Superman Returns smashes IMAX box office records

World's First Live-Action Feature To Include Scenes Converted into IMAX (R) 3D Shatters Every Opening Box Office Record for an IMAX Hollywood Simultaneous Release

• Largest domestic seven-day total at $6.83 million
• Largest domestic seven-day per screen average at $89,804
• Largest international seven-day-day per screen average at $67,888

NEW YORK, NY, July 6, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/

IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that Superman Returns grossed $108 million at the domestic box office in 4,065 locations over the extended fourth of July weekend, and that Superman Returns: An IMAX 3D Experience contributed $6.83 million, representing a record seven-day per-screen average of $89,804.

The film shattered every opening week record for an IMAX Hollywood simultaneous release, playing to sell-out crowds and strong audience satisfaction. The film also opened on 11 IMAX (R) screens internationally and will launch on 24 more in coming weeks.

"We are thrilled wit h the initial success of Superman Returns in both conventional theatres and IMAX(R) theatres," said Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures. "The special IMAX (R) 3D release has been well received by moviegoers across the country, and will continue to play to sell-out crowds."

"These phenomenal results demonstrate the consumer enthusiasm for experiencing Superman Returns in IMAX 3D," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "We are confident that this amazing film and the immersive quality of The IMAX Experience(R) will continue to draw audiences to the growing IMAX theatre network."

The film opened strong in several key international territories, with a record international seven-day per-screen average of $67,888 and many IMAX theatres reporting record performances and numerous sold-out shows.

"The IMAX 3D release of Superman Returns is off to an incredible start in Asia and based on strong pre-sales in Europe, it looks like this is the beginning of a worldwide success story," said Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. "We look forward to reaching an even wider audience as we continue to open the film during the next few weeks in IMAX theatres internationally."

"Through the amazing execution of Bryan Singer's vision and our partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures, IMAX has transported audiences directly into the adventure of Superman," added Greg Foster, Chairman and President, IMAX Filmed Entertainment.

"Audiences literally reach out to touch Superman as he flies toward them in the IMAX 3D sequences, and this unique offering is translating into unprecedented box office results for IMAX."

IMAX Corporation used its proprietary 2D to 3D conversion technology to successfully complete the conversion of approximately 20 minutes of Superman Returns into An IMAX 3D Experience (R), the most immersive cinematic 3D in the world. During four select sequences of the film, a visual cue designed by Singer indicates when audiences should put on and remove their IMAX 3D glasses. The film has been transformed into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with IMAX DMR (R) (Digital Re-mastering) technology.

Following a mysterious absence of several years, the Man of Steel comes back to Earth in the epic action-adventure Superman Returns, a soaring new chapter in the saga of one of the world's most beloved superheroes.

While an old enemy plots to render him powerless once and for all, Superman faces the heartbreaking realization that the woman he loves, Lois Lane, has moved on with her life. Or has she? Superman's bittersweet return challenges him to bridge the distance between them while finding a place in a society that has learned to survive without him. In an attempt to protect the world he loves from cataclysmic destruction, Superman embarks on an epic journey of redemption that takes him from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space.

About IMAX Corporation
Founded in 1967, IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies and the newest distribution window for Hollywood films. IMAX delivers the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3D, and IMAX DMR 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 March 31, 2006, there were 266 IMAX theatres operating in 36 countries.

IMAX (R), IMAX (R) 3D, IMAX DMR (R), IMAX MPX (R), The IMAX Experience (R) and An IMAX 3D Experience (R) are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company 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, 2005.

Source: IMAX Corporation

Phot below: Superman cartoon public domain.

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