IMAX expanding in Japan; also considering portable theaters and the home market

posted by CSWalczak on April 26, 2010 at 9:45 am

TOKYO, JAPAN – Canada’s IMAX Corporation has announced that it will expand the number of its IMAX screens in Japan. In association with Tokyu Recreation, five additional 3-D capable screens will be constructed in addition to the four which the latter company already operates. This agreement follows previously announced IMAX expansions in South Korea and France. The company is also developing a prototype inflatable dome transportable theater, and thinking about offering a 3-D system for the home.

Megascreen theater company IMAX Corp. said Tuesday it will expand in Japan — the latest in a series of international deals inked recently amid growing demand for 3-D movies following the success of science fiction blockbuster Avatar.

“Performance has been really strong,” said IMAX chief executive Richard Gelfond of the Japanese theaters. “It’s probably the strongest start that we’ve had in any territory in our history.”

There is more detail here from theAssociated Press.