IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX), audio leader DTS ®, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Xperi Corporation (Nasdaq: XPER), and Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) today announced a significant expansion of the IMAX Enhanced ecosystem with SPE’s commitment to release hundreds of new titles in the IMAX format over the next two years, including all upcoming SPE and IMAX theatrical releases.
With at least 100 new titles coming over the next 12 months and hundreds of additional titles expected in the years to follow, IMAX Enhanced exponentially increases its SPE premium content footprint for consumers worldwide via this commitment. The IMAX Enhanced releases will be available across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific regions.
IMAX Enhanced is the only way to experience IMAX’s signature picture, sound and scale outside of a movie theater, combining exclusive, IMAX digitally remastered 4K HDR content and DTS premium audio delivered through high-end consumer electronics and streaming platforms.
“We are thrilled to announce an expansion of our support of the IMAX Enhanced program with hundreds of additional titles from the legendary SPE catalog, as well as new, theatrical releases for best-in-class home entertainment. The success that SPE has enjoyed in collaborating with IMAX and DTS has inspired the decision to significantly increase our commitment and volume of content to meet the growing demand for IMAX Enhanced,” said Pete Wood, SPE’s Senior Vice President, New Digital Distribution. “Today’s agreement underscores SPE’s belief in the value of high-quality viewing experiences that IMAX Enhanced is able to bring to discerning consumers. Always at the forefront of delivering exceptional content to viewers, wherever they are, SPE’s investment in the IMAX Enhanced program ensures that we will continue to deliver even more of our films to audiences who now expect to experience movies at the highest technical quality– even in their own homes.”
“Today’s announcement represents the latest milestone for IMAX Enhanced as Sony Pictures Entertainment, IMAX and DTS continue to work hand in hand to redefine high-quality at-home entertainment,” said Patrick McClymont, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, IMAX Corporation. “SPE’s storied library provides our fans access to an unprecedented, ever-expanding roster of movie favorites across multiple genres. We look forward to continuing to drive momentum on all fronts by working tirelessly with our leading consumer electronics and streaming partners on delivering breakthrough technology and content experiences for consumers around the world.”
“IMAX Enhanced continues to experience amazing support and participation by partners across the ecosystem as the demand for differentiated content and immersive entertainment experiences continues to grow,” said Bill Neighbors, Xperi Senior Vice President & General Manager, Cinema, Home, Digital Media & Streaming Solutions. “As consumers look for new and different ways to enjoy their favorite content, SPE’s rich content library is a seamless fit with IMAX Enhanced – preserving the films’ best-in-class sight, sound and scale for an at-home entertainment experience that truly stands out.”
The addition of hundreds of new SPE titles delivers on growing demand for IMAX Enhanced as a premium content experience. The IMAX Enhanced content library already includes blockbuster and fan favorites such as Spider-Man™: Far From Home, Jumanji: The Next Level, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Venom, Bad Boys For Life, Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Only The Brave, Men In Black™: International, Zombieland: Double Tap, A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, Little Women (2019), and Charlie’s Angels (2019).
Now available on four streaming platforms in 14 countries worldwide and across 17 leading certified consumer electronics manufacturers, IMAX Enhanced uses the newest, proprietary digital remastering technology developed by IMAX to deliver ultra-vivid 4K HDR picture with more vibrant colors. Select IMAX Enhanced content features its signature expanded aspect ratio – enabling viewers the full scope and scale of the picture. IMAX and DTS have also partnered with award-winning Hollywood sound mixers to use a special variant of the DTS:X codec technology integrated in home audio equipment to deliver an IMAX signature sound experience with more immersive, powerful sound. To ensure optimized playback of fully immersive IMAX Enhanced content, the two companies are also designing an IMAX Mode, meticulously calibrated to deliver the best viewing and listening experience in the home.