SUPERMAN RETURNS will become the first live-action Hollywood feature to be converted from 2D to IMAX 3-D. IMAX Corp. will use its proprietary 2D to 3-D conversion technology to convert approximately 20 minutes of the film into An IMAX 3-D Experience.
"Releasing select sequences of SUPERMAN RETURNS in IMAX 3-D marks a groundbreaking moment in movies," said Dan Fellman, president of Domestic Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures. "This film is going to give fans an opportunity to be immersed in a major live-action motion picture like never before."
Directed by Bryan Singer (X-MEN, THE USUAL SUSPECTS), SUPERMAN RETURNS will be transformed into The IMAX Experience through IMAX DMR (Digital Re-Mastering) technology. The film will be simultaneously released to IMAX and conventional theaters on June 30. Warner Bros. Pictures will be the exclusive distributor of the film to the growing IMAX theater network worldwide.
"The test scenes that have been converted into IMAX 3-D look, sound and feel absolutely amazing," added Singer. "The magic of IMAX 3-D will envelop audiences in this story, enabling them to feel the emotion, drama and suspense in a completely new and unique way."
During select sequences of the film, a visual cue designed by Singer will indicate when audiences should put on and remove their IMAX 3-D glasses.
"Today's announcement is a culmination of a great film, a great filmmaker, a great studio and great technology all working together to produce the most powerful and immersive cinematic experience available to moviegoers worldwide," added IMAX co-chairmen and co-ceos Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler.
"Five out of the seven films in our 2006 line up now feature IMAX 3-D," said Greg Foster, chairman and president of IMAX Filmed Ent. "We are thrilled that moviegoers will be able to experience Bryan Singer's unique and exhilarating vision. Through the magic of IMAX 3-D, they will feel as if they are actually flying alongside the man of steel, weaving in and out of Metropolis."
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 some of the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3-D and IMAX DMR technology. As of December 31, 2005, there were 266 IMAX theaters operating in 38 countries.
IMAX Corp.'s proprietary 2D to 3-D technology includes technology licensed from Three-Dimensional Media Group Ltd. and invented by David M. Geshwind.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
