After successfully IMAXing THE MATRIX trilogy, IMAX and Warner Bros. Pictures will release the third installment of the HARRY POTTER film series, THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN, in IMAX theaters in June 2004. The highly anticipated Alfonso Cuaron-directed feature is scheduled to open June 4 in conventional theaters. HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN will be digitally re-mastered through proprietary IMAX DMR technology.
"Our partnership with IMAX has been extremely rewarding and has allowed our films to expand their reach beyond our traditional audiences by offering viewers a whole new way to see Hollywood event films that is uniquely immersive and exciting," said Dan Fellman, president, domestic distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. "BESIDES HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN, we are discussing an IMAX 3D release of POLAR EXPRESS in November 2004, and an IMAX DMR release of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY in the summer of 2005."
"This announcement is yet another indication that we are achieving our goal of bringing the very best Hollywood event films to IMAX theaters, which we believe is key to expanding the IMAX network around the world," added Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler, co-chairmen and co-ceos, IMAX Corp. "Our research has shown us that moviegoers want to see blockbuster films in IMAX's format and are paying a premium price for the experience."
"When Alfonso Cuaron and I saw IMAX DMR, we knew we had to release this film in IMAX theaters, as it will bring a whole new perspective to this magical story," said POTTER franchise producer David Heyman.
Warner Bros. and IMAX will also be distributing the first-ever 3D motorsports film, NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience starting March 12, 2004. Narrated by Kiefer Sutherland and starring the drivers of NASCAR, NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience will put moviegoers in the driver's seat in an unprecedented way via IMAX 3D technology.
Founded in 1967, the IMAX Corp. (www.imax.com) businesses include the creation and delivery of leading cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX and IMAX 3D technology. As of Sept. 30 2003, there were more than 235 IMAX theaters operating in 36 countries.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
