Santa Monica, U.S.A. — IMAX Corporation and Lionsgate, a leading diversified global entertainment company, announced that ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’, the second film in the wildly popular franchise, will be released in the immersive IMAX format.

The first Hunger Games film just crossed the $400 million mark at the North American box office, making it the 14th highest-grossing film of all time. The film has grossed nearly $650 million worldwide, with a rollout in China (including 67 IMAX screens) later this month.

Helping to further eventize this cultural phenomenon and transport moviegoers into the world of Panem, director Francis Lawrence will utilize IMAX cameras in filming portions of ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’. Exclusively in IMAX theatres, sequences shot with the extremely high-resolution cameras will expand to fill the entire screen with unprecedented crispness and clarity, putting moviegoers right into the action alongside Katniss and her fellow Tributes. Leading the cast is Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence, reprising her role as Katniss Everdeen, along with fellow returning cast members Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark.

“We are thrilled to continue the productive partnership we enjoyed with IMAX on the first installment of ‘The Hunger Games’,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairs Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger. “Our partnership on the first Hunger Games film was a resounding success, and we look forward to building on that experience with an expanded IMAX relationship on Catching Fire. IMAX delivers a unique and memorable experience that is the perfect way to celebrate this special moviegoing event.”

“Beyond the global phenomenon that was ‘The Hunger Games’, the film resonated exceptionally with IMAX fans, resulting in sell outs across the network during the limited IMAX run,” said Greg Foster, Chairman and President, IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “We are excited to expand our partnership with directorFrancis Lawrence, producers Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik and the Lionsgate team as Catching Fire joins a select group of blockbuster titles that have filmed with IMAX cameras, elevating the property to the next level.”

The IMAX release of ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ is based on the second book in Suzanne Collins’ bestselling series. It chronicles the life of Katniss Everdeen after she emerges from the 74th Annual Hunger Games victorious — but far from safe. Even as she becomes an unwitting symbol of the rebellion mounting in the districts, Katniss never loses sight of her commitment to protect her family. ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producerJon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 36 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.

Image Courtesy of The Hunger Games

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Los Angeles, U.S.A. - IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures announced that New Line Cinema’s ‘Rock of Ages’, based on the hit Broadway musical, will be released in the immersive IMAX format for a limited engagement in 39 IMAX theatres worldwide. Domestically, the film will open in 35 IMAX locations day-and-date with the film’s wide release on June 15, 2012. Additional playdates will be added as pending bookings are confirmed. Directed byAdam Shankman, the film stars Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Paul Giamatti, Russell Brand, Mary J. Blige and Catherine Zeta-Jones, with Alec Baldwin, and Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx.

The IMAX release of ‘Rock of Ages’ will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

‘Rock of Ages’ tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits ofDef Leppard, Foreigner, Journey, Poison, REO Speedwagon, Twisted Sister and more.

The movie musical stars Julianne Hough, with actor/singer Diego Boneta in his feature film debut, Russell Brand, Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti, Academy Award winner Catherine Zeta-Jones, Malin Akerman and R&B queen Mary J. Blige, with Oscar nominee Alec Baldwin , and Oscar nominee Tom Cruise.

Shankman directs ‘Rock of Ages’ from a screenplay by Justin Theroux and Chris D’Arienzo and Allan Loeb, based on D’Arienzo’s musical of the same name. The film is being produced by Matthew Weaver,Scott Prisand, Carl Levin, Tobey Maguire, Garrett Grant and Jennifer Gibgot, with Toby Emmerich,Richard Brener, Michael Disco, Samuel J. Brown, Hillary Butorac Weaver, Janet Billig Rich, Shankman and D’Arienzo serving as executive producers.

Rounding out the ‘Rock of Ages’ creative team are director of photography Bojan Bazelli (‘Hairspray’), production designer Jon Hutman (‘It’s Complicated’), editor Emma E. Hickox (‘A Walk To Remember’), Oscar nominated costume designer Rita Ryack (‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’, ‘Hairspray’), Grammy-nominated music supervisor Matt Sullivan (‘Dreamgirls’, ‘Nine’), executive and Emmy Award-winning choreographer Mia Michaels (“So You Think You Can Dance”). The original score is by executive music producer Adam Anders and Peer Astrom (TV’s “Glee”).

New Line Cinema presents, a Corner Store Entertainment production, in association with Material Pictures, in association with Offspring Entertainment, an Adam Shankman film, ‘Rock of Ages’. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

‘Rock of Ages’ has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for for sexual content, suggestive dancing, some heavy drinking, and language.

‘Rock of Ages: The IMAX Experience’ is scheduled to play day-and-date at the following IMAX theatres beginning June 15:

The United States

• Alaska, Anchorage – Regal Tikahtnu Stadium 16 + IMAX
• Arizona, Phoenix – AMC Deer Valley 30 with IMAX
• California, Aliso Viejo – Regal Aliso Viejo Stadium 20 + IMAX
• California, Burbank – AMC Burbank 16 with IMAX
• California, Escondido – Regal Escondido Stadium 16 + IMAX
• Colorado, Lakewood – Regal UA Colorado Mills Stadium 16 + IMAX
• District of Columbia, Washington – AMC Loews Georgetown 14 with IMAX
• Florida, Brandon – AMC The Regency 20 with IMAX
• Florida, Orlando – AMC Loews Universal Cineplex 20 with IMAX
• Florida, South Miami – AMC Sunset Place 24 with IMAX
• Florida, St. Augustine – The World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater
• Georgia, Cumming – AMC Avenue Forsyth 12 with IMAX
• Illinois, Peoria – Rave Grand Prairie 18 + IMAX
• Illinois, Schaumburg – AMC Loews Streets of Woodfield 20 with IMAX
• Indiana, Noblesville – Goodrich Hamilton 16 IMAX
• Iowa, Davenport – Rave Davenport 53 + IMAX
• Kansas, Leawood – AMC Town Center 20 with IMAX
• Michigan, Sterling Heights – AMC Forum 30 with IMAX
• Minnesota, Edina – AMC Southdale 16 with IMAX
• New Jersey, Hamilton – AMC Hamilton 24 with IMAX
• New York, New York City – AMC Loews 34th Street 14 with IMAX
• North Carolina, Raleigh – The Wells Fargo IMAX Theatre at Marbles Kids Museum
• Oklahoma, Tulsa – Cinemark Tulsa + IMAX
• Oregon, Tigard – Regal Bridgeport Village Stadium 18 + IMAX
• Tennessee, Hendersonville – Regal Streets of Indian Lake Stadium 16 + IMAX
• Texas, Austin – Regal Gateway Stadium 16 + IMAX
• Texas, Frisco – AMC Stonebriar 24 with IMAX
• Utah, Salt Lake City – Megaplex 12 at the Gateway ATK IMAX Theatre
• Washington, Seattle – Pacific Science Center PACCAR IMAX

Canada

• Alberta, Calgary – Empire Studio 16 Country Hills IMAX
• Ontario, Ancaster – Cineplex SilverCity Ancaster Cinemas IMAX
• Ontario, Gloucester – Cineplex SilverCity Gloucester Cinemas IMAX
• Ontario, London – Cineplex SilverCity London Cinemas IMAX
• Ontario, Toronto – AMC Yonge + Dundas 24 with IMAX
• Quebec, Montreal – AMC Forum 22 with IMAX

International

• Austria, Graz – Cineplexx Graz IMAX
• Austria, Hohenems – Cineplexx IMAX Hohenems
• Austria, Vienna –Apollo Das Kino Vienna IMAX
• Italy, Milan – UCI IMAX Pioltello Milano

Image Courtesy of   Warner Brothers

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LOS ANGELES, U.S.A. – IMAX Corporation, in partnership with Indomina Releasing (Indomina), has announced the release of Bona Film Group’s blockbuster ‘Flying Swords of Dragon Gate’, starring Jet Li, for an exclusive, limited engagement across North America in September in the immersive IMAX 3D format.

Acquired for North American release by Indomina, the motion picture distribution arm of The Indomina Group, Flying Swords of Dragon Gate is the first Chinese-language film to be released in the IMAX 3D format and the fourth-highest grossing Chinese-language film of all time.

“We’re delighted to be working again with Bona and Tsui Hark and to release their newest film, Flying Swords of Dragon Gate,” said Indomina Group Vice Chairman and CEO, Jasbinder Singh Mann. “It’s an ideal fit for Indomina – just as IMAX is the ideal movie-going experience for the film. Audiences are in for a real treat when they see this Chinese martial arts masterpiece on the IMAX screen.”

“We are honored that IMAX is a platform to showcase the best in locally-produced Chinese films to audiences around the world,” said Greg Foster, IMAX Chairman and President of Filmed Entertainment. “Together with The Indomina Group and Bona Film Group, we are offering North American fans of Chinese martial arts films this rare opportunity to experience one of the biggest Chinese blockbusters of all time in the most immersive format available – IMAX.”

“We’re thrilled to have partnered with director Tsui Hark and IMAX in producing the first-ever IMAX 3D Chinese-language film,” said Dong Yu, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Bona Film Group. “The success of the film in China has proven once again the huge potential of the China market, and has also demonstrated the sophistication of Chinese filmmakers in mastering the latest filmmaking technologies and techniques.

We’re absolutely excited that this unprecedented experience of Chinese cinema will soon be brought to North American audiences through The Indomina Group with their passion and marketing clout for Asian cinema, and the support of IMAX.”

Since the film’s December release in China, Flying Swords of Dragon Gate has earned approximately$86.5 million at the box office, of which approximately $10.6 million was generated in 61 digital IMAX theatres across China.

The film set a new record for a Chinese-produced movie released in the IMAX format and became the fourth-highest grossing IMAX DMR title in China behind Avatar, Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Titanic 3D.  The film also won five awards at the 31st Hong Kong Film Awards held on April 15, including Best Action Choreography, Art Direction, Editing, Visual Effects and Sound Effects.

Flying Swords of Dragon Gate: An IMAX 3D Experience reunites renowned director Tsui Hark with his Once Upon a Time in China leading man, Jet Li, and also stars Zhou Xun, Aloys Chen Kun, Gwei Lun-Mei, Li Yuchun and Mavis Fan. It also reunites Tsui Hark with Indomina after their successful collaboration on last year’s Detective Dee and The Mystery of the Phantom Flame.

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Los Angeles, U.S.A. – IMAX Corporation, Marvel Studios and The Walt Disney Studios have announced that the epic Super Hero adventure Marvel’s The Avengers will be released in the immersive IMAX 3D format in 451 digital theatres worldwide. Domestically, the film will be released in 275 theatres beginning Friday, May 4.

The international debut of Marvel’s The Avengers got off to a record breaking start in IMAX theatres last weekend, significantly outperforming previous IMAX releases of Marvel films. More territories are launching in tandem with the North American release this week, including China. Domestic IMAX pre-sales are also strong and significantly ahead of any previous Marvel releases.

Marvel’s The Avengers, based on the well-known Marvel comic book series, is directed by Joss Whedonand stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgard and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.

Distributed by The Walt Disney Studios, Marvel’s The Avengers: An IMAX 3D Experience marks the third Marvel Studios film presented in IMAX, following the releases of Iron Man 2: The IMAX Experience in 2010 and Thor: An IMAX 3D Experience in 2011.

The IMAX release of Marvel’s The Avengers will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of An IMAX 3D Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

About Marvel’s The Avengers
Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers” — the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgard and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in summer 2012.

“Marvel’s The Avengers” is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures. The film is being produced by Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige and executive produced by Alan Fine, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee, Louis D’Esposito, Patricia Whitcher, Victoria Alonso and Jeremy Latcham. The story is by Zak Penn and Joss Whedon and the screenplay is by Joss Whedon. The film releases May 4, 2012, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

http://marvel.com/avengers_movie

Marvel’s The Avengers has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, and a mild drug reference.

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IMAX Corporation, Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment  announced that the long-awaited next chapter in the famed James Bond franchise, SKYFALL, will be released in IMAX theatres simultaneously with the film’s international release on Oct. 26, and its domestic release on Nov. 9, 2012. This is the first IMAX installment of the iconic Bond film franchise.

In SKYFALL, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.  As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

SKYFALL marks the return of Daniel Craig as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007, as well as Judi Denchreprising her role as M. The film also stars franchise newcomers Ralph Fiennes, Javier Bardem and Naomie Harris. The film is directed by Sam Mendes from a screenplay written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan. Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are producers.

“SKYFALL will be the cool, must-see event release of the fall, and releasing the film in IMAX only reinforces that,” said Rory Bruer, President, Worldwide Distribution for Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution.

“It is fitting that with SKYFALL marking the 50th Anniversary of the James Bond franchise, we celebrate in epic style and what could be more larger-than-life than IMAX joining the festivities,” said Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officers of MGM.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this legendary franchise, whose iconic characters and electrifying action will only be amplified in the IMAX format,” said Greg Foster, Chairman and President, IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “We are excited to rejoin forces with our friends at Sony Pictures Entertainment and MGM and so pleased to work with Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli, and Sam Mendes to bring their vision to IMAX and Bond fans around the world.”

The IMAX release of SKYFALL will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/JamesBond007

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The Mission Impossible franchise has been waiting for its new installment for six years now.   Tom Cruise will again star as the IMF agent Ethan Hunt as he and his team will plunge into deep cover in Russia.  Brad Bird is directing while Tom Cruise, and J.J. Abrams will produce.

Ghost Protocol follows Ethan Hunt and his Impossible Mission Force  (IMF) team after a bomb has gone off at The Kremlin (the place of residence of the President of the Russian Federation.)  IMF,  a secret part of the CIA, is being blamed for the bombing so they send Hunt and his team in deep cover in order to clear its name.

The series is well known for its iconic theme song, explosive action sequences along with Tom Cruise starring as the main role.  For the fourth installment, new cast members have been added like, Jeremy Renner from The Hurt Locker, for the role of Brandt.  Along with him, comes Josh Holloway, a usual in the works of J.J. Abrams.

Halloway is best known as Sawyer from Lost.  Ving Rhames (Dawn of the Dead, Pulp Fiction will be returning to the cast for the fourth time along with Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz, Star Trek) for his second time.

Ghost Protocol is Brad Bird’s first live action movie.  Coming from an animation background in Pixar, Bird has directed Ratatouille, and the Incredibles. J.J. Abrams, commented on Bird’s style to MTV News.

“It’s so weird to watch scenes for a movie by a director that feels so of that director’s style, and yet you realize you’ve never ever seen a live-action film by that director.  You watch moments where you go, ‘That’s so Brad Bird!’ And then you realize, oh, it’s so weird to have seen a Brad Bird moment with actual flesh and blood actors.’”

When the trailer leaked there did not seem to be many moments that seem like they were directed by Bird, but being that its only the trailer, it’s far too early to judge.

J.J. Abrams has had a history with the Mission Impossible Franchise.  As director of the third installment, Ghost Protocol will have that certain Abrams feel to it.  Tom Cruise, having produced the last three installments is also on board producing.

The movie was shot, and will be playing in IMAX. Many fans feel like it will be worth the money to see it.  One scene shot on the IMAX cameras is when Hunt is climbing the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.  The shot is so intense that seeing that shot in IMAX would be breathtaking.

Mission Impossible fans have been waiting six years for a new piece of the franchise to come out.  With new IMAX cameras being utilized the cinematography will be a sight for sore eyes.

The only thing that is intriguing people is how will Brad Bird transition from animation to live action?  Protocol is about 4 months away, releasing on December  21 and the hype is starting to set in.

Ethan Hunt has been in trouble before but will he be able to get himself out of trouble again?

Chris Harvey / Shutterstock.com

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