IMAX RETROFITTING MOVIE HISTORY OLDER FILMS CAN BECOME 3D EPICS.Byline: Greg Hernandez Staff Writer LAS VEGAS Las Vegas (läs vā`gəs), city (1990 pop. 258,295), seat of Clark co., S Nev.; inc. 1911. It is the largest city in Nevada and the center of one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the United States. - The IMAX IMAX Noun a film projection process that produces an image ten times larger than standard Corp. used the ShoWest convention Monday to unveil its new 3D live-action technology, which the company said could convert virtually any 2D, 35 mm movie into a 3D experience. IMAX, which enjoyed a robust $1.4 million in ticket sales over the weekend for its 3D version of the animated film ``Robots,'' is continuing meteoric me·te·or·ic adj. 1. Of, relating to, or formed by a meteoroid. 2. Of or relating to the earth's atmosphere. 3. transformation from a niche player into mainstream movie attraction. Its 3D version of the animated hit ``The Polar Express'' earned $46 million worldwide. ``The success of 'Polar Express' really opened a lot of eyes, and a lot of the studios started thinking about the potential of 3D,'' Rich Gelfond, co-chairman and co-CEO of IMAX, said at Bally's Paris Hotel, where film exhibitors and distributors are gathered for their annual trade show. ``This is all coming at a time when studios are facing piracy piracy, robbery committed or attempted on the high seas. It is distinguished from privateering in that the pirate holds no commission from and receives the protection of no nation but usually attacks vessels of all nations. threats and just getting people out of the house to see a movie. IMAX 3D might help solve both problems because it is something that is almost impossible to pirate.'' Gelfond said the live-action 3D technology was recently tested on about 10 minutes of footage from ``Spider-Man 2'' and he said it made the movie an entirely new experience. ``Imagine Spider-Man jumping on to your lap, and you are sitting there in the theater,'' he said. No live-action 3D films are expected to be released this year, but Gelfond said IMAX is in discussions with frequent business partner Warner Bros BROS Brothers BROS Benefits and Retirement Operations Section (King County, Washington) BROS Barnes and Richmond Operatic Society (London, UK) . to use the process on 2006 releases ``The Poseidon Adventure'' and the new version of ``Spider-Man.'' The Toronto-based company has moved to the front of the line with Hollywood's major studios because of the added revenue an IMAX version of a movie can bring. ``IMAX has been one of the most fascinating business stories this year,'' Mark Zoradi, president of Disney's Buena Vista International Division, said at ShoWest. ``Now major studios are regularly supplying some of their best films. It's an absolute phenomenon.'' Last year, IMAX released giant-screen versions of ``Harry Potter A potter is someone who makes pottery. Potter may also refer to: People
Greg Hernandez, (818) 713-3758 greg.hernandez(at)dailynews.com |
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