SHANGHAI — IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) and IMAX China (HKSE: 1970) today announced that Warcraft, released by Legendary Pictures, scored a record-setting opening day – including midnight shows – in 290 IMAX theatres across China with box office of $5.33 million, or RMB 35 million. The new all-time record surpassed the previous record-holder Furious 7‘s RMB 31 million. In addition, Warcraft also breaks the IMAX midnight show (RMB 9.03 million) and presale (RMB 53.8 million) record in China, driven by its strong following.
Warcraft was adapted by Blizzard Entertainment’s video game juggernaut and its release date in China is two days ahead of North America. Of the total for midnight grosses, Wanda’s 151 IMAX screens accounted for RMB 4.7 million, or nearly half.
John Zeng, President and board director of Wanda Cinema Line Corporation said: “I’m thrilled to see what Wanda IMAX screens have achieved in presale and midnight show box office, which is the best example to show that the pairing of Wanda Cinema’s premier theater environment and IMAX technologies has been strongly recognized by the Chinese moviegoers. And I believe it is only the start for Warcraft‘s journey in China.”
“Warcraft presents a spectacular world for moviegoers and IMAX is definitely the best way to experience the scenes. We are excited about this incredible opening across IMAX screens in China and look forward to the future partnership with IMAX to bring new record-setting films to the moviegoers,” said Peter Loehr, Managing Director of Legendary East.
“Warcraft has become a true cultural phenomenon in China, and IMAX is pleased that the fans’ passion and loyalty has translated into this record-setting opening day for IMAX,” said Greg Foster, Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment. “Congratulations to Legendary, Wanda, Universal and all of our other partners involved in this film. We are proud that our collaboration has resulted not only in these fantastic numbers, but has launched a new cinematic franchise.”
The IMAX 3D release of Warcraft will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.
Related: Warcraft Official Trailer Revealed
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