"300" going IMAX

[Wondermonkey]

If you've seen the recent commercials where they say "coming soon to IMAX," this one's a given. But here's the official press release. Now we get to see sweaty man chest and booty LARGER than life. My guess is Brew will be first in line, just a hunch.

IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that the highly anticipated film 300, a Mark Canton/Gianni Nunnari Production directed by Zack Snyder and based on the epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, will be simultaneously released domestically to both IMAX® and conventional theatres on March 9, 2007. The film will be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® and Warner Bros. Pictures will be the exclusive distributor of the film.

"Warner Bros. Pictures and the filmmakers are very excited to bring this unique cinematic experience to both conventional and IMAX theatres this spring," said Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures. "The immersive IMAX Experience will transform this film, offering audiences an alternative way to view this highly-charged picture."

"300 is an exciting event film which includes many aspects that we believe will appeal to commercial audiences," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "As a great partner to IMAX, Warner Bros. Pictures has provided many fantastic films that have resulted in significant incremental box office revenue for IMAX exhibitors, and we look forward to continuing this tradition."

"We are delighted that 300 will be the first feature motion picture to open in IMAX theatres in 2007," added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "Audiences that experience 300 in IMAX's immersive format will feel as if they were actually with the Spartans as this larger-than-life epic story unfolds."

Based on the epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, "300" is a ferocious retelling of the ancient battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas (Gerard Bulter) and 300 Spartans fought to death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy, drawing a line in the sand for democracy. The film brings Miller's (Sin City) acclaimed graphic novel to life by combining live action with virtual backgrounds that capture his distinct vision of this ancient historic tale.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents in association with Legendary Pictures and Virtual Studios, a Mark Canton/Gianni Nunnari Production, "300". Directed by Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead), the film stars Gerard Butler (Phantom of the Opera), Lena Headey (The Brothers Grimm), David Wenham (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), and Dominic West (The Forgotten).

[Jon Liu]

Shiznit! This would be pretty to see in IMAX! I might have to take that route!

[Serren]

I was on the fence on this film. The whole look seems a bit gimmicky or something. I can't explain it. I keep watching the commercials and trying to see if there is more to this movie then the CGI battles.

I think its cool to create a film based on "virtual backgrounds", but I wonder if it will be obvious that the whole movie is filmed on a set.

But I think I will see it on IMAX just to be sure!

[Jon Liu]

Haha, Serren! Good plan!! I don't find the movie look to be gimmicky. It's incredibly unique to me and the first time I saw the trailer for it, 300 looked like nothing I'd ever seen before, style-wise!

[Wondermonkey]

I think this movie will showcase more half-naked men than Troy did, and may even use more melted butter too.

I think it looks intriguing though. I don't think the commercials do it justice, they make it look like a perfume commercial sometimes.

[Peench]

I watched the trailer at home and showed my wife. I was all pumped on it looking cool and stuff. Her response:

"so its an entire movie where all they do is fight one battle?"

uh....

[CamDawg]

Serren,
I'm with you. I love the concept of the movie, but the previews look gimicky to me (with the giants and troll looking creatures).

If anyone is interested in Thermopylae from a different entertaining and historical perspective, Steven Pressfield wrote a fantastic book titled Gates of Fire about this battle and the Spartan culture. It's a real page turner.

[Peench]

Thanks for the tip Cam - I just finished the book I was working on the night before last so I need a new one. I'll check it out.

I forgot to add that I probably will skip the Imax of this. For whatever reason Imax movies almost always make me ill. I come out of those things feeling totally hungover and like I'm about to puke. Very strange.

[CamDawg]

Originally Posted by Peench

I forgot to add that I probably will skip the Imax of this. For whatever reason Imax movies almost always make me ill. I come out of those things feeling totally hungover and like I'm about to puke. Very strange.

It's not that strange at all; it's just that sissy California stomach of yours

[Wondermonkey]

Seriously Peench, with the governator as your fearless leader, I just assumed all movies were IMAXed out there.

[Peench]

Yeah, those rides at amusement parks where they put you in a machine and you are watching a screen that makes you think you are moving around/flying or whatever (like the back to the future one at Universal Studios for example), this things always make me feel like carp.

The last Imax I went to didn't make me puke. Can't remember what it was tho so maybe there weren't any flying scenes or something.

[Jon Liu]

One thing too remember is that this was a comic by Frank Miller. So, that would explain the look of it.

[breathofj]

Peench, like I told you before....3 large popcorns, 2 packs of Sour Patch Kids and 1 box of Goobers would make ANYONE ill, no matter where he/she sees a film.

I will definitely see this in an IMAX theater. Also, on a side note, should they change the name of their theaters to iMax to adapt with the times? Just a thought.