IMAX Corp. and Warner Bros. Pictures announced that THE POLAR EXPRESS: AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE, the highest grossing and most successful IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) release to date, will return to IMAX theatres in November 2005. First released on Nov. 10, 2004, and co-financed by Shangri-La Ent., the film broke virtually every box-office record for a digitally re-mastered Hollywood film in IMAX's format, and set the record for the highest grossing week in IMAX's 35-year history. The IMAX 3D version of THE POLAR EXPRESS has grossed an estimated $45 million to date, including more than $10 million on just 22 international screens, for a cumulative per-screen average of more than $520,000. The film continued to post sold-out shows across the IMAX theatre network well after the holidays, registering a per-screen average of more than $100,000 in January 2005.
"THE POLAR EXPRESS generated remarkable box office returns in IMAX theatres and the feedback from moviegoers who experienced it in IMAX 3D was that the experience was nothing short of amazing," said Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures. "We were especially impressed with the legs of the IMAX DMR version, as it was selling out shows and packing IMAX theatres weeks into the new year. We believe new audiences, as well as repeat customers, will want to make THE POLAR EXPRESS: AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE part of their holiday tradition."
"The outstanding success of THE POLAR EXPRESS: AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE convinced us that this film can be a holiday perennial, similar to It's a Wonderful Life, that will draw audiences year after year," said IMAX co-chairmen/co-ceos Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "Commercial exhibitors took note of the movie's performance to date in IMAX theatres, leading to increased signings momentum, and many of our customers have expressed a desire to bring the film back for another run."
Greg Foster, chairman/president of IMAX Filmed Ent., continued, "It is a pleasure to once again work with our partners at Warner Bros. Pictures on this groundbreaking Robert Zemeckis production, and we look forward to offering moviegoers another chance to be captivated by the classic Chris Van Allsburg tale presented in stunning IMAX 3D."
In association with Shangri-La Ent., Castle Rock Ent. released the film, which was a Playtone/ImageMovers/Golden Mean production. Directed by Robert Zemeckis from a screenplay by Zemeckis and William Broyles, Jr., the film is produced by Steve Starkey, Robert Zemeckis, Gary Goetzman and William Teitler and is based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg. Tom Hanks, Jack Rapke and Chris Van Allsburg are the exec. producers.
Founded in 1967, IMAX Corp. (www.imax.com) is the newest distribution platform for Hollywood content and one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies. IMAX delivers the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3D and IMAX DMR technology.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
