Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa To Be Released Into IMAX(R) Theatres On
November 7, 2008
LOS ANGELES, May 12 /CNW/ - IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ:IMAX; TSX:IMX) and
DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (NYSE:DWA) today announced an agreement to
release Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa into IMAX(R) theatres worldwide on
November 7, 2008. The agreement completes IMAX's integration into DreamWorks
Animation's release strategy for the studio's next five theatrical releases
from June 2008 to May 2010.
Under the terms of the agreement, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa will be
digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The
IMAX Experience(R) and play for a special release in IMAX theatres, including
select new IMAX(R) Digital theatres, which will begin rolling out this summer.
"IMAX's early scheduled deployment of its state-of-the-art digital
projection system has made possible the release of Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
into The IMAX Experience," said Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks
Animation. "DreamWorks Animation remains committed to delivering a premium
entertainment experience to our audience and further extending our
relationship with IMAX helps us to achieve that goal."
"We are delighted that DreamWorks Animation will capitalize on the
advantages of IMAX Digital, and we are pleased to add Madagascar: Escape 2
Africa to our 2008 lineup," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L.
Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "The virtual elimination of film prints
enables studios to release titles in a shorter window. This allows IMAX
theatres to program more content, which we believe will translate into
increased revenue for exhibitors and ultimately lead to accelerated growth of
the IMAX network worldwide."
"Madagascar was a huge hit with moviegoers, and we are very confident
that this highly anticipated sequel will look and sound amazing in IMAX,"
added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "IMAX
Digital has virtually eliminated a significant barrier to entry into the IMAX
business for studios, and it is already driving additional content into our
network. We're thrilled to enter into this new age of exhibition with a
visionary studio like DreamWorks Animation."
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa joins four other DreamWorks Animation movies
previously announced and slated for release in the IMAX format, including Kung
Fu Panda, which will be released on June 6, 2008, as well as the studio's
first three 3D titles, Monsters vs. Aliens (March 2009), How to Train Your
Dragon (November 2009), and Shrek Goes Fourth (May 2010).
In Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, all of the loveable characters are back -
Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo, King
Julien, Maurice and the penguins.