feature to have selected segments converted from 2-D into IMAX 3-D. Most recently, the mega-hit 300 obliterated all previous attendance records at IMAX theaters in its record-breaking opening weekend in March.
Meanwhile, IMAX plans on showing the last 20 minutes of Warner Bros. Pictures' HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX in its 3-D process in its specialty theaters on July 13.
IMAX Corp. is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in digital and film-based motion picture technologies. For more information, visit www.imax.com.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
