'Speed Racer' to screen in IMAX too

LOS ANGELES, May 9 (UPI) -- IMAX Corp. and Warner Bros. Pictures said "Speed Racer" was to open in North America on 84 IMAX screens, simultaneously with the movie's wide release Friday.

"Speed Racer," the new live-action film from the creators of "The Matrix" trilogy, is also scheduled to open internationally in 26 IMAX theaters during the days and weeks following the film's domestic launch.

"In IMAX theaters, audiences can experience the next best thing to actually sitting in the driver's seat during this high-speed adventure," Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures, said in a statement. "The riveting action and stunning special effects make it an ideal fit for IMAX's format."

"'Speed Racer' has all the elements for a powerful IMAX experience, with its broad appeal and spectacular effects," added Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, president of international distribution for Warner Bros. Pictures. "We are excited to be exhibiting the film internationally in this unique format."

Based on the classic series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida, the new live-action movie stars Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox, Benno Furmann, Hiroyuki Sanada, Asian pop superstar Rain and Richard Roundtree.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International