Disney films heading to Imax

Leah Zanolla | Posted: Nov 19, 2008 | Updated: Oct 19, 2014 - 9:25:27 AM

The Walt Disney Company announced that it will release five movies in Imax format. The first movie scheduled for Imax in late 2009 is Disney's "A Christmas Carol" starring Jim Carrey and directed by Robert Zemeckis. The movie will be further enhanced by 3D technology in select theaters.

The last movie that Disney produced in Imax was 2005's "Aliens of the Deep" documentary. No decision has been made as to which other Disney productions will be released in this format.

Imax has been under increased pressure with many theater's converting to digital projection and 3D systems. In response to this competition, Imax has reformatted its technology making it available in a traditional theater setting rather than the giant curved screens it is best known for. Over the past five years, Imax has grown from 250 to 320 theaters.

Imax has kept its focus on major Hollywood movies. In commenting about the partnership with Disney, the co-chief executive of Imax, Richard Gelfond, stated "what makes our model work is high-quality blockbuster films."

Imax productions are noted for increased ticket sales and higher prices at the box office. According to Chuck Viane, president of distribution at Disney Pictures "the average 3D auditorium delivers three times the revenue of a regular auditorium." The financial terms of this partnership have not been released.