IMAX was given a big boost when Chris Nolan used the format in the original Dark Knight alongside regular 35mm footage.
Unsurprisingly, The Dark Knight Rises is slated to contain over an hour of Imax footage, as will the JJ Abrams Star Trek 2 reboot. Imagine the lens flair in IMAX 3D!
As we previously reported, Abrams decided to make the next Star Trek in 3D after mulling it over for a considerable length of time. Apparently, his decision to shoot some of it in IMAX took some thought as well.
Collider first noticed IMAX cameras in photos taken from the set, and now it’s officially been confirmed there will be Imax scenes in the film, which if done right, could be pretty extraordinary. (Note: Trek 2 will also have a full IMAX 3D release as well when it’s released on May 17, 2013.)
“We were so thrilled with the creative results of shooting IMAX for Mission: Impossible that we jumped at the chance to use the format for Star Trek,” Abrams confirmed in a recent statement.
“All expectations were exceeded – the action and resolution is insane at this scale. We cannot wait for audiences to see the crew of the Enterprise in a way they never have before.”
Greg Foster, who is chairman and president of IMAX, believes Star Trek “has the perfect DNA for Imax fans,” while Rob Moore, vice chairman of Paramount said: “JJ and the filmmaking team behind the Star Trek franchise are once again working to give audiences one of the best film going experiences available today. Following the great success of the first film in the newly revived franchise, the sequel to Star Trek will no doubt be among the top choices for moviegoers next summer.”
This of course also raises the bar much higher for expectations on the film. The Abrams reinvention of Star Trek was a huge box office phenomenon, and Paramount has especially been panting for a sequel, which Abrams wasn’t going to move forward on until the script was right.
Trek 2 has wrapped, and there’s no doubt anticipation will be huge for the long-awaited sequel. Yes, ST2 will undoubtedly make big money – good, bad or indifferent – but if the movie really delivers, the sky’s the limit for the film and the entire francise.
