Imax continues to expand its theater network in Asia with two new multi-theatre deals in Thailand and Vietnam, unveiled Monday at CinemaCon in Las Vegas.
The first agreement with Thai exhibitor Cineplex for up to ten new theaters with laser projection systems includes a further five new theaters across Thailand, in addition to four upgrades in the country by 2025, including locations in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Chiang Mai.
Cineplex will also upgrade one location in Cambodia to laser projection. The Thai cinema chain currently has seven Imax large format theaters in Thailand.
And Galaxy Cinema, Vietnam’s largest local cinema chain, has a deal with Imax to build two new flagship locations, including one in Ho Chi Minh City, which will open in 2023. The agreement marks the first collaboration between Imax and Galaxy, bringing the Canadian-based cinema technologies company’s theaters in Vietnam, planned or open, to all six.
“Southeast Asia remains a strong region with solid growth potential for Imax, and we are pleased to continue our expansion in emerging markets such as Vietnam, Southeast Asia’s fastest growing economy, for two consecutive years,” said Richard Gelfond, CEO of Imax. statement on Monday.
The new theater deals in Thailand and Vietnam follow James Cameron’s Avatar: the way of the water becoming a top-grossing Imax release in both Asian markets.
Imax’s laser projection systems promise higher-resolution, higher-contrast, lifelike images, and accurate audio, as part of a first-class cinema experience.
