New National Amusements' IMAX(R) Theatres Open Strong

New National Amusements' IMAX(R) Theatres Open Strong Research Conducted at New IMAX(R) MPX(TM) Retrofit Locations Shows Excellent Consumer Response to The IMAX Experience(R) NEW YORK, NY, Dec. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX; TSX: IMX) and National Amusements Inc., North America's sixth largest theatre operator, today announced that newly-opened National Amusements' IMAX(R) theatres timed to the release of Warner Bros. Pictures' The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience are posting impressive box office results and high customer satisfaction ratings during their first month of operation. The four new sites are located at multiplexes in White Plains, NY; Buckland Hills, Connecticut; Louisville, Kentucky; and Springdale, Ohio, and all feature IMAX(R) MPX(TM) theatre systems, which were specifically designed to make it easier for exhibitors to retrofit existing 35mm multiplex auditoriums into IMAX theatres. National Amusements installed the new IMAX MPX theatre systems within three months of signing its agreement with IMAX, and since opening to the public on November 10th, the exhibitor has seen four consecutive weekends of sold-out and near-capacity shows. Exit poll research conducted at National Amusements' newly opened IMAX theatres during their opening weekend showed that of those surveyed: - 93% were extremely or very satisfied with The IMAX 3D Experience(R) - 90% are extremely or very likely to recommend seeing The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience - Half are extremely or very likely to see the film in an IMAX theatre again - 84% say the addition of the IMAX theatre has improved their perception of the theatre - 86% are more likely to visit the multiplex again in the near future because of the addition of an IMAX theatre "We have been very pleased with the performance of our four new IMAX theatres," said Shari E. Redstone, president, National Amusements, Inc. "The arrival of IMAX MPX technology, using the IMAX large format theatre systems in several of our multiplexes, has enabled us to provide yet another premium cinematic experience within our theatres - which are already known for their superior sight and sound." "National Amusements has been an early adopter of the new IMAX MPX theatre system, using it as a way to reinvest in some of its top performing multiplexes, differentiate its theatres from nearby competitors, and offer patrons a whole new way to experience Hollywood films," said IMAX's Co-Chairmen and Co-CEO's, Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "These new IMAX MPX theatres have performed extremely well thus far and we congratulate National Amusements on this success. We believe that the combination of great early box office returns and highly satisfied moviegoers bodes well for future National Amusements' IMAX theatre openings." About IMAX Corporation ---------------------- Founded in 1967, IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies. IMAX's businesses include the creation and delivery of the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX and IMAX(R) 3D technology, and the development of the highest quality digital production and presentation. IMAX has developed revolutionary technology called IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-mastering) that makes it possible for virtually any 35mm film to be transformed into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience. The IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive family entertainment experiences. As of September 30, 2004, there were more than 235 IMAX theatres operating in 35 countries. IMAX(R), IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX DMR(R), IMAX(R) MPX(TM), The IMAX 3D Experience(R) and The IMAX Experience(R) are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information can be found at www.imax.com. This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on management assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Important factors that could affect these statements include the timing of theatre system deliveries, the mix of theatre systems shipped, the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses on film production and distribution agreements, the performance of films, the viability of new businesses and products, and fluctuations in foreign currency and in the large format and general commercial exhibition market. These factors and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and in the subsequent reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Source: IMAX Corporation CONTACT: Media: IMAX Corporation, New York, Romi Schutzer, (212) 821-0144, rschutzer@imax.com; Analysts: IMAX Corporation, New York, Cheryl Cramer, (212) 821-0121, ccramer@imax.com; National Amusements, Jennifer Hanson, (781) 461-1600 ext. 336, jhanson@nationalamusements.com; Business Media: Sloane & Company, New York, Whit Clay, (212) 446-1864, wclay@sloanepr.com; Entertainment Media: Newman & Company, Los Angeles, Al Newman, (818) 784-2130, asn@newman-co.com ------- Profile: International Entertainment