The next “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie will not only be the first in 3D; it will also be the first to premiere in IMAX 3D as the result of a new three-3D-picture deal for 2011 announced today between The Walt Disney Studios and IMAX Corp.
In addition to “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” now being filmed for a May 20 release, again starring Johnny Depp with new co-star Penelope Cruz, the deal also includes “Cars 2” on June 25, the first Pixar animated sequel other than the “Toy Story” franchise, and “Mars Needs Moms,” from executive producer Robert Zemeckis and starring Seth Green and Joan Cusack, slated for release on March 11.
“Toy Story 3” was the first Disney-Pixar movie to premiere in IMAX 3D, and IMAX will also present Disney’s “Tron Legacy” in December in IMAX 3D. IMAX digitally re-masters each movie to be presented in its own proprietary process for a giant screen experience and unique sound system.
“The IMAX Experience adds another level of impact and excitement to a movie,” said Chuck Viane, president of distribution, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. “The incredible performance of our IMAX releases in 2009 and 2010 demonstrated that the combination of IMAX and Disney resonates with moviegoers worldwide.”
“The growing network of digital IMAX locations continues to enable our studio partners to increase the number of films they release in IMAX, ensuring moviegoers have more opportunities to experience the films they want to see in the best possible way,” said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond.
“We’re excited to combine the power of the Disney and IMAX brands with two iconic movie franchises as well as continuing our long standing partnership with Bob Zemeckis,” said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment.
— By Scott Hettrick