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International Entertainment News

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

IMAX Signs Theatre Deal With Commercial Real Estate Developer In Texas

IMAX Signs Theatre Deal With Commercial Real Estate Developer In Texas

2005 Box Office Success Continues To Drive North American Expansion

TORONTO, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX; TSX: IMX) today announced an agreement with Texas-based commercial real estate developer TriMark Realty Investments to open an IMAX(R) theatre in Colleyville, TX, an affluent suburb of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The theatre will be the cornerstone of a new high-end cinema complex TriMark is developing and part of a 110,000 square foot expansion of the Town Center Colleyville retail hub. The deal comes on the heels of IMAX's record-breaking Hollywood blockbuster summer, which is driving increased interest in the IMAX theatre business. The Company has signed more than 50 theatre systems since August 2004, more than double the previous 12 month period.

"IMAX theatres across North America are achieving tremendous success with our digitally re-mastered blockbusters, which has captured the attention of domestic real estate developers and commercial operators," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "The luxury cinema complex that TriMark Realty Investments is developing in Colleyville is a natural home for an IMAX theatre and we look forward to showcasing The IMAX Experience(R) in this high-end venue."

"Moviegoers are increasingly looking for a premium, differentiated moviegoing experience, and an IMAX theatre will enable us to satisfy that demand, lure people away from their home theatre systems and drive traffic to our cinema, as well as the surrounding businesses," said Bill Baldridge, CEO and Founder of TriMark Realty Investments. "We were also very impressed by the compelling economics of the IMAX MPX(R) theatre system and believe it provides us with an attractive business opportunity."

"The well-known IMAX brand will be a valuable addition to the city of Colleyville, as it can attract people from surrounding areas and help draw additional tourism revenue to our city," said David Kelly, Mayor of the City of Colleyville. "By offering a mix of the best Hollywood blockbusters and enriching original documentaries in IMAX's stunning format, we'll be providing moviegoers in Colleyville with an entirely new way to be entertained and educated."

The IMAX theatre in Metro Cinema Colleyville is expected to open in May 2006 and be part of a luxury entertainment complex outfitted with an upscale restaurant and bar. The theatre will be capable of showing Hollywood films converted into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience, as well as other 2D and IMAX(R) 3D films. The IMAX MPX theatre system was specifically designed to enable multiplex operators to more cost effectively enter into the IMAX theatre business, by retrofitting an existing stadium seating auditorium or via an economical new build. Colleyville is located in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metropolitan area.

About TriMark Realty Investments --------------------------------

TriMark Realty Investments is a private, full-service real estate corporation headquartered in Dallas. Formed in 1992, TriMark has successfully engaged in the development, acquisition and management of multi-family properties. Located in four states, TriMark's multi-family division is presently serving over twenty separate markets. William E. Baldridge is President, Chief Executive Officer and founder of TriMark.

About IMAX Corporation ----------------------

Founded in 1967, IMAX Corporation is the newest distribution platform for Hollywood content and one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies. IMAX delivers the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3D, and IMAX DMR(R) technology. IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) 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 entertainment experiences. As of June 30, 2005, there were 259 IMAX theatres operating in more than 36 countries.

IMAX(R), IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX DMR(R), IMAX MPX(R) and The IMAX Experience(R) are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at www.imax.com.

Source: IMAX Corporation

CONTACT: Media: IMAX Corporation, New York, Romi Schutzer, (212) 821-0144, rschutzer@imax.com; City of Colleyville, Texas, Scott Welmaker, CEcD, (817) 503-1060, WelmakerS@ci.colleyville.tx.us; Analysts: IMAX Corporation, New York, Cheryl Cramer, (212) 821-0121, ccramer@imax.com; Entertainment Media: Newman & Company, Los Angeles, Al Newman, (310) 278-1560, asn@newman-co.com; Business Media: Sloane & Company, New York, Whit Clay, (212) 446-1864, wclay@sloanepr.com

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