IMAX Signs Theatre Deal with ODEON Cinemas

 http://www.imax.com/corporate/pressReleases/

 

Europe's Largest Exhibitor Expands its IMAX Network in the United Kingdom

 

Following Success of New IMAX Digital Locations

 

TORONTO, June 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ:IMAX; TSX:IMX) and ODEON & UCI Cinemas Group, Europe's largest exhibitor, today announced an agreement to install an IMAX(R) theatre in its new ODEON Gateshead complex in Northeast England. The deal follows the strong performance of ODEON's new IMAX digital locations in Wimbledon and Greenwich. Scheduled to open in December 2009, the new Gateshead location will feature IMAX's digital projection system.

 

To date, IMAX has signed contracts for over 200 IMAX digital projection systems worldwide, with 100 currently in operation.

 

"In addition to our celluloid IMAX system in Manchester, the strong performances of our new IMAX digital locations in Wimbledon and Greenwich were the key drivers for our decision to add another IMAX location to our network in the United Kingdom," said Rupert Gavin, CEO of ODEON & UCI Cinemas Group. "Our three IMAX theatres continue to generate incremental revenue while offering our customers a unique cinema experience. We believe that with IMAX's rapidly growing Hollywood film slate, there is potential opportunity to expand this premium offering to other key locations."

"ODEON & UCI Cinemas Group's increasing interest in the IMAX business is very encouraging as we continue to focus on network expansion in Europe," said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. "Our association with Europe's largest exhibitor and one of the world's most recognized exhibition brands gives our own brand exceptional visibility, especially in new markets. We're delighted to expand our partnership with the ODEON & UCI Cinemas Group and we look forward to the opening of this new location in December."

 

"We're very pleased with ODEON and UCI Cinemas Group's success with our digital projection system and with how the IMAX revenues have helped drive the total location's business." added Larry O'Reilly, Executive Vice President of Theatre Development. "The Group's continued endorsement of our digital projection system reinforces the power of The IMAX Experience(R) in a multiplex setting."

IMAX's digital projection system delivers The IMAX Experience and helps drive profitability by increasing attendance and program flexibility while increasing the number of films available to customers to enjoy The IMAX Experience.

Upcoming IMAX films include:

 

2009

----

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - DreamWorks Pictures / Paramount Pictures

Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince - Warner Bros. Pictures

Disney's A Christmas Carol: An IMAX 3D Experience - Walt Disney Pictures

Avatar: An IMAX 3D Experience - Twentieth Century Fox

 

2010

----

Alice in Wonderland : An IMAX 3D Experience - Walt Disney Pictures

Hubble 3D (working title) - IMAX / Warner Bros. Pictures

How to Train Your Dragon: An IMAX 3D Experience - DreamWorks Animation

Shrek Forever After: An IMAX 3D Experience - DreamWorks Animation