'Avatar' to be released in Imax 3-D

The live-action 3-D sci-fi adventure from James Cameron will be released simultaneously in Imax 3-D when the film premieres next year in conventional 3-D theaters, Imax Corp. and 20th Century Fox announced Thursday.

Set for a Dec. 18, 2009 release, "Avatar" is Cameron's sci-fi epic, made in stereoscopic 3-D and combining live-action and computer animation using visionary new techniques.

The film will be digitally re-mastered for the Imax release.

"Our goal with Avatar is to revolutionize live-action 3-D movie-making, and I have no doubt that it will look and sound incredible in Imax 3-D," Cameron said. "The larger field of view and power surround sound of an Imax theater will completely immerse the audience in a way that cannot be experienced anywhere else."

Added Imax's Bruce Snyder, president of domestic distribution, "The Imax theater network is increasingly becoming an important part of our distribution strategy, as it continues to expand with its new digital projection system."

"Avatar" centers on an ex-Marine who finds himself in the middle of hostilities on an alien planet filled with exotic life forms.

As an Avatar -- a human mind in an alien body -- he finds himself torn between two worlds, fighting for his own survival and that of the indigenous people.

The film stars Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, Michelle Rodriguez, Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver.