NEW YORK, Dec 3, 2001 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

New IMAX(R) Film to Bring the Thrilling Excitement Of NASCAR Racing to IMAX Screens

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), NASCAR Digital Entertainment (NDE) and IMAX Corporation (Nasdaq: IMAX; TSE: IMX) announced today that they have entered into an exclusive agreement to develop and produce an IMAX(R) film that will capture the thrilling excitement of NASCAR in this larger-than-life film format.

IMAX technology will transport audiences from behind-the-scenes action of NASCAR into the driver's seat of cars travelling at 190 mph, providing a film experience that only IMAX delivers in size, sound, clarity and impact. Production will begin in 2002, with an anticipated release to the worldwide IMAX theatre network in 2003.

Set against the exciting competition of NASCAR and authentic NASCAR events, the IMAX film will focus on the non-stop thrills NASCAR racing offers. Featuring the most competitive and skilled drivers and race teams in the world, the NASCAR-IMAX film will capture the behind the scenes aspects of a sport that has unique family qualities and truly represents the fabric of America.

"As we look to continue the growth of NASCAR to a world-wide audience, a NASCAR-IMAX film is perfect in bringing together two of the biggest brands in sports and entertainment," said Paul Brooks, vice president of broadcasting for NASCAR. "The sights, sounds, speed and passion that fuel NASCAR make us a natural fit for an IMAX experience and, most importantly, the audience will see up close the real life stars of our sport who compete week in and week out in NASCAR racing across America."

The IMAX Experience(R) consists of images of unsurpassed size, clarity and impact, enhanced by a superb specially-designed six-channel, multi-speaker sound system, that are projected onto giant rectangular screens, up to eight stories high. The IMAX Experience will allow the audience to see, hear and feel what it is like to be in the middle of a NASCAR race.

"We are so pleased to have entered into this important partnership with NASCAR," said Greg Foster, IMAX's President, Filmed Entertainment. "This remarkable sport is a perfect fit for what IMAX does best -- putting the audience in the middle of the action. NASCAR has captured the imagination of fans globally because of its energy, excitement, culture, sights and sounds and this IMAX film will translate the experience onto the giant screen."

Since its inception in 1948, NASCAR has provided some of the most thrilling moments in motor sports history. In the ensuing years and under the leadership of three generations of the France family and current president Mike Helton, the sport has transformed itself from a rural, regionally focused activity to a national pastime.

Like all NDE projects, such as NASCAR.com, XM Radio, NASCAR TV on SPEED Channel international television distribution and NASCAR Images, the IMAX film will benefit all NASCAR drivers, teams and tracks.

Founded in 1967, IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies. IMAX's businesses include the world's best cinematic presentations together with IMAX, IMAX 3D and the development of the highest quality digital production and presentation. The IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive family experiences. As of September 30 2001, there were more than 220 IMAX theatres operating in 30 countries. More than 700 million people have seen an IMAX presentation since the medium premiered in 1970. IMAX Corporation is a publicly traded company listed on both the Toronto and NASDAQ stock exchanges. IMAX(R) is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at http://www.imax.com.

SOURCE: IMAX Corporation

CONTACT:

Media - Victoria Dinnick of IMAX Corporation, Toronto,
+1-905-403-6366, vdinnick@imax.com, Analysts - Stephen G. Abraham of IMAX
Corporation, New York, +1-212-821-0140, sabraham@imax.com; Entertainment
Media - Al Newman of Newman & Company, Los Angeles, +1-818-784-2130,
asn@newman-co.com, for IMAX; John Griffin of NASCAR, +1-386-947-6834,
jgriffin@nascar.com

URL: http://www.imax.com