DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq:DWA) and IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX) (TSX:IMX) announced today that the studio's two upcoming releases, Kung Fu Panda 2 and Puss in Boots, will open in digital IMAX theatres in IMAX 3D.
Press Release from IMAX Corp.
GLENDALE, Calif., Mar 1, 2011 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq:DWA) and IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX) (TSX:IMX) announced today that the studio's two upcoming releases, Kung Fu Panda 2 and Puss in Boots, will open in digital IMAX theatres in IMAX 3D. Kung Fu Panda 2 will be released to IMAX theatres in select international territories in conjunction with each of the territory's release dates; Puss in Boots will have a two-week IMAX release day-and-date with the domestic release. Both films are produced by DreamWorks Animation and will be distributed by Paramount Pictures.
"The IMAX Experience remains among the premiere viewing experiences in the world and we are thrilled that our audiences overseas will have the opportunity to watch Kung Fu Panda 2 and that movie-goers here in the U.S. will get to see Puss in Boots in IMAX 3D later this year," said DreamWorks Animation's Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey Katzenberg.
"The addition of these two DreamWorks Animation films reinforce the strong offering of titles we have slated for the rest of the year," said IMAX Chief Executive Officer Richard L. Gelfond. "Kung Fu Panda 2 and Puss in Boots are the next incarnation of blockbuster franchises and we are happy to make them available to our moviegoers around the world."
"Clearly these beloved DreamWorks Animation characters have resonated around the world with audiences young and old alike and we are excited to be able to once again showcase them and their new adventures to IMAX fans through our long-standing alliance with DreamWorks Animation," said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment.
In Kung Fu Panda 2, Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five. But Po's new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. Po must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins; only then will he be able to unlock the strength he needs to succeed.
Way before Puss ever met Shrek, our suave and furry feline hero goes on a swashbuckling ride in Puss in Boots, as he teams with mastermind Humpty Dumpty and the street-savvy Kitty to steal the famed Goose that lays the Golden Eggs.
About DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series, live entertainment properties and online virtual worlds, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE(R) Magazine for three consecutive years. In 2011, DreamWorks Animation ranks #10 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation's feature films are now being produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 21 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon.
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment and technology companies, specializing in the creation and delivery of premium, awe-inspiring entertainment experiences. With a growing suite of cutting-edge motion picture and sound technologies, and a globally recognized entertainment brand, IMAX is singularly situated at the convergence of the entertainment industry, innovation and the digital media world. The industry's top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theatres to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and as such, the IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe. The Company's new digital projection and sound systems - combined with a growing blockbuster film slate - are fueling the rapid expansion of the IMAX network in established markets such as North America, Western Europe, and Japan, as well as emerging markets such as China and Russia. IMAX theatres deliver the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3D, and IMAX DMR (Digital Re-Mastering) technologies. IMAX DMR enables virtually any motion picture to be transformed into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience.
IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with offices in London, Tokyo and Shanghai. As of December 31, 2010, there were 518 IMAX theatres (396 commercial, 122 institutional) operating in 46 countries.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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