LOS ANGELES, March 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Warner Bros. Pictures, Paramount Pictures International and IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX; TSX: IMX) today announced that Watchmen, Zack Snyder's highly anticipated film based on the popular graphic novel will open in 124 IMAX(R) theatres domestically on March 6, 2009, simultaneously with the film's wide release. The film will also open in 29 IMAX theatres internationally on the same date. Strong advance ticket sales have already been reported and many IMAX theatres are selling out shows through the opening weekend.
Watchmen: The IMAX Experience has been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with proprietary IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-mastering) technology. This is Zack Snyder's second IMAX release, following Warner Bros. Pictures' 2007 blockbuster 300, which broke multiple IMAX box office records during its run.
"The riveting action and stunning special effects in Watchmen look and sound incredible in IMAX," said Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures.
Andrew Cripps, President of Paramount Pictures International added, "The IMAX Experience adds an extra level of excitement to an already thrilling movie, allowing moviegoers to make their Watchmen outing a true event."
Many IMAX theatres are reporting very strong advance ticket sales, demonstrating the huge enthusiasm surrounding the movie:
- Advance IMAX ticket sales are approaching $2 million with 2 days still to go - More than 100 IMAX shows already sold out - All 124 domestic IMAX theatres have added midnight screenings - Several domestic IMAX theatres are adding 3am shows to meet the demand - Chicago's Navy Pier IMAX theatre has sold out nearly every show for the weekend, with tickets already sold for 3am and 7am shows. - IMAX.com is experiencing increased traffic as visitors turn to the site to purchase advance tickets, download trailers and access the new film widget. - On MovieTickets.com, IMAX ticket sales account for one-third of all Watchmen sales.
"There is strong buzz surrounding this film, and with the recent expansion of the IMAX network, even more people will have the chance to experience Zack Snyder's return to IMAX theatres," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "We're delighted to see that many IMAX theatres are already reporting sold out shows, and some are adding additional screenings to accommodate the high demand."
"We think that Zack Snyder's creative vision, experienced in IMAX, will once again resonate very well with the tech-savvy demographic that has made IMAX their cinema of choice," added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "Our Partners at Warner Bros. Pictures and Paramount Pictures International are doing a great job of integrating IMAX into all aspects of the release, and it has certainly helped to create this fantastic IMAX/Watchmen anticipation."
Watchmen was originally published by DC Comics as a 12-comic book series between 1986 and 1987, before subsequently being collected into a trade paperback. It is the only graphic novel to win the prestigious Hugo Award or to be named among TIME magazine's "100 Best English Language Novels from 1923 to the Present." The film is directed by Snyder and produced by Lawrence Gordon (Die Hard), Lloyd Levin (United 93) and Deborah Snyder (300), with Herbert W. Gains serving as executive producer.
Watchmen: The IMAX Experience is scheduled to play day-and-date at the following IMAX theatres beginning March 6th.
UNITED STATES Arizona Mesa - Gateway 12 IMAX Theatre Phoenix - AMC Deer Valley 30 with IMAX Arkansas Little Rock - Chenal 9 IMAX Theatre California Aliso Viejo - Edwards Aliso Viejo 20 & IMAX Anaheim - Movie Experience CinemaFusion 14 + IMAX at Anaheim Gardenwalk Arcadia - AMC Santa Anita 16 & IMAX Burbank - AMC Burbank 16 & IMAX Camarillo - Edwards Camarillo Palace Stadium 12 & IMAX Dublin - Regal Hacienda Crossings Stadium 21 & IMAX El Dorado Hills - Regal Cinemas El Dorado Hills Stadium 14 & IMAX Emeryville - AMC Bay Street 16 & IMAX Escondido - Regal Escondido Stadium 16 & IMAX Fairfield - Edwards Fairfield Stadium 16 & IMAX Fresno - Edwards Fresno Stadium 22 & IMAX Irvine - Edwards Irvine Spectrum IMAX Los Angeles - AMC Century City 15 & IMAX Los Angeles - IMAX Theatre at The Bridge: cinema de lux Los Angeles - AMC Universal CityWalk Stadium 19 with IMAX Ontario - Edwards Ontario Palace 22 & IMAX San Diego - Edwards Mira Mesa Stadium 18 & IMAX San Jose - AMC Eastridge Mall 15 & IMAX San Francisco - AMC Loews Metreon 16 with IMAX Simi Valley - Regal Civic Center Plaza 16 & IMAX Stockton - Regal City Centre Stadium 16 & IMAX Torrance - AMC Del Amo 18 & IMAX Colorado Colorado Springs - Cinemark Carefree Circle IMAX Theatre Denver - UA Colorado Center Stadium 9 & IMAX Westminster - AMC Orchard 12 & IMAX Connecticut Manchester - IMAX Theatre at Cinema de Lux Buckland Hills 18 Florida Altamonte Springs - AMC Altamonte Mall 18 & IMAX Aventura - AMC Aventura 24 & IMAX Fort Myers - Regal Gulf Coast Town Center Stadium 16 & IMAX Jacksonville - AMC Regency 24 & IMAX Orange Park - AMC Orange Park 24 & IMAX Orlando - Regal Pointe Orlando Stadium 20 & IMAX Tampa - AMC Veterans 24 & IMAX Tampa - Channelside Cinemas IMAX Tampa - Regal Waterford Lakes Stadium 20 & IMAX West Palm Beach - Muvico Parisian 20 & IMAX Georgia Augusta - Regal Augusta Exchange Stadium 20 & IMAX Buford - Regal Mall of Georgia Stadium 20 & IMAX Morrow - AMC Southlake Pavilion 24 & IMAX Hawaii Honolulu - Regal Dole Cannery 18 & IMAX Idaho Boise - Edwards Boise Stadium 22 & IMAX Illinois Batavia - Randall 15 IMAX Chicago - Navy Pier IMAX Theatre Lincolnshire - Regal Lincolnshire 20 & IMAX Woodridge - Cinemark Seven Bridges IMAX Theatre Indiana Evansville - IMAX Theatre at Showplace Cinemas East 18 Indianapolis - Kerasotes ShowPlace 16 & IMAX Noblesville - Hamilton 16 IMAX Portage - Portage 16 IMAX Kansas Olathe - AMC Studio 30 & IMAX Kentucky Louisville - Cinema De Lux 20: Stonybrook IMAX Louisiana Harahan - AMC Elmwood Palace 20 & IMAX Maryland Baltimore - AMC Loews White Marsh 16 & IMAX Columbia - AMC Columbia 14 & IMAX Massachusetts Natick - Verizon IMAX 3D Theater at Jordan's Furniture - Natick Reading - Verizon IMAX 3D Theater at Jordan's Furniture - Reading Michigan Dearborn - The Henry Ford IMAX Theatre Grand Blanc - NGC Trillium Cinema IMAX Theatre Grand Rapids - Celebration! Cinema IMAX Theatre Lansing - Celebration! Cinema IMAX Theatre Sterling Heights - AMC Forum 30 & IMAX Ypsilanti - Showcase Cinemas Ann Arbor IMAX Minnesota Apple Valley - Great Clips IMAX Theatre Missouri Kansas City - AMC BarryWoods 24 & IMAX St. Louis - Wehrenberg Theatres Ronnies 20 Cine IMAX Nebraska Council Bluffs - Kerasotes Star Cinemas 16 & IMAX Nevada Henderson - Regal Sunset Station Stadium 13 & IMAX Las Vegas - Brenden Theatres and IMAX at the Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas - Regal Red Rock Stadium 16 & IMAX Las Vegas - Regal Aliante Stadium 16 & IMAX New Hampshire Hooksett - Cinemagic & IMAX in Hooksett New Jersey Atlantic City -Tropicana Casino and Resort IMAX Theatre Cherry Hill - AMC Loews Cherry Hill 24 & IMAX Hamilton - AMC Hamilton 24 & IMAX New York Albany - Regal Crossgates Mall 18 & IMAX Brooklyn - UA Sheepshead Bay Stadium 14 & IMAX Deer Park - Regal Deer Park Stadium 16 & IMAX Long Island - Leroy R. and Rose W. Grumman IMAX Dome Theater New Rochelle - Regal New Roc City 18 & IMAX New York City - AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 & IMAX New York City - AMC Empire 25 & IMAX Stony Brook - AMC Stony Brook 17 & IMAX West Nyack - IMAX Theatre at Palisades Center White Plains - IMAX Theatre at City Center: Cinema De Lux 15 Williamsville - Regal Transit Center 18 & IMAX Ohio Columbus - AMC Easton Town Center 30 & IMAX Springdale - IMAX Theatre at Springdale 18: Cinema De Lux Oregon Tigard - Regal Bridgeport Village Stadium 18 & IMAX Pennsylvania Bensalem - AMC Neshaminy 24 & IMAX Homestead - AMC Waterfront 22 & IMAX King of Prussia - UA King of Prussia Stadium 16 & IMAX Reading - RC Reading Movies 11 + IMAX Rhode Island Providence - Providence Place Cinemas 16 & IMAX Tennessee Knoxville - Regal Pinnacle Stadium 18 at Turkey Creek Nashville - Regal Opry Mills 20 & IMAX Texas Dallas - Cinemark IMAX Theatre at Cinemark 17 Houston - AMC Gulf Pointe 30 & IMAX Houston - Edwards Houston Marq*e 23 & IMAX Mesquite - AMC Mesquite 30 & IMAX San Antonio - Santikos Palladium 18 IMAX Theatre Sugar Land - AMC First Colony 24 & IMAX Tomball - Santikos Silverado Station 18 IMAX Utah Sandy - Megaplex 17 IMAX at Jordan Commons Virginia Alexandria - AMC Hoffman Center 22 & IMAX Midloathian - Regal Commonwealth 20 & IMAX Virginia Beach - AMC Lynnhaven 18 & IMAX Woodbridge - AMC Potomac Mills 18 & IMAX Washington Lacey - Regal Martin Village Stadium 16 & IMAX Seattle - Pacific Science Center Boeing IMAX Theatre Tukwila - AMC Southcenter 16 & IMAX Wisconsin Fitchburg - Kerasotes Star 18 & IMAX CANADA Alberta Calgary - Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre Chinook IMAX Theatre Edmonton - Cineplex Scotiabank West Edmonton Mall IMAX Theatre British Columbia Langley - Cineplex Colossus Langley IMAX Theatre Richmond - Cineplex SilverCity Riverport IMAX Theatre Nova Scotia Halifax - Empire IMAX, Bayer's Lake Ontario Mississauga - Cineplex Coliseum Mississauga IMAX Theatre Ottawa - Cineplex SilverCity Gloucester IMAX Theatre Toronto - Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre Toronto IMAX Theatre Woodbridge - Cineplex Colossus Woodbridge IMAX Theatre Quebec Montreal - Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre Montreal IMAX Theatre INTERNATIONAL Australia Melbourne - Hoyts Melbourne Highpoint Melbourne - Melbourne IMAX Perth - Hoyts Perth Carousel Sydney - Hoyts Sydney Entertainment Quarter Sydney - LA IMAX Theater Sydney France Paris - Gaumont Disney Village Hong Kong Kowloon - UA MegaBox IMAX Theatre* Korea Ilsan - CGV Ilsan Seoul - CGV Wangsipni Seoul - CGV Yongsan Mexico Guadalajara - Cinepolis Gallerias Mexico City - Cinepolis IMAX Theatre Perisur Mexico City - Cinepolis IMAX Theatre Universidad Monterrey - Cinepolis Galerias Valle Oriente Toluca - Cinepolis Galerias Metepec Netherlands Amsterdam - Pathe Arena IMAX New Zealand Auckland - SKYCITY IMAX Theatre Queen Street Russia Moscow - KinoStar City @ Mega Belaya Dacha, Moscow St. Petersburg - Coca Cola IMAX Kinostar South Africa Durban - Gateway IMAX Pretoria - Menlyn IMAX Spain Barakaldo - Yelmo Cines Megapark Malaga - Yelmo Cines Plaza Mayor Oviedo - Yelmo Cines Los Prados Taiwan Taipei - Samsung IMAX Miramar Cinemas UK Greenwich - ODEON Greenwich London - BFI London IMAX Cinema Manchester - ODEON Manchester IMAX Cinema at The Printworks Wimbledon - ODEON Wimbledon Ukraine Kiev - Utel IMAX Theatre *denotes later launch
Additional theatres will be confirmed. Please check local listings or IMAX.com for final theatre listings, launch dates and showtimes.
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 movie presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX(R) 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. IMAX's renowned projectors display crystal-clear images on the world's biggest screens, and the IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences for consumers. As of September 30, 2008, there were 320 IMAX theatres operating in 42 countries.
IMAX(R), IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX DMR(R), The IMAX 3D Experience(R), and The IMAX Experience(R) are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at http://www.imax.com/.
This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on management's assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Important factors that could affect these statements include ongoing discussions with the SEC and OSC relating to their ongoing inquiries and the Company's accounting, the performance of films, the signing of theatre system agreements, the viability of new technologies, businesses and products, the timing of theatre system deliveries, the mix of theatre systems shipped, the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses on film production and distribution agreements, risks arising from potential material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and fluctuations in foreign currency and in the large format, general commercial exhibition and out-of-home entertainment markets. These factors and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
