Toronto/Los Angeles-based IMAX Corporation reports that in the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2009, gross box office worldwide reached the $100 million milestone, a first for the Company.
Results include the approximate $54 million generated from Twentieth Century Fox's "Avatar: An IMAX 3D Experience".
"Our strong 2009 box office results reflect the compelling film slate put together, our aggressive network expansion and increased productivity in many of our existing theatres," said Richard L. Gelfond, CEO of IMAX Corporation.
"We consistently delivered approximately 10% of the box office, on average, of any major title in our network this year on less than 3 percent of the screens. We look forward to our 2010 film slate with great anticipation and pleased to kick off the year with the juggernaut, 'Avatar", which opens in China this week."
"The combination of many of the best titles Hollywood has to offer and audience enthusiasm for the IMAX brand is a great one-two punch that has driven ticket sales at existing and new IMAX locations," said Greg Foster, Chairman, President, IMAX Filmed Entertainment.
"We appreciate those that have contributed to our significant growth, look forward to announcing more titles for 2010 and beyond in the weeks and months ahead and working closely with both new and long time partners as we bring 'The IMAX Experience' to more moviegoers around the globe."
The Company's announced 2010 film slate includes "Avatar: An IMAX 3D Experience" (Twentieth Century Fox), "Alice in Wonderland: An IMAX 3D Experience" (Walt Disney Studios), "Hubble 3D" (IMAX Corp.\Warner Bros.), "How to Train Your Dragon: An IMAX 3D Experience" (Dreamworks Animation), "Shrek Forever After: An IMAX 3D Experience" (Dreamworks Animation), "Toy Story 3: An IMAX 3D Experience" (Walt Disney Studios) , "Twilight Saga: Eclipse: The IMAX Experience" (Summit Entertainment), "Inception: The IMAX Experience" (Warner Bros.), and "Tron Legacy: An IMAX 3D Experience" (Walt Disney Studios )...