OVERLAND PARK, KS -- ShowPlex Cinemas, Inc. announced today that guests visiting the Springfield 8 will soon enjoy The IMAX Experience® from IMAX Corporation. Plans have been completed to remodel the lobby, convert the existing auditoriums to all digital projection, add additional parking and expand the complex to 11 auditoriums, including an IMAX auditorium.

The IMAX Experience combines crystal-clear images, powerful digital sound and patented theatre geometry to create a uniquely immersive movie experience. This theatre will feature IMAX's digital projection system, which combines two digital projectors with IMAX's proprietary image enhancer and custom lenses to create an image with greater clarity, brightness and contrast. The images on screen are complemented with IMAX's latest sound system, which features its proprietary loudspeaker technology and uncompressed digital sound. This system has ten times more dynamic range, cuts down on distortion and provides a sound quality that feels more immersive, especially with the added acoustic paneling that absorbs sound and removes echo.

The current 8-screen Springfield complex is targeted for a major renovation and remodel with final completion scheduled for November 2011. When completed, the new Springfield 11 IMAX will offer more than 2,400 seats in 11 auditoriums. In addition to the new IMAX auditorium, ShowPlex Cinemas is adding two new auditoriums with stadium seating and digital capabilities, a completely remodeled lobby and lobby concession stand, as well as a new auxiliary concession stand and new restrooms.

"We are extremely excited to bring IMAX to the City of Springfield! The quality of the IMAX presentation is amazing; it definitely adds a new dimension to the movie-going experience," commented Al Lane, CEO of ShowPlex Cinemas. "With a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling screen, and high-quality digital projection and sound, our guests will enjoy the best of the best when it comes to major first-run Hollywood releases. Construction started the end of March and we will be open in November with a new look, digital projection throughout the entire complex, and most notably an absolutely incredible IMAX auditorium!" continued Lane.

Guests at Springfield 11 IMAX will take in the world's most immersive cinematic experience when Happy Feet 2: An IMAX 3D Experience opens on November 18, 2011. The movie has been digitally re-mastered into IMAX's format exclusively for presentation in the IMAX auditorium.

The IMAX theatre at Springfield will feature Hollywood's biggest movies that have been digitally re-mastered into IMAX's format.

Other upcoming Hollywood movies to be released in IMAX's format include:

• Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol: The IMAX Experience (December 16, 2011); and
• The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn: An IMAX 3D Experience (December 28, 2011).

Combining IMAX's revolutionary digital projection system, patented theatre geometry, specially designed screen and powerful digital audio system with ShowPlex Cinemas' guest service and innovative products and amenities will make Springfield 11 IMAX a premier destination for entertainment. The new IMAX theatre maximizes the experience for guests so they feel as if they are IN the movie they are watching.