Image Entertainment has struck an agreement with Big Picture Digital Productions to distribute three Imax 3D movies for 3D Blu-ray beginning Dec. 7.
The first three titles represent several of the most popular giant-screen 3D documentaries, “Grand Canyon Adventure: River At Risk,” from award-winning producers MacGillivray Freeman Films; “Wild Ocean,” by Yes/No Productions; and “Dinosaurs Alive!,” by Giant Screen Films.
The introduction of 3D Blu-ray and TV outlets is stirring up a tsunami of 3D IMAX releases on the various formats. Warner Home Video recently announced three IMAX movies for release on 3D Blu-ray Nov. 16: “IMAX Deep Sea 3D,” “IMAX Under the Sea 3D,” and “IMAX Space Station 3D.”
Panasonic is using last year’s critically acclaimed “Under the Sea” to show off its 3D TVs and is running that title and “Deep Sea 3D” on its new n3D channel on DirecTV.
The movies featuring stunning visual images of nature and space make perfect showcases for the virtues of 3D.
In addition each of the newly-announced Image releases having been originally conceived, photographed and released in ultra high-resolution IMAX 3D process, Image worked with Big Picture to optimize the 3D image for home viewing, scanning the original 15/70 image at a minimum of 5.6K, and in some cases, 8K resolution for the 3D Blu-ray release.
The sudden demand for IMAX 3D content is exposing the many entities that have distribution and licensing rights to the movies most of us associate simply with IMAX theaters.
In fact, only some of the movies shown in IMAX theaters are controlled by IMAX. Many are produced in partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures, such as the 2004 “NASCAR 3D” and this year’s “Hubble 3D,” currently playing in theaters. Others are licensed from independent producers, such as the three titles being distributed on Blu-ray by Image.
The labyrinth gets considerably more complex when it veers into the catacombs of home distribution rights holders.
For instance, Panasonic’s rights to IMAX movies is a head-scratcher in light of IMAX’s announcement earlier this year with Panasonic competitor Sony and Discovery Networks to create a new 3D TV channel to launch next year.
IMAX controls some home video rights, and Warner Bros. doles out video rights for those in its control to different sibling companies such as Warner Home Video and HBO, the latter of which controls “Magnificent Desolation.” And all companies may strike separate deals for 2D and 3D. Some also strike short-term bundling deals with electronics companies.
IMAX Corp. recently licensed “Into the Deep” and “Galapagos” to Samsung to bundle with its 3D TV and 3D Blu-ray player “starter kit” for an exclusive 12-month window. Warner Home Video plays all sides of the fence, licensing “Deep Sea” to Sony to bundle with its 3D electronics, and “Space Station” (internationally) and “Under the Sea” (domestically) to LG to do the same even though it is also releasing the title to retail on Nov. 16.
However they make their way to 3D TV screens, the bottom line for IMAX 3D movie fans is that all of these movies are getting to homes even more quickly than many major Hollywood titles.
The Image/Big Picture announcement was made jointly by Ryan Mullins, President and CEO, Big Picture Digital Productions and Bill Bromiley, Chief Acquisitions Officer, Image Entertainment.
“3D Blu-ray is the next revolution for home entertainment,” remarked Bromiley. “Coupled with the amazing visual clarity of the IMAX process, these Blu-ray titles will vividly bring home the 3D experience to consumers and enthusiasts everywhere.”
“I am very honoured to represent some of the most important producers of IMAX format films in the world and it is through this relationship that I am able to bring extraordinary 3D content to the 3D Blu-ray format,” said Mullins.
— By Scott Hettrick
Finally some good 3D Blu-rays. I usually dont buy movies, just rent. But when it comes to 3d i want more. Thanks for the info. Keep it coming.