IRON MAN 2 to Be Digitally Re-mastered for IMAX

IMAX, Marvel Studios, and Paramount, have announced via a press release that Jon Favreau’s Iron Man 2 will be getting the digital IMAX treatment when it hits theaters on May 7th.  This is different from when a regular movie gets shown in IMAX because usually that print is just blown up for an IMAX screen.  It’s still impressive, but not as sharp and the sound isn’t really designed for an IMAX auditorium.  In this case, Iron Man 2 will be digitally re-mastered into IMAX using “IMAX DMR” technology so the image and sound will be “clearer and sharper.”  I guess the only way to test that would be to see the movie once in a regular theater and once in digital IMAX.  As this point, seeing Iron Man 2 twice would not be a depressing proposition.  I’d be psyched just to see the trailer again in IMAX.

Below is the full press release announcing the IMAX digital re-mastering for Iron Man 2:

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT AND PARAMOUNT PICTURES’

IRON MAN 2 TO BE RELEASED TO SELECT

IMAX^® THEATRES ON MAY 7, 2010

Follow-up to the 2008 Blockbuster to get IMAX Treatment

Los Angeles, CA - January 14, 2010, - IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX; TSX: IMX), Marvel Entertainment and Paramount Pictures today announced that the highly-anticipated action-adventure Iron Man 2, directed by Jon Favreau and starring Robert Downey, Jr., will be released to digital IMAX^® theatres simultaneously with the film’s worldwide release on May 7, 2010. The film’s limited IMAX release will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience^® with IMAX DMR^® technology. Iron Man 2, the sequel to Marvel’s box office hit Iron Man, will be distributed by Paramount Pictures.

“The success of the first Iron Man movie catapulted the franchise from the comic books to theatre screens, and we’re excited that the IMAX format will offer fans an even more immersive way to experience the sequel,” said Tim Connors, Chief Operating Officer, Marvel Studios.

“Iron Man 2 is a fantastic addition to our growing film slate for 2010, which is filling out faster than any previous year,” said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. “The rollout of our digital projection system has enabled us to add more films to the slate, and we’re very excited to partner with Marvel and Paramount on this next installment of the incredible Iron Man franchise.”

“We’re thrilled to once again be working with Paramount and our long time friends at Marvel Entertainment as we help to bring their characters to life in IMAX,” said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “The combination of Marvel’s iconic Iron Man story, Jon Favreau’s brilliant vision and Paramount Pictures’ talented team coupled with IMAX will make for a wild cinematic experience.”

Based on Marvel’s iconic Super Hero, Iron Man 2 continues the story of the 2008 summer box office blockbuster Iron Man, the first feature film to be produced independently by Marvel Studios.  The first film in the franchise has grossed over a half billion dollars worldwide at the box office. The IMAX release will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie!

SOURCE: Collider.com