What's Happening: January 2006 - June 2006

June 22, 2006: New Zealand IMAX Theater Opens
IMAX Corporation and Village SKYCITY Cinemas announced an agreement to open an IMAX® theatre in the Village SKYCITY Cinemas, Queen Street in Auckland, New Zealand. The theatre is scheduled to open in time to capitalize on the highly anticipated day and date release of SUPERMAN RETURNS: AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE on June 28. Click here to read the press release.

June 21, 2006: Harry Potter 5 Coming to IMAX
IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures announced that HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX -- the third Harry Potter film to be converted into IMAX's format -- will be simultaneously released to both IMAX® and conventional theatres on July 13, 2007. The film is based on the best-selling J.K. Rowling book and is the fifth installment of the widely successful Harry Potter film series. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is Warner Bros. Pictures' thirteenth title scheduled to be digitally re-mastered into The IMAX Experience® with IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. Warner Bros. Pictures will be the exclusive distributor of the film to IMAX theatres worldwide. Click here to read the press release.

June 14, 2006: Nat Geo Enters 3D with Roar
In an industry first, National Geographic is repurposing ROAR: LIONS OF THE KALAHARI, winner of best large-format film at the International Wildlife Film Festival, into the giant screen 3-D film format. The film will be marketed under the title Lions 3D: Roar of the Kalahari. The re-versioning marks the first time an entire live-action giant screen film has been digitally converted from the original flat format to 3-D, and represents the first foray for National Geographic into the 3-D giant screen marketplace. The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History has signed on as the film's first exhibitor. It will premiere in February 2007 in the Smithsonian's Johnson IMAX Theater. Click here to read the press release.

May 24, 2006: Ride Around the World Premieres
RIDE AROUND THE WORLD will have its world premiere at the Fort Worth Omni Theater on May 26 at a private gala benefiting the Cattle Raisers Museum, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, and National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Seven hundred guests will be treated to a sit down dinner in a big tent under the starry skies with entertainment by Country music star Martina McBride and dancing to the sounds of Wylie and the Wild West. The film features the amazing global journey of the cowboy -- transporting viewers to exotic, rarely seen locations in Morocco, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Canada and the U.S to discover the 1,500-year-old horse and cattle culture as it spread from its earliest beginnings to every corner of the New World. Click here to read the press release.

May 23, 2006: Deep Sea 3D Crosses $10M
Deep Sea 3D continues to post impressive box office results after the first thirteen weeks of the film's run. The highly acclaimed IMAX® 3D release has now grossed an estimated total of $10.2 million worldwide for a cumulative per screen average of $178,759. Deep Sea 3D was shot by award-winning Director/Cinematographer Howard Hall and features astonishing up-close encounters with some of the world's most exotic undersea creatures. Click here to read the press release.

May 15, 2006: American Geophysical Union Awards Robert Eather
Dr. Robert (Bob) Eather has been chosen as the winner of the 2006 American Geophysical Union Athelstan Spilhaus Award (first ever recipient) for his work on SOLARMAX. The award is given to recognize and honor American Geophysical Union members for enhancement of the public understanding of Earth and space sciences. The award will be conferred at the Joint Assembly at the Honors Evening Thursday May 26, in Baltimore.

AGU (American Geophysical Union) is an international scientific society of over 41,000 members that advances the understanding of Earth, atmospheric, oceanic, hydrologic, space, and planetary sciences. AGU is dedicated to fostering high-quality scientific research, disseminating the results of that research, enhancing educational opportunities in science, and encouraging international cooperation in geophysics.

May 10, 2006: IMAX Signs Louisiana Theater Deal
IMAX Corporation and O'Neil Theatres, an exhibitor based in Slidell, Louisiana, announced an agreement to open an IMAX ® theatre in a multiplex located in Covington, Louisiana. The new IMAX location will open in June, in time for the release of the highly anticipated SUPERMAN RETURNS: AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE. O'Neil's IMAX theatre will feature an IMAX MPX® system and will be capable of playing Hollywood event films that have been digitally re-mastered into The IMAX Experience® , as well as original IMAX productions in 2D and IMAX ® 3D. Click here to read the press release.

May 9, 2006: IMAX Q1 Financial Results
IMAX Corporation today reported a net loss of $0.14 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, compared to net earnings of $0.03 per diluted share reported for the three months ended March 31, 2005. The Company also announced that the process involving the potential merger or sale of the Company is proceeding well.

For the first quarter of 2006, film revenues were $6.5 million, as compared to $4.9 million in the first quarter of 2005. This included IMAX DMR revenues of $1.1 million. Theatre operations revenue was essentially flat at $3.7 million in the first quarter of 2006 versus $3.8 million in the first quarter of 2005. Other revenue was $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared to $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2004.

Highlights:

• Company announces contracts for eight IMAX® theatre systems in the first quarter, including six in North America.
• Company's 2006 film slate remains the strongest ever, with a total of seven films, five of which are IMAX® 3D films, including SUPERMAN RETURNS -- the world's first live-action Hollywood feature to be converted from 2D to 3D using IMAX's proprietary conversion technology.
• Company reports it is pleased with the interest received and progress made to date in its exploration of strategic alternatives, including the possible sale or merger of the business.
• Company guides to strong second quarter.
  
  Click here to read the press release.

May 2, 2006: Threinen Joins National Geographic Film Distro
Derek Threinen is joining National Geographic Giant Screen Film Distribution as director of film marketing, outreach and corporate relations. Threinen will be responsible for developing and implementing film launch and marketing strategies for the growing library of large-format films distributed by National Geographic, one of the largest in the giant-screen industry. Threinen also will lead day-to-day management of theater relations and sponsor fulfillment activities, and will play a key role in developing new revenue opportunities for National Geographic Giant Screen Films. He will be based at National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., beginning in June. Click here to read the press release.

April 20, 2006: IMAX/CJ CGV Expand Relationship
IMAX Corporation announced that CJ CGV Co. Ltd., the leading exhibitor in Korea, signed an agreement to add a fifth IMAX® theatre to its original four-theatre commitment. The IMAX theatre system will be installed in the Seomyun 12 multiplex in the city of Pusan. The decision follows impressive box office results from Korea's first two multiplex-based IMAX theatres in Seoul and Incheon. The newest theatre will also be equipped with IMAX MPX® technology, which enables CJ CGV to cost effectively retrofit a 35mm auditorium with an IMAX theatre system. Click here to read the press release.

April 18, 2006: Harry Potter 4 in IMAX Grosses $20M
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE has grossed more than $20 million, becoming the first digitally re-mastered 2D IMAX release to reach the milestone. The IMAX release has now grossed a total of $20,033,758 million worldwide for a cumulative per screen average of $188,998. The film has shown strong legs since debuting in IMAX® theatres, setting numerous records for a Hollywood simultaneous release, including biggest three-day opening weekend and highest per screen average. Click here to read the press release.

April 13, 2006: IMAX/Santikos 2-Theater Deal
IMAX Corporation and Santikos Theatres, an exhibitor based in San Antonio, Texas, announced an agreement to open IMAX® theatres in two of the exhibitor's multiplexes. The first Santikos IMAX location will open in San Antonio, Texas, and the second theatre will open in Houston, Texas. Both theatres are expected to open by 2007. Santikos' IMAX theatres will feature IMAX MPX® systems and will be capable of playing Hollywood event films that have been digitally re-mastered into The IMAX Experience®, as well as original IMAX productions in 2D and IMAX® 3D. Click here to read the press release.

April 5, 2006: IMAX/CineMagic Multi-Theater Deal
IMAX Corporation and CineMagic Theatres, an exhibitor based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, announced an agreement to open IMAX® theatres in at least two of the exhibitor's multiplexes, with a potential third site under discussion. The first CineMagic location to open will be in St. Michael, Minnesota, in August 2006. The second theatre will open during the second quarter of 2007. As part of the deal, CineMagic may purchase a third system to be installed in an agreed-upon location. Click here to read the press release.

April 4, 2006: GSCA Announces Board Officers
The Giant Screen Cinema Association (GSCA) Board announced that it has elected officers at its first board meeting at the association's inaugural conference in Los Angeles this past week. The board elected Andy Gellis, Cinevest, as Chair; Toby Mensforth, Smithsonian Business Ventures as Vice Chair; Gordon Stalans, Tennessee Aquarium, as Treasurer; and Patricia Keighley, DKP 70MM, as Secretary. All terms are for two years. The GSCA was formerly the Large Format Cinema Association and the Giant Screen Cinema Association. The two groups unified January 1, 2006. Click here to read the press release.

March 30, 2006: Superman Returns on IMAX 3D
SUPERMAN RETURNS, directed by Bryan Singer, will become the world's first live-action Hollywood feature to be converted from 2D to IMAX® 3D. IMAX Corporation will use its proprietary 2D to 3D conversion technology to convert approximately 20 minutes of the film into An IMAX 3D Experience®. During select sequences of the film, a visual cue designed by Singer will indicate when audiences should put on and remove their IMAX 3D glasses. The film will be simultaneously released to IMAX® and conventional theatres on June 30, 2006. Click here to read the press release.

March 27, 2006: Shindler on Digital Content Trends
At the recent November Digital Content @ Convergence Conference held in Korea, CEO of The Shindler Prespective, Marty Shindler, spoke on the topic, "Global Trends in Digital Content Production and Distribution." His presentation noted how digital tools allow for a quicker and easier creation of product, while internet-based tools also allow for easier distribution. Shindler also notes that the emergence of digital cinema will produce more opportunities for the independent filmmaker. To read more on Marty Shindler's studies in Digital Content, click here. To request a pdf of copy of his presentation, please visit The Shindler Perspective, Inc.

March 21, 2006: Strong Opening for Vendetta in IMAX
V FOR VENDETTA: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE debuted with impressive box office results and outstanding moviegoer response this past weekend. The digitally re-mastered IMAX DMR® release of V For Vendetta opened in 56 North American IMAX® theatres, grossing an estimated $1.36 million during the three-day period between March 17 and March 19 for a per screen average of $24,341. DEEP SEA 3D continued its strong box office performance, grossing $594,711 for the weekend domestically. In its first 17 days in IMAX theatres, the film has now grossed approximately $2.67 million on 44 screens. Click here to read the press release.

March 13, 2006: IMAX Signs 2-Theater Deal
IMAX Corporation and Goodrich Quality Theaters, Inc., an exhibitor based in Grand Rapids, MI, announced an agreement to open IMAX® theatres in two of the exhibitor's multiplexes. Goodrich Quality Theaters will install one IMAX theatre as part of a new multiplex in Portage, IN and the other as part of a new construction at an existing multiplex in Batavia, IL. Both theatres are expected to be installed during the fourth quarter of 2006. They will utilize IMAX MPX® technology and will be capable of playing IMAX production in 2D and IMAX® 3D. Click here to read the press release.

March 9, 2006: IMAX Q4 2005 Financial Results
IMAX Corporation reported net earnings of $0.40 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2005. This compares to net earnings of $0.26 per diluted share reported for the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of 62%. During the fourth quarter, the Company signed agreements for eight IMAX® theatre systems, bringing total signings for the year to 45 theatre systems, including one subject to a condition. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company's total revenues were $144.9 million, as compared to $136.0 million reported for the prior year.

Highlights include:

• Company exceeds guidance and expectations for 2005, reporting net earnings of $0.40 per share, versus guidance of $0.35-$0.38 per share.
• Company signs contracts for eight IMAX® theatre systems in the fourth quarter, bringing the total for the year to 45, at the high end of its guidance of 40-45.
• Company completes record number of theatre installations in the fourth quarter with 14, and a total of 34 theatre installations for the full year.
• Company and Sony Pictures Entertainment agree to simultaneous release of Open Season in IMAX® 3D in September. Film is the sixth IMAX DMR® title and fourth new IMAX 3D film for 2006; Company 2006 film slate is the strongest ever.
• Company's Board of Directors announces intention to explore strategic alternatives, including the possible sale or merger of the business, to expand scale, accelerate growth and enhance shareholder value.
  
  Click here to read the press release.

March 9, 2006: IMAX Explores Strategic Alternatives
IMAX Corporation announced that its Board of Directors has decided to begin a process to explore strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value, including, but not limited to, the sale or merger of the business with another entity offering strategic opportunities for growth. The company has retained Allen & Company and UBS Investment Bank as financial advisors in this process. In making the announcement, IMAX stated that there can be no assurance that the exploration of strategic alternatives will result in a transaction. The Company does not currently intend to disclose developments with respect to the exploration of strategic alternatives unless and until its Board of Directors has approved a specific transaction. Click here to read the press release.

March 8, 2006: Open Season Comes to IMAX Screens
IMAX Corporation and Sony Pictures Entertainment announced that Sony Pictures Animation's first CG project OPEN SEASON, an animated feature from directors Roger Allers, the acclaimed director of The Lion King, Jill Culton, whose credits include Toy Story 2 and Monsters Inc., and co-director Anthony Stacchi (credits include ANTZ) will be released in IMAX® 3D simultaneously with the motion picture's premiere in conventional theatres on September 29, 2006. The motion picture will be digitally converted into IMAX 3D and re-mastered into through IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The action-adventure comedy tells of Boog (Martin Lawrence), a grizzly bear with no survival skills, and Elliot (Ashton Kutcher), the wild mule deer who shakes up Boog's idyllic world. Click here to read the press release.

March 8, 2006: 2MIL Viewers Plunge into Sharks 3D
SHARKS 3D drew in its 2 millionth viewer worldwide since the film's release in the spring of 2005. The film has established itself as the second-highest grossing IMAX theatre documentary film released last year with $12 million in box office revenue as of Dec. 31, 2005. Sharks 3D has been shown at 44 IMAX theatres in 13 countries and grossed a cumulative $14 million to date ($8.5 million domestically). Sharks 3D is the second installment in 3D Entertainment's inspiring trilogy of marine-themed stereoscopic films for IMAX theatres. The first episode, Ocean Wonderland 3D, which sheds light on the crucial function of the endangered coral reef system, was released in February 2003 in association with UNEP and the WWF. Dolphins & Whales 3D (wt), the third and final episode in the series, is currently being shot at various locations around the world. Click here to read the press release.

March 3, 2006: Godzilla Roars to IMAX 3D
Godzilla will soon make his debut on the giant screen (IMAX® Theaters) in GODZILLA 3D. Producer and director Yoshimitsu Banno and producer Kenji Okuhira have announced that they have teamed up with large format and 3-D veteran filmmakers producer Brian Rogers, director Keith Melton, and 3-D director of photographer Peter Anderson, ASC to bring one of the most recognizable icons in cinema history to the large screen. The English language film has a planned release in digital 2D and 3D platforms as well as the giant screen format. Click here to read the press release.

March 1, 2006: Polar Express Passes $60M
IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures announced that THE POLAR EXPRESS: AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE, the highest grossing and most successful IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) release to date, has grossed more than $60 million, becoming the first digitally re-mastered event film to reach the milestone. Showing on 83 screens worldwide, the film passed $15 million in its second season, when it was re-released the same day as the film's DVD launch on November 23, 2005. Click here to read the press release.

February 23, 2006: Dinosaurs 3D Available in 3D Only
Sky High Entertaiment announced that their upcoming film, DINOSAURS 3D, shall only be made available in 3D. 2D theatres will have the opportunity to play the film using the latest anaglyph technology. Dinosaurs 3D follows world renowned Argentinian paleontologist Pr Rodolfo Coria through Patagonia as he explores the titanesque plant-eating Argentinosaur, and its nemesis, the Giganotosaur, a bipedal carnivore, that could easily challenge the famous T-Rex. The film shall be released for all 15/70 theatres on December 1st, 2006 and all 8/70 theatres on February 1st, 2007. Click here to read the press release.

February 1, 2006: Vancouver Plays IMAX Shorts
TELUS World of Science (formerly Science World British Columbia) in Vancouver is currently featuring IMAX shorts in their OMNIMAX Theatre. Entitled Extra-Large Shorts, the collection of films is comprised of the following films: PRIMITI TOO TAA, THE STRAW THAT BREAKS THE CAMEL'S BACK... ?, PANDORAMA, WHERE THE TRAINS USED TO GO, FALLING IN LOVE AGAIN, and THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA. Click here to read the press release.

January 30, 2006: MediaMerge/Naval Aviation Museum Partner
Media systems integrator, MediaMerge and the National Museum of Naval Aviation have entered into a multi-year agreement wherein MediaMerge will provide technical support for the Naval Aviation Memorial Theater (NAMT) in Pensacola, Florida. MediaMerge, in cooperation with IMAX Corporation, will be responsible for providing preventative maintenance and technical support for the theater's sound and projection systems. This deal marks MediaMerge's tenth theater signed. Click here to read the press release.

January 26, 2006: V for Vendetta on IMAX
IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures announced that V FOR VENDETTA, a thrilling action- adventure from the creators of The Matrix trilogy, will be simultaneously released to IMAX® and conventional theatres on March 17, 2006. Produced by Joel Silver and the Wachowski Brothers, directed by James McTeigue and starring Natalie Portman, V For Vendetta will be digitally re-mastered through IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The film takes place in a futuristic and repressive Britain and tells the story of a young woman and the masked vigilante known only as "V." Click here to read the press release.

January 23, 2006: MFF Inks Nia Vardalos for Greece Film
MacGillivray Freeman Films' GREECE: SECRETS OF THE PAST will feature narration from acclaimed actress Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding). The film will be the first documentary ever to boast the voice of Vardalos who is of Greek descent. Greece is scheduled for a February 12 release and is the sixth in MacGillivray Freeman's Great Adventure Film® series. Click here to read the press release.

January 20, 2006: Sharks 3D UK Premiere
3D Entertainment's SHARKS 3D will have its UK premiere at the IMAX Theatre-At-Bristol January 25th at 6:30. In attendance will be HRH Prince Michael of Kent as the Guest of Honor. Director Jean-Jacques Mantello and Director of Photography Gavin McKinney along with Dr. Jon Hutton, director of the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, will speak on the importance of shark conservation. The film will begin its run in Bristol January 28th, and will launch at the National Museum of Photography, Fim & Television's IMAX Cinema on February 11th.

January 19, 2006: National Amusements/IMAX Announce 2 New Theaters
IMAX Corporation and National Amusements Inc. announced new IMAX MPX® theatre locations in Ann Arbor, Michigan and in the United Kingdom. The theatre in Ann Arbor is scheduled to open in time for the May 12 release of POSEIDON. The theatre in the United Kingdom is expected to open in 2007, with the specific location to be announced at a later date. Click here to read the press release.

January 9, 2006: Harry Potter 4 Sets IMAX B.O. Record
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE is now IMAX's highest grossing digitally re-mastered 2D release. With total grosses of more than $16 million on 89 IMAX® screens worldwide, it passes the record set by BATMAN BEGINS: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE, which grossed $15.9 million last year. Click here to read the press release.

January 5, 2006: IMAX Signs Multiplex Theatre Deal in India
IMAX Corporation announced that prominent real estate developer AEREN R Enterprises signed an agreement to add a fourth IMAX® theatre to its original three-theatre commitment. The new IMAX theatre is expected to open in April 2008 in the city of Ludhiana and will utitlize IMAX® MPX™ technology. Click here to read the press release.

January 3, 2006: IMAX Signs China Theater Deal
IMAX Corporation announced an agreement with Sailun Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., to install an IMAX MPX® theatre system in a new commercial retail and entertainment development in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. Expected to open December of 2008, the IMAX theatre will be the anchor attraction in the Kunming Shuncheng Mall, which will also include entertainment, leisure, restaurant, retail and other businesses. Click here to read the press release.

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