Press Release from IMAX Corp.
LOS ANGELES, June 21, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IMAX Corporation (Nasdaq:IMAX) (TSX:IMX) and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures today announced that Toy Story 3, the third installment of the blockbuster Toy Story franchise, posted record-shattering opening weekend results, with 180 domestic IMAX theatres contributing $8.4 million of the film's overall opening weekend gross of $109 million from Friday, June 18, through Sunday, June 20. The IMAX release contributed approximately 8% of the overall domestic box office on an estimated 2% of the total screens, and IMAX theatres posted a domestic per screen average of approximately $47,000.
Internationally, the film's IMAX release generated approximately $1.2 million from 47 IMAX theatres, bringing the global IMAX opening weekend total to $9.6 million. The film is scheduled to open on an additional 29 IMAX theatres internationally during the days and weeks ahead. The special IMAX 3D release has been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with IMAX DMR (Digital Re-Mastering) technology.
"We're very pleased with the opening weekend results and it is especially gratifying to see so many moviegoers of all different ages seizing the opportunity to experience the IMAX version of the film," said Chick Viane, president, Distribution, The Walt Disney Studios. "A film like this is designed to take audiences on an exciting thrill-ride adventure, making it a perfect match for both 3D and IMAX."
"When there is a big event film that people want to see, it is very clear that IMAX theatres are the venue of choice for moviegoers," said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. "Toy Story 3 marks the beginning of a string of must-see event summer holiday blockbusters that are scheduled for release in IMAX theatres and we're looking forward to a continued strong performance as positive word of mouth about Buzz and Woody in IMAX spreads."
"We're off to a great start and would like to congratulate our partners at Disney and Pixar for these record-breaking results," added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "We believe this weekend's performance demonstrates how the combination of a film that is ideally suited to The IMAX Experience, master filmmaking and a great studio partner translates into a big audience turnout and ultimately strong box-office results."
ABOUT THE MOVIE
"Toy Story 3" welcomes Woody (voice of Tom Hanks), Buzz (voice of Tim Allen) and the whole gang back to the big screen as Andy prepares to depart for college and his loyal toys find themselves in . . . day care! These untamed tots with their sticky little fingers do not play nice, so it's all for one and one for all as plans for the great escape get underway. A few new faces -- some plastic, some plush -- join the adventure, including iconic swinging bachelor and Barbie's counterpart Ken (voice of Michael Keaton), a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants (voice of Timothy Dalton) and a pink, strawberry-scented teddy bear called Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear (voice of Ned Beatty). Directed by Lee Unkrich (co-director of "Toy Story 2" and "Finding Nemo"), produced by Pixar veteran Darla K. Anderson ("Cars," "Monsters, Inc."), and written by Academy Award(R)-winning screenwriter Michael Arndt ("Little Miss Sunshine"), "Toy Story 3" is a comical new adventure in Disney Digital 3D(TM) and IMAX(R) 3D. For more information, check out Disney.com/ToyStory, facebook.com/pixartoystory and twitter.com/disneypixar.
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in immersive motion picture technologies. The worldwide IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event Hollywood films around the globe, with IMAX theatres delivering the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3D, and IMAX DMR technology. IMAX DMR is the Company's groundbreaking digital re-mastering technology that allows it to digitally transform virtually any conventional motion picture into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience. The IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences for consumers. As of March 31, 2010, there were 438 IMAX theatres (316 commercial, 122 institutional) operating in 47 countries.