J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek Boldy Goes IMAX, Big Surprise

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on December 12, 2008

It seems as if just about every damn blockbuster movie these days is heading toward an IMAX release. Thanks to the success of films such as 300 and The Dark Knight, the 70mm format is quickly becoming the format of choice for “visionary” filmmakers and their CGI-heavy projects. Paramount Pictures is one particular studio that has been all over IMAX, announcing recently that Michael Bay’s Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen will be shown on the bigger big screen next June. They have also confirmed today that J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek will be an IMAX Experience when it hits theaters on May 8, 2009.

This is all well and good, but there is a problem — there are only roughly 300 IMAX-capable theaters in 38 countries, 60% of which reside in the U.S. and Canada. In order for the format to expand, it will require a significant investment on the part of the national theater chains, many of whom have been hurt by the rise in HD home entertainment and piracy over the years. That said, while I love the sexiness that IMAX has to offer (ex: The Dark Knight), I’m still very weary of its further expansion. Either way, bring on those CGI space battles, Mr. Abrams. I will give them a chance in IMAX.

Audiences can currently see Fox’s epic dud The Day the Earth Stood Still in IMAX theaters, though I’d recommend waiting until The Dark Knight comes back to IMAX in January. For more details on the Star Trek announcement, have a look at the IMAX Corp.’s official press release below:

Paramount Pictures’ Star Trek to be Released as IMAX(R) Movie MAY 8, 2009

Paramount Pictures and IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX; TSX: IMX) today announced that Star Trek, directed by J.J. Abrams (”Mission: Impossible III”, “Lost” and “Alias”), will be simultaneously released to both IMAX(R) and conventional theatres worldwide on May 8, 2009. Star Trek, which chronicles the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members, will be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with proprietary IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-mastering) technology. Paramount Pictures will be the exclusive distributor of the film to IMAX theatres worldwide.

Star Trek is one of the world’s most successful science fiction entertainment series and media franchises. Created by Gene Roddenberry, the Star Trek phenomenon has lead to six television series, ten feature films, dozens of computer and video games, hundreds of novels and fan stories, as well as a themed attraction in Las Vegas. Star Trek has also inspired a following of millions of “Trekkies” of all ages that span across the globe.

“We’re excited to share the enhanced IMAX version of this film with the millions of dedicated fans who have been anticipating this release since production began,” said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman, Paramount Pictures. “The IMAX Experience adds that extra level of excitement to an already action-packed film, giving moviegoers a premium ‘event’ at the multiplex.”

Added J.J. Abrams, “I’m thrilled that audiences will be able to experience this new, epic world of Star Trek – with an incredible cast and mind-blowing visual effects – on what is, obviously, the most remarkable film format in the world.”

“Star Trek combines top Hollywood story-telling talent with space exploration, and each is very conducive to The IMAX Experience,” said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. “Expanding our relationship with Paramount Pictures to include this film strengthens our 2009 slate, and with the continuing rollout of digital IMAX theatre systems, we will be able to offer the fan-base more locations to experience the epic first journey of the USS Enterprise in the most immersive way.”

“Both Star Trek and IMAX have taken audiences to far away places they would normally not be able to go, and in this case, it’s space – the final frontier,” added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “J.J. Abrams has created a powerful movie that has fans worldwide feverishly anticipating its release. We are thrilled to partner with Paramount Pictures to bring J.J.’s exciting vision of this incredible space adventure to IMAX screens.”

From director J.J. Abrams and screenwriters Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci (”Transformers,” “MI: III”) comes a new vision of the greatest space adventure of all time, “Star Trek,” featuring a young, new crew venturing boldly where no man has gone before. Star Trek explores the early Starfleet careers of future Enterprise officers Kirk (Chris Pine), Spock (Zachary Quinto), Scotty (Simon Pegg), Amanda Grayson (Winona Ryder), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), McCoy (Karl Urban), Sulu (John Cho), and Chekhov (Anton Yelchin). A Romulan, Nero (Eric Bana), and a much older Spock (Leonard Nimoy) are influences, as well as Captain Pike (Bruce Greenwood), the first captain of the USS Enterprise.

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