With the upcoming fifth season of Game of Thrones on the horizon, HBO has announced that they will be the first television network to feature programming in IMAX theatres. The final two episodes from season four will be digital remastered and formatted for 150 IMAX screens across the U.S. of A. Following the episodes, fans will be greeted with a first look at the highly anticipated new season. Learn more about when this will all take place after the jump.

Starting January 23, Game of Thrones fans will be treated to a fully immersive experience when the episodes” The Watchers on the Wall” and “The Children” appear in IMAX theatres. For those unfamiliar with the IMAX format, you can expect a fairly larger screen size coupled with a more crisp image compared to most average theaters, as well as better quality sound.

But beware, many IMAX theatres tend not to be the true IMAX experience that still charge full price. You can check out this Google Map to ensure you are getting the most bang for your buck with one of the giant screen IMAX theatres and not a LieMAX. I would hate for people to pay full price for a dinky IMAX knock-off.

Pamela Levine, chief marketing officer at HBO, believes IMAX is the experience fans of Game of Thrones deserve:

“The cinematic brilliance and grand scope of the series is perfect for the IMAX format. We are always looking to provide fans with new and exciting ways to experience the show and viewing two key episodes, along with the new trailer, on such an impressive platform makes for a great event.”

IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond states that is the next innovative step towards a greater good:

“IMAX always seeks innovative ways to provide moviegoers a unique and differentiated experience and today’s partnership with HBO and Game of Thrones achieves just that. This deal also furthers our efforts to offer exhibitors the opportunity to participate in alternative forms of content in a new and exciting way. As part of our broader strategy, we will continue to look for one-of-a-kind ways to provide consumers with special IMAX experiences.”

And of course the Senior Executive Vice President of IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment, couldn’t agree more:

“We couldn’t think of a series more fitting than Game of Thrones to be the first presented in IMAX. The scope and production quality of the show is quite remarkable, which will be highlighted even further in select IMAX locations – allowing fans, as never before, to become a part of author George R. R. Martin’s world that David Benioff and D. B. Weiss created for HBO. It has the action, storyline and epic nature that our fans seek in IMAX and we’re thrilled to team with HBO and our longtime partners at Warner Brothers to offer audiences a chance to experience it in the ultimate theatre setting joined by other fans of the series.”

Here are the official plot synopses of the season four episodes:

Episode nine, “The Watchers on the Wall,” takes place entirely at The Wall with the Night’s Watch hopelessly outnumbered as they attempt to defend Castle Black from the Wildings and features one the fiercest and most intense battle scenes ever filmed for television.

Episode 10, the season finale entitled “The Children,” features Dany coming to grips with the realities of ruling a kingdom, Bran learning the startling reality of his destiny and Tyrion facing the truth of his unfortunate situation.

This special engagement with HBO will take place through January 29. Tickets and screening locations can be found on the IMAX website. Again, be sure to check in with this special Google Map that lets you know if your IMAX is a true 70mm, large format experience.

Season five of Game of Thrones has yet to release an air date, but is scheduled to debut later this year.

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Source: HBO