As Hollywood prepares to unleash its summer time arsenal of would-be blockbusters, Kinepolis Group and Imax Company are betting huge on premium theatrical experiences with a multi-territory enlargement introduced Monday at CinemaCon.
The deal requires 9 new state-of-the-art Imax with laser programs to be put in throughout the Belgium-based exhibitor’s worldwide footprint, almost doubling Kinepolis’ Imax presence in Europe whereas extending their partnership into new territories.
The settlement arrives as Imax wraps a sturdy first quarter and positions itself for a summer time slate that includes extra “Filmed for Imax” titles than ever earlier than, together with the anticipated “Sinners,” “Thunderbolts,” “Mission: Inconceivable – The Ultimate Reckoning,” “The Implausible 4,” “Learn how to Practice Your Dragon” and “Superman.”
The European enlargement consists of seven new areas throughout France (1), Belgium (1), Spain (2), and the Netherlands (3) — marking Imax’s first foray into the Dutch market with Kinepolis. Further areas will open within the U.S. and Canada by means of Kinepolis subsidiaries MJR Theatres and Landmark Cinemas.
“We’re devoted to offering premium cinema experiences that cater to the rising demand for richer and extra immersive moviegoing,” stated Eddy Duquenne, CEO of Kinepolis Group, in a press release. “Imax has persistently confirmed its skill to raise the viewing expertise of Hollywood’s largest movies.”
Imax chief Wealthy Gelfond touted the enlargement as additional proof of exhibitors’ rising confidence in premium codecs. “As we shut out a powerful quarter for system gross sales and enter a blockbuster season stuffed with movies made to be seen in Imax, it’s clear that demand for our platform is rising,” Gelfond stated.
The nine-theater dedication builds upon a earlier 2023 pact that referred to as for eight Imax programs, successfully tripling the companions’ footprint since early final yr. Beneath the brand new settlement, eight of the areas will start working earlier than yr’s finish.
All new installations will characteristic Imax with laser expertise, the corporate’s premium 4K projection system with enhanced coloration spectrum and distinction capabilities particularly engineered for Imax’s large-format screens.
