``Michael Jordan To The Max'' Expands Into 57 Large-Format Theatres.

Entertainment Editors & Sports Writers 

EVANSTON, Ill.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--June 22, 2000

Famous Players Adds Six IMAX(R) Screens Effective July 14th, Putting the Highly-Successful Giant Screen Sports Film On More Screens

Simultaneously in North America than Disney's "Fantasia 2000"

"Michael Jordan To The Max," the highly-successful large-format film from Giant Screen Sports, will expand its North American playdate base to 57 theatres on July 14th, with the addition of six Famous Players' IMAX screens in Canada, plus three other theatres in the United States, it was announced today by Giant Screen Sports co-founders Don and Steve Kempf. This puts "Michael Jordan To The Max" on more large-format screens simultaneously in the United States and Canada than Disney's "Fantasia 2000" (54).

Since premiering at 43 IMAX theatres in early May, the acclaimed (large-format) motion picture has consistently been among the top 20 highest performing films on the box office charts, reaching the top 15 in both its opening and two most recently-completed weeks. "Michael Jordan To The Max" has accumulated more than $5 million in just 45 days of release on up to 48 screens.

"We're thrilled that Famous Players and the other commercial and museum exhibitors have opted to join the growing number of large-format theatres playing 'Michael Jordan To The Max' throughout the summer," said Don Kempf.

"Every family and particularly the kids, ought to see this film," he continued. "It contains plenty of great in-your-face basketball drama, but more importantly gives the audience an intimate glimpse into the character and integrity of Michael Jordan the person, and captures the essence of why he was selected the athlete of the 20th Century."

Additional theatres opening the film during the coming weeks include the Science Spectrum in Lubbock, TX and the IMAX Theatre in Providence RI (both June 23), the Fort Worth TX Museum of Science & History Omnimax Theatre (June 30), as well as Famous Players' IMAX Theatres located in Toronto, Vaughan and Mississauga, Ontario; Langley and Richmond, British Columbia; and Montreal, Quebec (all July 14th).

Laura Brillinger, Vice President of Famous Players IMAX Theatres said, "We are excited to bring to our guests across Canada the inspiring life story of Michael Jordan. `Michael Jordan To The Max' will be playing in six Famous Players IMAX Theatres on July 14th. This latest large-format film release is a stunning live action packed IMAX experience that is an excellent compliment to our slate of conventional summertime blockbusters."

"We're delighted with the way audiences are responding to `Michael Jordan To The Max,'" said Mary Jane Dodge, Vice President of IMAX Theatres for Loews Cineplex Entertainment which is playing the film in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. "Having Michael Jordan at the film's world premiere at our Navy Pier IMAX Theatre in Chicago was awesome. It generated unprecedented media coverage which has since resulted in substantial support for the film by school groups and families."

Giant Screen Sports founded in 1997 by brothers Don and Steve Kempf specializes in the production and distribution of large-format sports films. In addition to "Michael Jordan To The Max," the company is producing "The World's Game," a portrait of the sport of soccer scheduled for release in 2001. The company is also collaborating with Jim Stern on a large-format presentation of the hugely successful musical play, "Stomp".

Presented by MVP.com, "Michael Jordan To The Max" is a production of Giant Screen Sports, James D. Stern Productions and NBA Entertainment. The film was directed by Jim Stern and Don Kempf; produced by Don Kempf, Steve Kempf and Jim Stern; and executive produced by David Falk, Curtis Polk, Adam Silver and Gregg Winik.