posted 01-26-2006 12:43 PM                       

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Imax Shows Signs

By Sandy Brown
TheStreet.com Staff Reporter
1/26/2006 9:40 AM EST

Imax Thursday rolled out a partnership with Time Warner's (TWX:NYSE - news - research - Cramer's Take) Warner Brothers to release the studio's next blockbuster, V for Vendetta, starring Natalie Portman, on Imax this March.

Both companies have enjoyed a steady stream of stellar box-office returns with their recent ventures. And beyond already announced deals, which already include some much anticipated films like Superman Returns, if Imax now adds at least one more big picture to its 2006 film slate, which sources say it will, it will further validate its growing reputation as a box office booster with Hollywood studios.

While all the industry rage and chatter is about how much content media companies can jam on tiny video screens, Imax skips along signing lucrative licensing agreements around the world and striking deals with Hollywood studios to put their fare out in Imax.

In 2005, Warner Brothers' Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Batman Begins and the latest Harry Potter all surpassed $200 million in box office, a record that was especially poignant in a year when overall box office returns declined 5%. But Warner Brothers hit those numbers with significant Imax help...

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