IMAX signs deal for "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa"

IMAX Corporation and DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. announced Monday an agreement to release Madagascar: Escape 2 Africainto IMAX theatres worldwide on November 7.

The agreement completes IMAX's integration into DreamWorks Animation's release strategy for the studio's next five theatrical releases from June this year until May 2010.

Under the terms of the agreement, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa will be digitally remastered and play for a special release in IMAX theatres, including select new IMAX Digital theatres, which will begin rolling out this summer.

"IMAX's early scheduled deployment of its state-of-the-art digital projection system has made possible the release of Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa into The IMAX Experience," said DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg. "DreamWorks Animation remains committed to delivering a premium entertainment experience to our audience, and further extending our relationship with IMAX helps us to achieve that goal."

"We are delighted that DreamWorks Animation will capitalize on the advantages of IMAX Digital, and we are pleased to add Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa to our 2008 lineup," said IMAX co-chairmen and co-CEOs Richard Gelfond and Bradley Wechsler. "The virtual elimination of film prints enables studios to release titles in a shorter window. This allows IMAX theatres to program more content, which we believe will translate into increased revenue for exhibitors and ultimately lead to accelerated growth of the IMAX network worldwide."

"Madagascar was a huge hit with moviegoers, and we are very confident that this highly anticipated sequel will look and sound amazing in IMAX," added Greg Foster, chairman and president of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "IMAX Digital has virtually eliminated a significant barrier to entry into the IMAX business for studios, and it is already driving additional content into our network. We're thrilled to enter into this new age of exhibition with a visionary studio like DreamWorks Animation."

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa joins four other DreamWorks Animation movies previously announced and slated for release in the IMAX format, including Kung Fu Panda, which will be released June 6, as well as the studio's first three 3D titles, Monsters vs. Aliens (March 2009), How to Train Your Dragon (November 2009) and Shrek Goes Fourth (May 2010).

In Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, all of the lovable characters are back -- Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo, King Julien, Maurice and the penguins. Left marooned on the distant shores of Madagascar, the New Yorkers have hatched a plan so crazy that it just might work.

With military precision, the penguins have repaired an old crashed plane -- sort of. Once aloft, this unlikely crew stays airborne just enough to make it to the wildest place of all -- the vast plains of Africa itself.

Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric The Entertainer and Andy Richter all return to their original roles. The film is produced by Mireille Soria and Mark Swift, and co-directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath.