El Segundo, Calif. July 28, 2008 --- Building upon the success of more than 150 million global views of the critically acclaimed IMAX® production “Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag”, Executive Producer and distributor K2 Communications announced today the anticipated release date for the newest and most technically advanced aviation film ever produced for IMAX® theaters. According to K2 Communications, Chief Executive Officer Bob Kresser the premiere of “Legends of the Sky” has been slated for March 2009 at the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum’s Lockheed Martin IMAX® Theatre. Legends will be presented shortly thereafter at Seattle’s Pacific Science Center and in subsequent general distribution to IMAX® theaters and other Giant Screen theaters worldwide.
Legends of the Sky is the second aviation-related IMAX® Theater film directed by the iconic Stephen Low and Executive Produced by K2 Communications. The film will premiere in 3D and be released in both 2D and 3D formats.
“The Smithsonian announced its participation before Legends production began, commensurate with the announcement of the America by Air exhibit. K2 Communications is pleased to follow that news with a progress report and news of the anticipated premiere date for this technically advanced IMAX® Theater film production,” said Kresser.
Legends of the Sky will give any theatre patron a cockpit perspective as aviation history dramatically unfolds. The Stephen Low film is a collaboration with the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, whose curators have helped shape the most experience-driven flight film yet produced for IMAX® screens.
Legends invites the viewer into the cockpit to experience pivotal aviation design and emotionally fly threshold aircraft -- airplanes that represent a major step forward in performance, safety, durability and sustainability. “This film gives the audience an insider’s view of what it takes to bring a modern Jetliner into production and serve its intended flying purpose. Through comparisons to signature aircraft of the past, Stephen Low’s film ultimately brings the audience up to the present and then provides each viewer with a press credential for the Paris Air Show, where they will see the Airbus A-380 and the first flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner,” continued Kresser.
Every audience member will be invited aboard the Boeing Dreamliner as Chief Test Pilot Mike Carriker takes the controls, clears the field and climbs to altitude. They will be along for the ride as Carriker literally makes aviation history. “Designing a new plane from a clean sheet of paper is a daunting experience made somewhat easier by a reliance on and respect for the past. Mike Carriker embodies the professional humility given to pilots and planes that came before as he flies the audience through an unforgettable review of milestone aircraft of the 20th century that includes a bi-plane, Super Constellation, Harrier Jump Jet and the Schleicher Glider. He then invites you to come aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner -- what is now regarded as the vanguard of 21st century commercial aircraft,” added film director Stephen Low.
Legends of the Sky will explain how the principles of aeronautical design continue to be re-interpreted by innovative designers, engineers and pilots and are then taken to the limit. A highpoint of the film will be the experience of joining Captain Carriker as he tests the Dreamliner’s airworthiness. Boeing’s commitment to innovation is inextricably linked to the airplanes and pilots who have come before. While each aircraft company is banking on their own success, the film’s producers are confident that both Airbus and Boeing would acknowledge their debt to history and aviation’s persistent inspiration to fly faster, higher, safer and more efficiently.
“Legends of the Sky is as technically advanced as the newest airplanes in the industry. Stephen Low’s credentials truly make him the ace of IMAX® Theater films, and his most recent achievement is sure to eclipse the flight time and performance envelope of any prior K2 IMAX® Theater film production,” Kresser concluded.
ABOUT K2: K2 Communications has extensive IMAX® Theater film experience, including Everest, Adventures in Wild California, Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag and 3D Sun. Currently in production are three films for IMAX® and other Giant Screen theaters, in partnership with the Stephen Low Company: Legends of the Sky (Spring 2009), in association with the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum; Ultimate Wave 3D (Fall 2009), produced in association with Suzuki Automotive and Quicksilver; and Rescue 3D (working title – Spring 2010). Recognized as leaders in the Giant Screen industry, K2 brings a wealth of success and experience in all aspects of production oversight, global distribution, and marketing. Beyond theatrical distribution, K2 was first to recognize and capitalize on the television aftermarket, acquiring a library of 60 films independently produced for IMAX® and other Giant Screen theaters, which they converted to high quality HD format. Their library of films is now playing in 40 countries worldwide, and has been licensed to other media including Internet sites, airlines, cruise ships and hotel rooms.
