Hot on the heels of its record-breaking 3D launch of THE POLAR EXPRESS, IMAX has struck a deal with Twentieth Century Fox to release Blue Skys ROBOTS in the DMR (Digital Re-mastering) large-format process. Chris Wedges 3D-animated follow-up to his ICE AGE hit opens March 11, 2005. This will be the first spring opening to get a day-and-date IMAX DMR release.
"The spectacular CGI effects in this movie are perfect for IMAX's immersive format and will look amazing in IMAX theaters," said Bruce Snyder, president, domestic distribution, Twentieth Century Fox. "IMAX offers moviegoers a whole new way to experience Hollywood movies. We are thrilled to extend our relationship with IMAX and look forward to releasing additional event films in their fantastic format."
ROBOTS boasts an all-star cast of contributing voices, including Ewan McGregor, Halle Berry, Mel Brooks, Greg Kinnear, Drew Carey, Jim Broadbent, Amanda Bynes and Robin Williams. Audiences that experience the film in IMAX theatres will be able to watch the adventure unfold on screens that stretch beyond their peripheral view, while being surrounded by up to 14,000 watts of pure digital sound.
"ROBOTS will be nothing short of spectacular on IMAX screens," added Chris Meledandri, president, animation at Fox. "The trailer has just been completed using the IMAX DMR process and is amazing. I am delighted about this association and look forward to working with Greg [Foster] and his team to complete the IMAX version of the picture using their unique process."
"This agreement with Twentieth Century Fox is further proof that studios are embracing IMAX DMR releases as a way to launch event films, deliver a unique and premium experience to consumers and increase box office performance," said IMAX co-ceos Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "We're excited to have ROBOTS as our first confirmed commercial title for 2005 and expect to announce other great movies soon, which we believe will be instrumental in driving continued theatre signings momentum."
"ROBOTS is an important entry on our 2005 commercial film slate and will offer us a great way to illustrate the year-round appeal of The IMAX Experience," added Greg Foster, chairman/president of IMAX Filmed Ent. "Previous IMAX DMR pictures have typically opened during the summer and holiday blockbuster seasons. We are thrilled that with ROBOTS, we will begin offering commercial films to the IMAX theatre network year round. This is a very encouraging development and one we believe will help make next year's commercial film slate the best in IMAX's history."
Founded in 1967, IMAX Corp. (www.imax.com) is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies. IMAX's businesses include the creation and delivery of the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX and IMAX 3D technology, and the development of the highest quality digital production and presentation.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
