Michael Jackson's This Is It Opens in Select IMAX(R) Theatres for Limited Engagement Beginning October 28, 2009

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 26, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IMAX Corporation (Nasdaq:IMAX) (TSX:IMX) and Sony Pictures Releasing today announced that the highly-anticipated motion picture Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT will open in digital IMAX(R) theatres on October 28, 2009. The limited IMAX release will run domestically during evening show times in 96 IMAX digital theatres. In addition, the movie will run a full show schedule in 27 of the Company's international digital locations.

Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT has been digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with proprietary IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-mastering) technology. A key part of the IMAX DMR process includes re-mastering the soundtrack to take advantage of IMAX's 14,000 watt digital audio system. IMAX sound has 10 times more dynamic range than systems in conventional theatres, eliminates distortion and provides a sound quality that feels more immersive, especially with added acoustic paneling that absorbs sound and removes echo. This unparalleled sound experience combined with IMAX's crystal-clear images and customized theatre geometry create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are actually attending a Michael Jackson performance.

"There is already significant buzz surrounding the film and we're so pleased that moviegoers in domestic and international markets will now have the chance to experience it in IMAX," said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. "Our partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment is growing, as is the IMAX theatre network, and we're looking forward to continued success with Sony as we open more theatres and release more films."

"Moviegoers will be able to hear the talent of Michael Jackson, with the film's digitally re-mastered soundtrack pumping through IMAX's powerful audio system," added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "The IMAX release cranks up the event status of this unique film even more."

Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this past summer in London's O2 Arena. Covering the months from March through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than 120 hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing numerous songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before. In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT is the last documentation of Michael Jackson in action, capturing the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he and his collaborators move toward their goals of London, the O2, and history. Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson's creative partner and the director of the stage show, is also directing the film, which is being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain. The film will be distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures Releasing. For more information about the film please visit www.thisisit-movie.com.

Michael Jackson's This is It: The IMAX Experience is scheduled to play day-and-date at the following IMAX(R) Theatres beginning October 28th.

 UNITED STATES

 Arizona
 Mesa - Dickinson Gateway 12 IMAX Theatre
 Phoenix - AMC Deer Valley 30 with IMAX
 Arkansas
 Little Rock - Dickinson Chenal 9 IMAX Theatre

 California
 Aliso Viejo - Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20 & IMAX
 Arcadia - AMC Santa Anita 16 & IMAX
 Burbank - AMC Burbank 16 & IMAX
 Camarillo - Edwards Camarillo Palace Stadium 12 & IMAX
 Covina - AMC Covina 30 with IMAX
 Cupertino - AMC Cupertino 16 & IMAX
 El Dorado Hills - Regal Cinemas El Dorado Hills Stadium 14 & IMAX
 Emeryville - AMC Bay Street 16 & IMAX
 Escondido - Regal Escondido Stadium 16 & IMAX
 Fairfield - Edwards Fairfield Stadium 16 & IMAX
 Long Beach - Edwards Long Beach 26 & IMAX
 Los Angeles - AMC Century City 15 & IMAX
 National City - AMC Plaza Bonita 14 & IMAX
 Rowland Heights - AMC Puente Hills 20 with IMAX
 San Diego - AMC Palm Promenade 24 & IMAX
 San Diego - Edwards Mira Mesa Stadium 18 & IMAX
 San Jose - AMC Eastridge Mall 15 & IMAX
 Santa Clara - AMC Mercado 20  & IMAX
 Simi Valley - Regal Civic Center Plaza 16 & IMAX
 South Gate - Edwards South Gate Stadium 20 & IMAX
 Stockton - Regal City Centre Stadium 16 & IMAX
 Torrance - AMC Del Amo 18 & IMAX
 Woodland Hills - AMC Promenade 16 & IMAX

 Colorado
 Highlands Ranch - AMC Highlands Ranch 24 & IMAX
 Westminster - AMC Orchard 12 & IMAX
 Westminster - AMC Westminster Promenade 24 & IMAX

 Florida
 Altamonte Springs - AMC Altamonte Mall 18 & IMAX
 Aventura - AMC Aventura 24 & IMAX
 Fort Myers - Regal Gulf Coast Town Center Stadium 16 & IMAX
 Jacksonville - AMC Regency 24 & IMAX
 Orange Park - AMC Orange Park 24 & IMAX
 Orlando - Regal Waterford Lakes Stadium 20 & IMAX
 South Miami - AMC Sunset Place 24 & IMAX
 Tallahassee - AMC Tallahassee Mall 20 with IMAX
 Tampa - AMC Veterans 24 & IMAX
 West Palm Beach - Muvico Parisian IMAX

 Georgia
 Augusta - Regal Augusta Exchange Stadium 20 & IMAX
 Kennesaw - AMC Barrett Commons 24 & IMAX
 Morrow - AMC Southlake Pavilion 24 & IMAX

 Hawaii
 Honolulu - Regal Dole Cannery 18 & IMAX

 Illinois
 Hodgkins - Loews Quarry Cinemas 14 with IMAX
 South Barrington - AMC Barrington 30 & IMAX

 Indiana
 Indianapolis - Kerasotes ShowPlace 16 & IMAX

 Kansas
 Olathe - AMC Studio 30 & IMAX

 Kentucky
 Newport - AMC Newport On The Levee 20 & IMAX

 Louisiana
 Harahan - AMC Elmwood Palace 20 & IMAX

 Maine
 Saco - Cinemagic & IMAX in Saco

 Maryland
 Baltimore - AMC Loews White Marsh 16 & IMAX
 Columbia - AMC Columbia 14 & IMAX

 Massachusetts
 Danvers - AMC Liberty Tree Mall 20 & IMAX
 Methuen - Loews Methuen 20 with IMAX

 Michigan
 Auburn Hills - Star Great Lakes 25 with IMAX
 Livonia - Livonia 20 with IMAX
 Sterling Heights - AMC Forum 30 & IMAX

 Minnesota
 Roseville - AMC Rosedale 14 & IMAX

 Missouri
 Independence - AMC Independence Commons 20 & IMAX
 Kansas City - AMC BarryWoods 24 & IMAX

 Nevada
 Henderson - Regal Sunset Station Stadium 13 & IMAX
 Las Vegas - Regal Red Rock Stadium 16 & IMAX
 North Las Vegas - Regal Aliante Stadium 16 & IMAX

 New Hampshire
 Hooksett - Cinemagic & IMAX in Hooksett

 New Jersey
 Cherry Hill - AMC Loews Cherry Hill 24 & IMAX
 Hamilton - AMC Hamilton 24 & IMAX
 New Brunswick - Loews New Brunswick 18 with IMAX

 New York
 Albany - Regal Crossgates Mall 18 & IMAX
 Brooklyn - UA Sheepshead Bay Stadium 14 & IMAX
 Deer Park - Regal Deer Park Stadium 16 & IMAX
 New York City - AMC Loews 34th Street 14 & IMAX
 Stony Brook - AMC Stony Brook 17 & IMAX

 North Carolina
 Charlotte - Regal Stonecrest At Piper Glen Stadium 22 & IMAX
 Concord - AMC Concord Mills 24 & IMAX

 Ohio
 Columbus - AMC Easton Town Center 30 & IMAX
 Columbus - Lennox Town Center 24 with IMAX

 Oregon
 Tigard - Regal Bridgeport Village Stadium 18 & IMAX

 Pennsylvania
 Bensalem - AMC Neshaminy 24 & IMAX
 Homestead - AMC Waterfront 22 & IMAX
 Reading - RC Reading Movies 11 + IMAX

 South Carolina
 Charleston - Citadel Mall IMAX Stadium 16

 Tennessee
 Knoxville - Regal Pinnacle Stadium 18 at Turkey Creek

 Texas
 Frisco - Stonebriar 24 with IMAX
 Garland - AMC Firewheel 18 & IMAX
 Houston - AMC Gulf Pointe 30 & IMAX
 Mesquite - AMC Mesquite 30 & IMAX
 Sugar Land - AMC First Colony 24 & IMAX

 Virginia
 Alexandria - AMC Hoffman Center 22 & IMAX
 Hampton - Hampton Towne Centre 24 with IMAX
 Midlothian - Regal Commonwealth 20 & IMAX
 Virginia Beach - AMC Lynnhaven 18 & IMAX
 Woodbridge - AMC Potomac Mills 18 & IMAX

 Washington
 Bellevue - Lincoln Square Cinemas IMAX Theatre
 Kent - AMC Kent Station & IMAX
 Lacey - Regal Martin Village Stadium 16 & IMAX

 Wisconsin
 Wauwatosa - Mayfair Mall 18 with IMAX

 INTERNATIONAL
 Australia
 Melbourne - Highpoint Hoyts IMAX
 Perth - Carousel Hoyts IMAX
 Sydney - Entertainment Quarter Hoyts IMAX

 Austria
 Graz - Cineplexx 8055 Graz
 Vienna - Cineplexx Apollo Das Kino

 Brazil
 Curitiba - Palladium Shopping Center IMAX
 Sao Paolo - Bourbon Shopping Center Espaco Unibanco Pompeia IMAX

 China
 Beijing - Shijingshan Wanda Cinema
 Changchun - Changchun IMAX Theatre
 Changsha - Changsha IMAX Theatre
 Kunming - Kunming Broadway IMAX Theatre

 India
 Mumbai - Big Cinemas IMAX Theatre

 Japan
 Kanagawa - 109 Cinemas Kawasaki
 Minoh - 109 Cinemas Minoh
 Saitama - 109 Cinemas Shobu

 Korea
 Gwangju - CGV Gwangju

 Mexico
 Juarez-Chihuahua - Cinepolis Las Misiones Ciudad Juarez
 Toluca - Cinepolis Galerias Metepec IMAX Theatre

 Philippines
 Manila - SM City North Edsa Mall IMAX

 Poland
 Lodz - Orange IMAX Manufaktura

 Qatar
 Doha - Villagio Shopping Mall IMAX Theatre

 Russia
 Moscow - KinoStar City @ Mega Belaya Dacha

 Taiwan
 Taipei - Vieshow Cinemas Taipei Sun IMAX

 UK
 Greenwich - ODEON Greenwich IMAX
 Wimbledon - ODEON Wimbledon IMAX

 Ukraine
 Kiev - Utel IMAX Theatre

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 130 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at www.sonypictures.com.

About IMAX Corporation

IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in immersive motion picture technologies. The worldwide IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event Hollywood films around the globe, with IMAX theatres delivering the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX(r) 3D, and IMAX DMR technology. IMAX DMR is the Company's groundbreaking digital re-mastering technology that allows it to digitally transform virtually any conventional motion picture 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 for consumers. As of June 30, 2009, there were 394 IMAX theatres (273 commercial, 121 institutional) operating in 44 countries.

IMAX(R), IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX DMR(R), An IMAX 3D Experience(R) and The IMAX Experience(R) are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).

The IMAX Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6469

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 ongoing discussions with the SEC and OSC relating to their ongoing inquiries and the Company's accounting, the performance of films, the signing of theatre system agreements, the viability of new technologies, businesses and products, 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, risks arising from potential material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and fluctuations in foreign currency and in the large format, general commercial exhibition and out-of-home entertainment markets. These factors and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

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