It seems IMAX is the way to go in recent months as several movies are getting the treatment such as The Matrix sequels, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and most recently The Polar Express. Now 20th Century Fox is throwing their hat in the game with Robots, an animated feature from the creators of the 2002 hit Ice Age, which will be simultaneously released to both IMAX® and conventional theatres on March 11, 2005. The film will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. Robots marks the first day-and-date IMAX DMR release to open during the spring film season and serves to build IMAX’s commercial film slate for 2005.
“The spectacular CGI effects in this movie are perfect for IMAX’s immersive format and will look amazing in IMAX theatres,” said Bruce Snyder, President, Domestic Distribution, Twentieth Century Fox. “IMAX offers moviegoers a whole new way to experience Hollywood movies. We are thrilled to extend our relationship with IMAX and look forward to releasing additional event films in their fantastic format.”
The first joint project for Twentieth Century Fox and Academy Award®- winning director Chris Wedge since the blockbuster animated hit Ice Age, which earned more than $382 million worldwide, Robots boasts an all-star cast of contributing voices, including Ewan McGregor, Halle Berry, Mel Brooks, Greg Kinnear, Drew Carey, Jim Broadbent, Amanda Bynes and Robin Williams. Audiences that experience the film in IMAX theatres will be able to watch the adventure unfold on screens that stretch beyond their peripheral view, while being surrounded by up to 14,000 watts of pure digital sound.
“Robots will be nothing short of spectacular on IMAX screens,” said Chris Meledandri, President Animation at Fox. “The trailer has just been completed using the IMAX DMR process and is amazing. I am delighted about this association and look forward to working with Greg and his team to complete the IMAX version of the picture using their unique process.”
“This agreement with Twentieth Century Fox is further proof that studios are embracing IMAX DMR releases as a way to launch event films, deliver a unique and premium experience to consumers and increase box office performance,” said IMAX Co-CEO’s Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. “We’re excited to have Robots as our first confirmed commercial title for 2005 and expect to announce other great movies soon – which we believe will be instrumental in driving continued theatre signings momentum.”
“Robots is an important entry on our 2005 commercial film slate and will offer us a great way to illustrate the year-round appeal of The IMAX Experience,” added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “Previous IMAX DMR pictures have typically opened during the summer and holiday blockbuster seasons. We are thrilled that with Twentieth Century Fox’s Robots, we will begin offering commercial films to the IMAX theatre network year round. This is a very encouraging development and one we believe will help make next year’s commercial film slate the best in IMAX’s history.”
