3D Entertainment Distribution has announced that its unique trilogy of underwater-themed films for Imax 3D and digital 3D cinemas – Ocean Wonderland 3D (2003) Sharks 3D: A Close Encounter with the Lions and Tigers of the Ocean (2005) and Dolphins and Whales 3D: Tribes of the Ocean (2008) – has reached a new milestone with over $70 million accumulated to date at the worldwide box office. The films have been released in 28 countries. The strong performance of our unique film trilogy confirms the viability of both our business model and strategy says Francois Mantello chairman and CEO of 3D Entertainment Distribution. We are delighted our films have proven to be such steady draws and that alongside our film ambassador Jean-Michel Cousteau we have had this marvelous opportunity to share a vital conservation message with over 11.3 million moviegoers around the globe. We thank our partners and Imax exhibitors worldwide including the New England Aquarium Tennessee Aquarium Virginia Beach Aquarium Audubon Aquarium of the Americas Moody Gardens the Houston Museum of Natural Science Imax Corporation's owned and operated theatres and the Smithsonian Institution for making this happen. Dolphins and Whales 3D presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau and featuring a narration by actress and environmentalist Daryl Hannah was first released in February 2008. The film delivers an important message in favor of the protection of these tribes while they are facing the greatest challenge of all: to survive the destruction of their habitat and depletion of food resources. Its box office score currently stands at $15 million and domestic revenue per screen is a healthy USD 280 500. Says Laurent Dondey managing director of La Geode in Paris (France) We are overwhelmed by the film's results. It has been an immediate and solid success since its release at our Imax theatre on June 10 drawing 60 000 viewers in twelve weeks for a record occupancy rate of 73 percent throughout.
