[Australia] HOYTS Cinemas and IMAX relaunch partnership with five new IMAX with Laser locations across Australia
First new locations set to open in Melbourne this year – ahead of Avatar: Fire and Ash
Leading cinema chain HOYTS Cinemas has announced a new agreement with IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) to install five state-of-the-art IMAX® with Laser systems across Australia. The deal marks a renewed partnership between the two companies, who last operated an IMAX location together in 2019.
Supplied: HOYTS family enjoying big-screen movies
Up to five new additional sites are expected to be announced as part of the planned expansion. The first new IMAX location is set to open at HOYTS Melbourne Central in late 2025, ahead of the highly anticipated release of Avatar: Fire and Ash.
HOYTS Group CEO and President Damian Keogh said the partnership reflected HOYTS’ commitment to providing outstanding cinema experiences.
“As the pioneer of IMAX screens in multiplex cinema in Australia, HOYTS is delighted to partner with IMAX again. Our foundation site at Melbourne Central will be open for Avatar: Fire and Ash, with more sites to be announced shortly,” Damian said.
“Every one of our cinemas has touch points that elevate them from a usual experience: from the quality of our recliners, through to state-of-the-art technical enhancements. The opportunity to see things on IMAX is really going to enhance HOYTS’ reputation as the premier destination for film experiences.”
CEO of IMAX Rich Gelfond said collaborating once again with HOYTS is an exciting opportunity that will offer the immersive screen experience to even more movie fans across Australia.
“Australia continues to be a priority for IMAX. This agreement with HOYTS to expand and diversify our footprint is just the latest sign of our strong momentum in this thriving moviegoing market,” Rich said.
“HOYTS is an exceptional, well-established exhibitor in Australia and New Zealand, and we’re looking forward to getting back in business with the company to further satisfy surging demand for the IMAX Experience.”
HOYTS will equip the new cinemas with IMAX with Laser, IMAX's most advanced cinema experience. Developed for maximum immersion, delivering crystal-clear 4K images, precision audio, and state-of-the-art projection technology.
This latest announcement marks a major milestone in the refurbishment of HOYTS Melbourne Central, with IMAX now joining ScreenX, D-BOX, Xtremescreen and HOYTS LUX. The transformation of HOYTS Melbourne Central is set to redefine the cinema experience, delivering a world-class movie destination in the heart of the city.
To see the latest movie releases and session times at HOYTS, go to https://www.hoyts.com.au/. Follow HOYTS Australia on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and LinkedIn.
About HOYTS
Since opening the doors of its first cinema in 1909, HOYTS has gone on to become one of the world’s leading entertainment companies, with more than 500 screens and over 60,000 seats across the network. Today, HOYTS is the largest single-brand movie exhibitor in Australia and New Zealand.
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture, and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX systems to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, making IMAX's network among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.
IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo, and Shanghai. As of March 31, 2025, there were 1,810 IMAX systems (1,738 commercial multiplexes, 11 commercial destinations, 61 institutional) operating in 89 countries and territories. Shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code “1970”.
IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, Experience It In IMAX®, The IMAX Experience®, DMR®, Filmed For IMAX®, IMAX LIVETM, and IMAX Enhanced® are trademarks and trade names of IMAX Corporation or its subsidiaries that are registered or otherwise protected under laws of various jurisdictions. For more information, visit www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Instagram (www.instagram.com/imax), Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/imax), X (www.twitter.com/imax), and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).