TORONTO -- Imax Corp. said Tuesday that it has hired TV distributor Northstar Media to get its supersized movies onto mobile phone screens and other digital platforms.

Toronto-based Imax said Northstar has acquired the rights to 21 titles and will distribute them to TV, VOD, mobile and broadband platforms as the giant-screen exhibitor's exclusive worldwide representative.

Imax films have already been released on DVD and Blu-ray. The deal with Northstar Media represents the first time the Canadian exhibitor has aimed to migrate its library onto newer and emerging digital platforms.

Imax titles originally filmed and presented in high-definition that Northstar Media will handle include "Tom Hanks Presents Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon," "Space Station," "Into the Deep" and "Blue Planet."

The distribution pact was unveiled by Greg Foster, chairman and president of filmed entertainment at Imax, and Northstar Media co-president Andy Weir.

Imax aims for smaller screens

By Etan Vlessing

March 25, 2008,