IMAX has teamed up with HOYTS Cinemas to release up to five IMAX locations around the country, and the first one is landing right here in Melbourne. The first IMAX is set to open in Melbourne Central in late 2025, and it will be the first venue launched between the two companies since 2019. The new venue will open just in time for the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash. While there isn’t an exact release date just yet, the new Avatar movie will open for screenings around Australia on December 18, giving us a clue to the timings.
IMAX at Melbourne Central
Experience a wider range of colours, brighter images and deeper contrast the next time you’re at the cinema. The new HOYTS venue will be equipped with IMAX with Laser, which delivers sharp 4K images, precision audio and state-of-the-art projection technology, including custom-designed lenses and an innovative optical engine.
“As the pioneer of IMAX screens in multiplex cinema in Australia, HOYTS is delighted to partner with IMAX again,” said Damien Keogh, CEO and President of HOYTS Group. “Our foundation site at Melbourne Central will be open for Avatar: Fire and Ash, with more sites to be announced shortly.”
In 2022, IMAX had just one theatre in Australia, the popular cinema next to Melbourne Museum. Another ten venues are set to open in the coming years, including a cinema at Fountain Gate this November. Despite having just four locations currently in operation, Australia is ranked as the tenth market overall for IMAX box office, behind other countries like the U.S, China and the UK.
“Australia continues to be a priority for IMAX, and this agreement with HOYTS Cinemas to expand and diversify our footprint is just the latest sign of our strong momentum in this thriving moviegoing market,” said Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX.
Keep an eye out for updates here.