New 'Star Trek' flick to get IMAX release

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Paramount Pictures and IMAX Corp. Friday announced that Hollywood's new version of "Star Trek" will be released in both IMAX and conventional theaters May 8.

Directed by J.J. Abrams, "Star Trek" explores the early Starfleet careers of future Enterprise officers James T. Kirk, played by Chris Pine; Spock, played by Zachary Quinto; Scotty, played by Simon Pegg; Amanda Grayson, played by Winona Ryder; Uhura, played by Zoe Saldana; McCoy, played by Karl Urban; Sulu, played by John Cho and Chekhov, played by Anton Yelchin.

Eric Bana, Leonard Nimoy and Bruce Greenwood also appear in the movie.

"We're excited to share the enhanced IMAX version of this film with the millions of dedicated fans who have been anticipating this release since production began," Rob Moore, vice chairman of Paramount Pictures, said in a statement. "The IMAX experience adds that extra level of excitement to an already action-packed film, giving moviegoers a premium 'event' at the multiplex."

"I'm thrilled that audiences will be able to experience this new, epic world of 'Star Trek' -- with an incredible cast and mind-blowing visual effects -- on what is, obviously, the most remarkable film format in the world," added Abrams.