Disney makes five-picture deal with IMAX

SINGAPORE, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Hollywood's Walt Disney Studios says its five-picture deal with IMAX Corp. will begin with its 2009 holiday offering, "A Christmas Carol," starring Jim Carrey.

The 3D film is to be directed by Robert Zemeckis.

The Disney-IMAX pact was announced Wednesday by Mark Zoradi, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group, at the 3DX: 3D Film and Entertainment Technology Festival in Singapore.

Disney said "A Christmas Carol" will lead off a slate of films that may include works by director Tim Burton, as well as by producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

"Experiencing great motion pictures in IMAX takes moviegoing to a whole new level of excitement, and we're thrilled to be working with the pioneers at IMAX in this venture," Zoradi said in a statement. "We can't think of a better way to launch than with Robert Zemeckis' fantastic new approach to the Dickens' classic, 'A Christmas Carol.' Following that, we have an incredible slate of new Disney Digital 3D motion pictures from some of the industry's most accomplished and innovative filmmakers, and we know audiences are going to love being immersed in these great fantasies and adventures in IMAX's format."

"Entering into a five-picture agreement with Walt Disney Studios helps us ensure that our network has an outstanding slate of movies going forward," added IMAX Co-Chairmen Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "We're delighted to enter this new partnership with one of the greatest brands in the industry, especially at a time when we're expanding to reach even more IMAX moviegoers."

Release dates for additional titles will be announced in the near future, Disney said.