HBO and IMAX have struck a deal that will allow the fantasy epic Game of Thrones to screen on the theatrical distributor’s huge screens in cinemas.
Running from January 23rd to 29th, the final two episodes of the show’s fourth season will be shown in IMAX theatres – along with an exclusive trailer for the upcoming fifth season. Fans will be able to purchase tickets (at an as-yet unspecified fee) in the coming days.
Game of Thrones will also undergo digital remastering in order to prepare the show’s effects and computer-generated imagery for the unforgiving exposure of the big screen.
“The cinematic brilliance and grand scope of the series is perfect for the IMAX format,” said Pamela Levine, chief marketing officer at HBO. “We are always looking to provide fans with new and exciting ways to experience the show and viewing two key episodes, along with the new trailer, on such an impressive platform makes for a great event.”
IMAX’s move comes at a point in time when movie theatres are struggling to adapt to the differing consumption of media by audiences; 2014 proved the worst year for audience attendance figures since 1995.
IMAX, which has one screen in Ireland operating out of the Cineworld complex on Dublin’s Parnell St, has indicated that it will branch out with new media and innovative content over the coming year. Along with the HBO deal, the company also signed on to distribute the Netflix-produced Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon sequel The Green Legend worldwide on the same day the streaming network releases it online.
“IMAX always seeks innovative ways to provide moviegoers a unique and differentiated experience and today’s partnership with HBO and ‘Game of Thrones’ achieves just that,” said IMAX CEO Richard L Gelfond. “This deal also furthers our efforts to offer exhibitors the opportunity to participate in alternative forms of content in a new and exciting way.”
Game of Thrones, which is partially filmed in Northern Ireland, will see its fifth season debut in April. Last month, the show broke records when it was named the most pirated television programme worldwide for the third year in a row.
