The IMAX 3-D release of SUPERMAN RETURNS, which has set multiple IMAX box office records, has now earned $22.7 million on 92 IMAX screens domestically and more than $7.5 million on 36 IMAX screens internationally. The IMAX release from Warner Bros. Pictures has now earned a worldwide total of $30 million through 13 weeks with an impressive per screen average of $229,000.
"We are very pleased with the longevity of the film's performance in IMAX theaters," said Dan Fellman, president of Domestic Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures. "The immersive IMAX Experience has helped this terrific film continue to draw crowds thirteen weeks into its run."
"Superman Returns has been a huge hit in IMAX theaters throughout the entire summer," said Greg Foster, chairman and president of IMAX Filmed Ent. "The strong legs provide a clear indication that audiences want to experience Hollywood event movies in the most powerful and unique way. We are encouraged by the ongoing positive reactions to the world's first live-action Hollywood feature with scenes converted into IMAX 3-D."
IMAX theaters from New York to San Francisco are reporting strong results and high occupancy, with New York City's IMAX at AMC Loews Lincoln Square 12 and IMAX at AMC Loews Metreon 15 in San Francisco topping the North American list. The film is also performing very well in key international territories, with several IMAX theaters reporting record performances.
"SUPERMAN RETURNS: AN IMAX 3-D EXPERIENCE is continuing to generate significant box office receipts throughout our international territories, demonstrating the universal staying power and appeal of The IMAX Experience," said Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, president of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. "We look forward to delivering more IMAX and IMAX 3-D features to the IMAX theater network as the global appetite for this type of release continues to grow."
IMAX used its proprietary 2-D to 3-D conversion technology to successfully complete the conversion of approximately 20 minutes of SUPERMAN RETURNS INTO AN IMAX 3-D EXPERIENCE. During four select sequences of the film, a visual cue designed by director Bryan Singer indicates when audiences should put on and remove their IMAX 3-D glasses. The film has been transformed into The IMAX Experience with IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology.
Founded in 1967, IMAX Corp. (www.imax.com) is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies and the newest distribution window for Hollywood films. IMAX delivers among the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3-D, and IMAX DMR technology. The IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences. As of June 30, 2006, there were 274 IMAX theaters operating in 38 countries.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
