Two Game of Thrones episodes are to become the first parts of any television series to appear on IMAX, befitting the vastness of the series’ universe and the epic nature of its drama.
HBO will screen episodes 9 and 10 from season four, as well as an exclusive trailer for season five, at 150 IMAX screens nationwide from Jan. 23 to 29. Tickets go on sale Tuesday.
The planned screenings reflect an equally cinematic battle between media companies courting audiences with ever slicker means of releasing their films and shows. Netflix, which is dueling with movie houses irked by its ambitions of bypassing the traditional cinema release, plans to launch its sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in some IMAX theaters.
“IMAX always seeks innovative ways to provide moviegoers a unique and differentiated experience and today’s partnership with HBO and Game of Thrones achieves just that,” said Richard L. Gelfond, the CEO of IMAX, in a statement.
The fifth season of Game of Thrones premiers in April.
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Write to Elizabeth Barber at elizabeth.barber@timeasia.com