IMAX Corporation has secured a deal to install four IMAX theatres in theatres in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney operated by Australian exhibitor Hoyts Cinemas.

The agreement marks IMAX Corporation's first international joint venture featuring the new IMAX Digital Theatre System and will double IMAX's footprint in Australia.

The partners will share in the cost and profitability of the new theatres. The first three will be installed at the Entertainment Quarter 12 in Sydney, the Highpoint 17 in Melbourne and the Carousel 16 in Perth. These openings are scheduled to coincide with the Australian launch of Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince in December. The fourth theatre will be installed in Melbourne in 2009.

To date IMAX has signed contracts for more than 180 IMAX Digital theatre systems, with approximately 50 scheduled to be ready by the end of 2008.

IMAX's slate for the remainder of 2008, 2009 and 2010 includes: The Dark Knight on July 18 2008; Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa on November 7 2008; Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince on November 21; Under the Sea 3D in February 2009; Monsters Vs Aliens 3D in March 2009; Hubble 3D (working title) in February, 2010; How To Train Your Dragon 3D in March 2010; and Shrek Goes Fourth 3D in May, 2010.

Topics