Company beats expectations for the March quarter, reporting net earnings of $0.03 per diluted share and a 26% increase in total revenues as the Company installs three times as many theatre systems as in the year-ago quarter.
Company completes its best nine-month period for signings in eight years, which started with the installation of the first IMAX(R) MPX(TM) system last June and continued through the March quarter, when the Company signed twelve theatre systems, double the year-ago number.
AMC Entertainment, Inc., the second-largest North American exhibitor, yesterday signed an agreement to install IMAX(R) theatre systems in five domestic multiplexes this year, marking the exhibitor's first-ever deal with IMAX.
Company's 2005 film slate is complete, with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: The IMAX Experience confirmed as the fourth day-and-date Hollywood IMAX DMR(R) release for the year.

TORONTO, May 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX; TSX: IMX) today reported first quarter 2005 earnings ahead of expectations, and earlier in the week delivered two major strategic initiatives regarding the accelerating growth of its domestic theatre network and the completion of its 2005 film slate. For the quarter ended March 31, 2005, IMAX reported net earnings of $0.03 per diluted share, above the Company's previously guided range of breakeven to $0.02 per diluted share. This compares to a net loss of $0.02 per diluted share reported for the three months ended March 31, 2004.

"The momentum in our business is undeniable, as we just completed the best nine-month period for new theatre systems sales since 1997," said IMAX Co-Chief Executive Officers Richard L Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "With double the number of signings and triple the number of installs versus the year-ago quarter, our first quarter results show that interest in IMAX continues to accelerate since the introduction of our multiplex-based theatre system last June."

The Company signed agreements for twelve IMAX(R) theatre systems during the three months ended March 31, 2005, the third consecutive quarter of double-digit signings. Reflecting the worldwide appeal of The IMAX Experience(R), these system signings span eight different countries on three continents. The quarter's signings include a four-theatre agreement with CJ CGV, Korea's leading commercial exhibitor, as well as deals for new IMAX theatres in commercial locations in China, India, Kuwait, The Netherlands, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and the United States.

All of the first quarter agreements were with commercial exhibition customers and ten were for the Company's newest product, the IMAX MPX system, which allows for the retrofit of an existing auditorium. While it has been less than one year since the installation of the first IMAX MPX system, by the end of March the Company had in place agreements for more than forty of these systems, and nine are up and running today. Demonstrating the short sign-to-install window enabled by the IMAX MPX system, Pathe Netherlands, that country's leading commercial exhibitor, signed, installed and opened an IMAX theatre at its Amsterdam multiplex during the first quarter.

Subsequent to the close of the quarter, IMAX reached agreement with AMC Entertainment Inc. to retrofit five domestic multiplexes with IMAX MPX theatre systems this year. AMC's first two IMAX theatres are scheduled to open in time for the release of Batman Begins: The IMAX Experience in June, with the remaining three scheduled to open in September. Under the joint venture arrangement between IMAX and AMC, the companies will share in both the upfront cost of the IMAX theatres and also in the ongoing profits generated by these theatres.

"AMC's entree into the IMAX business marks a major milestone in our domestic commercial exhibition strategy, and the structure of the deal will allow us to generate significant additional recurring revenue for our business while quickly expanding the IMAX network," continued Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler. "The addition of AMC not only bolsters IMAX's value proposition to other exhibitors, but also makes IMAX more attractive to Hollywood studios that want to release their event films to IMAX's growing network."

Earlier this week, IMAX announced the completion of its 2005 film portfolio. In November, IMAX and Warner Bros. Pictures will release Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: The IMAX Experience, the fourth in the Harry Potter series, to IMAX theatres around the world. Last year, The IMAX DMR(R) version of the third in the series, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, grossed approximately $14 million throughout the IMAX network. In late November, IMAX expects to re-release The Polar Express: An IMAX(R) 3D Experience, which broke numerous records for an IMAX DMR film in 2004, and went on to gross approximately $45 million world-wide. IMAX's 2005 film slate also includes: an original 3D production to be released in September titled Tom Hanks Presents Magnificent Desolation: Men Walking on the Moon: An IMAX(R) 3D Experience; IMAX DMR releases of Warner Bros. Pictures' summer blockbusters Batman Begins and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; and the IMAX DMR version of Twentieth Century Fox's animated feature, Robots, which was released in March.

"Hollywood's level of interest in releasing event films in IMAX's format has never been higher," concluded Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler. "Not only is our full-year film slate in place months earlier than in past years, but our 2006 film portfolio is already starting to take shape, as we engage in discussions with nearly all of the major studios. Given the tremendous draw of The IMAX 3D Experience(R), we expect that several of next year's films will be presented in our unparalleled 3D format."

For the three months ended March 31, 2005, the Company's total revenues were $31.4 million, up 26% from $24.9 million reported for the prior year period, and included cash received from the previously announced settlement of litigation with the former owners of UCI. Systems revenue was $22.1 million versus $16.0 million in the prior year period, as the Company recognized revenue on six theatre systems, one of which was an operating lease, versus two in the first quarter of 2004. Film revenue increased by 10% to $4.9 million from $4.5 million in the same period last year, and Theatre Operations revenue was $3.8 million versus $3.7 million. Other revenues were $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2005 as compared to $0.6 million in the same period last year. The Company ended the March quarter with $29.8 million in cash and short term investments as compared to $29.0 million at the end of December.

Earnings from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005 increased 34% to $4.9 million from $3.6 million reported for the same period in 2004. The Company reported net earnings of $0.03 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2005, as compared to a net loss of $0.02 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2004.

The Company will host a conference call to discuss these results at 10:30 AM ET. To access the call interested parties should call (913) 981-5540 approximately 10 minutes before it begins. A recording of the call will be available by dialing (719) 457-0820. The code for both calls is 4344672.

About IMAX Corporation

Founded in 1967, IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies and the newest distribution window for Hollywood films. IMAX delivers the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3D, and IMAX DMR technology. IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) makes it possible for virtually any 35mm film to be transformed into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience. The IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences. As of March 31, 2005, there were 250 IMAX theatres operating in more than 35 countries.

IMAX(R), IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX DMR(R), IMAX(R) MPX(TM), and The IMAX Experience(R) are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at www.imax.com.

This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on management's assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Important factors that could affect these statements include the timing of theatre system deliveries, the mix of theatre systems shipped, the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses on film production and distribution agreements, the performance of films, the viability of new businesses and products, and fluctuations in foreign currency and in the large format and general commercial exhibition market. These factors and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and in the subsequent reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                              IMAX CORPORATION
               CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    In accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
          (in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
                                 (unaudited)


                                                       Three months ended
                                                            March 31,
                                                   --------------------------
                                                       2005          2004
                                                   ------------  ------------

    Revenue
    IMAX systems                                    $   22,113    $   16,021
    Films                                                4,947         4,489
    Theater operations                                   3,816         3,742
    Other                                                  492           629
                                                   ------------  ------------
                                                        31,368        24,881
    Costs of goods and services                         15,223        12,519
                                                   ------------  ------------
    Gross margin                                        16,145        12,362

    Selling, general and administrative expenses        10,243         8,335
    Research and development                               653         1,144
    Amortization of intangibles                            157           151
    Receivable provisions, net of (recoveries)             212          (898)
                                                   ------------  ------------
    Earnings from operations                             4,880         3,630

    Interest income                                        214           126
    Interest expense                                    (4,197)       (4,068)
    Loss on retirement of notes                              -          (784)
                                                   ------------  ------------
    Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations
     before income taxes                                   897        (1,096)
    Recovery of income taxes                                59             -
                                                   ------------  ------------
    Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations         956        (1,096)
    Net earnings from discontinued operations              240           200
                                                   ------------  ------------
    Net earnings (loss)                                  1,196          (896)
                                                   ------------  ------------
                                                   ------------  ------------

    Earnings (loss) per share:
    Earnings (loss) per share - basic and diluted:
      Net earnings (loss) from
       continuing operations                        $     0.02    $    (0.03)
      Net earnings from discontinued operations     $     0.01    $     0.01
                                                   ------------  ------------
      Net earnings (loss)                           $     0.03    $    (0.02)
                                                   ------------  ------------
                                                   ------------  ------------

    Weighted average number of shares
     outstanding (000's):
      Basic                                             39,557        39,304
      Fully diluted                                     41,920        39,304


    Additional disclosure:

    Depreciation and amortization(1)                $    3,548    $    2,483

    (1) Includes $0.3 million of amortization of deferred financing costs
        charged to interest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2005
        (2004 - $0.3 million)



                              IMAX CORPORATION
                    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    In accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
                       (in thousands of U.S. dollars)


                                                     March 31,
                                                       2005      December 31,
                                                   (unaudited)       2004
                                                   ------------  ------------

    Assets
    Cash and cash equivalents                       $   14,779    $   28,964
    Short-term investments                              15,018             -
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
     doubtful accounts of $8,920 (2004 - $8,390)        22,500        19,899
    Financing receivables                               59,453        59,492
    Inventories                                         29,430        29,001
    Prepaid expenses                                     3,004         2,279
    Film assets                                          1,552           871
    Fixed assets                                        28,226        28,712
    Other assets                                        12,909        13,377
    Deferred income taxes                                6,311         6,171
    Goodwill                                            39,027        39,027
    Other intangible assets                              3,070         3,060
                                                   ------------  ------------
      Total assets                                  $  235,279    $  230,853
                                                   ------------  ------------
                                                   ------------  ------------

    Liabilities
    Accounts payable                                $    7,023    $    5,827
    Accrued liabilities                                 53,929        56,897
    Deferred revenue                                    54,162        50,505
    Senior Notes due 2010                              160,000       160,000
                                                   ------------  ------------
      Total liabilities                                275,114       273,229
                                                   ------------  ------------

    Shareholders' equity (deficit)
    Capital stock - Common shares - no par value.
     Authorized - unlimited number. Issued and
     outstanding - 39,757,715 (2004 - 39,446,964)      118,887       116,281
    Other equity                                         1,966         3,227
    Deficit                                           (159,749)     (160,945)
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)         (939)         (939)
                                                   ------------  ------------
      Total shareholders' deficit                      (39,835)      (42,376)
                                                   ------------  ------------
      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
       (deficit)                                    $  235,279    $  230,853
                                                   ------------  ------------
                                                   ------------  ------------

SOURCE IMAX Corporation

CONTACT: Media: IMAX Corporation, New York, Romi Schutzer, (212) 821-0144, rschutzer@imax.com; Entertainment Media: Newman & Company, Los Angeles, Al Newman, (310) 278-1560, asn@newman-co.com; Analysts: IMAX Corporation, New York, Cheryl Cramer, (212) 821-0121, ccramer@imax.com; Business Media: Sloane & Company, New York, Whit Clay, (212) 446-1864, wclay@sloanepr.com