Mumbai: Paramount Pictures and Imax Corporation has announced that Star Trek, directed by J.J. Abrams will be simultaneously released to both Imax and conventional theatres worldwide on May 8, 2009. Star Trek, which chronicles the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members, will be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The Imax Experience with proprietary Imax DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. Paramount Pictures will be the exclusive distributor of the film to Imax theatres worldwide.
Star Trek is one of the world’s most successful science fiction entertainment series and media franchises. Created by Gene Roddenberry, the Star Trek phenomenon has lead to six television series, ten feature films, dozens of computer and video games, hundreds of novels and fan stories, as well as a themed attraction in Las Vegas.
"We’re excited to share the enhanced Imax version of this film with the millions of dedicated fans who have been anticipating this release since production began," said Paramount Pictures vice chairman Rob Moore. "The Imax Experience adds that extra level of excitement to an already action-packed film, giving moviegoers a premium ‘event’ at the multiplex."
Added J.J. Abrams, "I’m thrilled that audiences will be able to experience this new, epic world of Star Trek – with an incredible cast and mind-blowing visual effects – on what is, obviously, the most remarkable film format in the world."
"Star Trek combines top Hollywood story-telling talent with space exploration, and each is very conducive to The Imax Experience," said Imax co-chairmen and co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "Expanding our relationship with Paramount Pictures to include this film strengthens our 2009 slate, and with the continuing rollout of digital Imax theatre systems, we will be able to offer the fan-base more locations to experience the epic first journey of the USS Enterprise in the most immersive way."
"Both Star Trek and Imax have taken audiences to far away places they would normally not be able to go, and in this case, it’s space – the final frontier," added Imax Filmed Entertainment chairman and president Greg Foster. "Abrams has created a powerful movie that has fans worldwide feverishly anticipating its release. We are thrilled to partner with Paramount Pictures to bring Abrams’s exciting vision of this incredible space adventure to Imax screens."
