Japanese exhibitor Tokyu Recreation will release Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen in the Imax digital formatin June, marking the first time the format has been used in Japan.

Three sites in Tokyu's 109 Cinemas chain will screen the film in Imax digitalfrom June 20- which also marks the film's earliest opening worldwide. Following Transformers, Tokyu plans to re-release Dark Knight, which employed the oversized format for certain scenes, as well as upcoming Imax and Imax 3D titles.

Transformers is expected to be Paramount Pictures Japan's highest grossing release in the territory this year. The first film, released in August 2007, earned $40.1m (Y4.01bn).

As reported on Screendaily.com last July, Imax and Tokyu announced a cost and profit-sharing joint venture to construct four new Imax screens in Japan. While there are several other Imax facilities across Japan, Tokyu's digital projection units mark an industry first.

Imax digital projection was unveiled in 2008 when the company struck deals with America's AMC chain, UK's Odeon cinemas and Australia's Hoyts cinemas.

Transformers' release is preceded by JJ Abrams' Star Trek on May 29 and followed by DreamWorks Imax 3D title Monsters VS Aliens and G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra in the summer.

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