Imax and Cinemark have reached a deal to install new equipment or make significant upgrades to 17 of the exhibitor’s locations across the U.S. and South America.
The deal comes during the runup to a big 2026 slate, which will include new Avengers and Spider-Man installments as well as Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated take on The Odyssey. Nolan’s film is the first theatrical release shot entirely in Imax film.
Under the agreement, four new Imax with Laser systems will be added in the U.S. and another in South America will be “actively explored.” Additionally, 12 systems will be upgraded to Imax with Laser, making Cinemark’s entire footprint capable of using the format.
Three Imax 70mm projection systems will go live, in Cinemark Seven Bridges in the Chicago suburb of Woodridge, as well as sites in Colorado Springs, CO, and Rochester, NY. All three locations are set to be operational before The Odyssey‘s release on July 17. Cinemark already has one the country’s top-performing Imax 70mm film locations at Cinemark Webb Chapel in Dallas, one of only two Imax 70mm film projectors in Texas.
In recent years, despite all of the volatility of theatrical exhibition and ever-shifting windows and release strategies, grosses from premium, large-format locations have continued to gain momentum. Imax last week reported stellar results for the third quarter, including a 50% jump in theatrical revenue in September compared with the same month in 2024.
“Cinemark expanding its commitment to the very best of what Imax has to offer – both Imax with Laser and Imax 70mm film — underscores the value we’re delivering for our exhibition partners in today’s marketplace,” Imax CEO Rich Gelfond said.
Cinemark CEO Sean Gamble added, “Upgrading our Imax locations to Imax with Laser and activating additional 70mm film systems further expands and enhances the immersive options we off our guests. These upgrades reflect our commitment to delivering high-quality, differentiated experiences that drive greater value perception, loyalty, and frequency across all types of films.”
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