Mumbai: IMAX Corporation and DreamWorks Animation announced an agreement to release Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa into IMAX theatres worldwide on 7 November. The agreement completes IMAX’s integration into DreamWorks Animation’s release strategy for the studio’s next five theatrical releases from June 2008 to May 2010.

"IMAX’s early schedule deployment of its state-of-the-art digital projection system has made possible the release of Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa into The IMAX Experience," said DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg. "DreamWorks Animation remains committed to delivering a premium entertainment experience to our audience and further extending our relationship with IMAX helps us to achieve that goal."

"We are delighted that DreamWorks Animation will capitalize on the advantages of IMAX Digital, and we are pleased to add Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa to our 2008 lineup," said IMAX co-chairmen and co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "The virtual elimination of film prints enables studios to release titles in a shorter window. This allows IMAX theatres to program more content, which we believe will translate into increased revenue for exhibitors and ultimately lead to accelerated growth of the IMAX network worldwide."

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa joins four other DreamWorks Animation movies previously announced and slated for release in the IMAX format, including Kung Fu Panda, which will be released on 6 June, as well as the studio’s first three 3D titles, Monsters vs. Aliens (March 2009), How to Train Your Dragon (November 2009), and Shrek Goes Fourth (May 2010).

In Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, all of the loveable characters are back – Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo, King Julien, Maurice and the penguins.