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Depp, Winslet Narrate 3D Film

12/21/2005

Press Release

Acclaimed Actors To Co-Narrate and Danny Elfman to Score Underwater IMAX 3D Expedition

LOS ANGELES

Dec. 21

IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that their upcoming original IMAX(R) 3D production, Deep Sea 3D, will be co-narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, and will feature an original score from award-winning composer Danny Elfman. The film will be the first documentary ever to boast the voices of Depp or Winslet, and be the first original IMAX production to be scored by Elfman, who has provided the musical backdrop for major Hollywood productions such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Chicago, Spider-Man 2, Men in Black and many others.

Slated for release exclusively to IMAX(R) theatres on March 3, 2006, Deep Sea 3D is Warner Bros. Pictures' second original IMAX 3D production, following the highly successful release of NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience, which has now grossed nearly $23 million around the world.

"Our last original IMAX production was the second-highest-performing documentary of 2004, so we're very excited about the potential for Deep Sea 3D, especially as it marries the magic of IMAX 3D with an engrossing story, an all-star filmmaking team, and, the talents of Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet and Danny Elfman," said Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

"Deep Sea 3D is loaded with breathtaking shots designed specifically for the spectacular IMAX 3D format, and the addition of these major talents makes the film even more attractive to both moviegoers and exhibitors," said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "This film represents another milestone in our quest to bring the thrill of Hollywood entertainment to our compelling original IMAX 3D productions, and we're delighted to be the first to join Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet with exotic scorpion fish, tiger sharks and the giant Pacific octopus."

Deep Sea 3D was shot by award-winning Director/Cinematographer Howard Hall and produced by Toni Myers. The producer for Howard Hall Productions was Michele Hall. The film was executive produced by Graeme Ferguson and Brad Ball, and associate produced by Judy Carroll.

Deep Sea 3D offers audiences astonishing up-close encounters with some of the world's most exotic undersea creatures. Howard Hall, Michelle Hall, Ferguson and Carroll were part of the accomplished filmmaking team behind IMAX's first underwater 3D adventure, Into The Deep, which has grossed more than $70 million since its 1991 release.

About IMAX Corporation

Founded in 1967, IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX; TSX: IMX) is the newest distribution platform for Hollywood content and one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies. IMAX delivers the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX(R) 3D, and IMAX DMR(R) technology. IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) makes it possible for virtually any 35mm film to be transformed into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience. The IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences. As of September 30, 2005, there were 261 IMAX theatres operating in more than 38 countries.

IMAX(R), IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX DMR(R) and The IMAX Experience(R) are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at www.imax.com.

This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on management assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Important factors that could affect these statements include the timing of theatre system deliveries, the mix of theatre systems shipped, the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses on film production and distribution agreements, the performance of films, the viability of new businesses and products, and fluctuations in foreign currency and in the large format and general commercial exhibition market. These factors and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and in the subsequent reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(source: IMAX)
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Award Season; Podcasts Announced

12/20/2005

Buena Vista Pictures has posted a new web site featuring several of its contenders for the 2005-2006 awards season. Featured films include The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Chicken Little and Howl's Moving Castle.

The site is accessible via this link.
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Press Release

Walt Disney World Resort Launches Official Weekly Podcast Featuring Exclusive Interviews, Behind-the-Scenes Content

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.

Dec. 19, 2005

Walt Disney World Resort takes listeners inside the world's No. 1 vacation destination when "Walt Disney World Resort: Plugged In," a weekly podcast, debuts Dec. 25 as part of the "Happiest Celebration on Earth," a global commemoration of 50 years of Disney theme parks.

Hosted by David Brady, the official Walt Disney World podcast will feature a lively mix of exclusive content including behind-the-scenes tours of Disney's four Florida theme parks, celebrity interviews, news about upcoming events and conversations with Walt Disney Imagineers, the men and women responsible for the design, creation and expansion of the company's theme parks and resorts.

Listeners can subscribe to the free audio program at disneyworld.com/podcast or through the iTunes Podcast Directory. The podcasts are being produced exclusively for the fast growing medium and can be enjoyed at the listener's convenience with a computer or portable audio player such as the Apple iPod.

"Through our podcasts, listeners will be able to share in the fun of Walt Disney World Resort each week," said Craig Dezern, vice president of global PR for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "This dynamic new medium provides a terrific way for Disney fans around the world to discover the many exciting things happening during the 'Happiest Celebration on Earth.' "

Upcoming podcasts will include interviews with celebrities such as Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa ("Live with Regis & Kelly"), Susan Lucci ("All My Children"), John Stamos ("Jake in Progress"), Raven ("That's So Raven"), the Cheetah Girls, Aly & AJ, Kelly Monaco and John O'Hurley ("Dancing with the Stars"), singer-actress Vanessa Williams, and the young stars of the Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media motion picture "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."

Listeners also will have unprecedented access to Imagineers as they discuss the design and construction of Expedition Everest, a thrilling new runaway train attraction debuting at Walt Disney World Resort in Spring 2006.

"Walt Disney World Resort: Plugged In" joins several official podcasts from The Walt Disney Company, including free programs from Disney Online, Radio Disney, ABC, ESPN and the Disneyland Resort.

For more information about Walt Disney World Resort, visit disneyworld.com or call (407) W-DISNEY.

(source: Walt Disney World Resort)
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Press Release

OFFICIAL DISNEYLAND RESORT PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS 50TH HOLIDAY SEASON

Podcast Listeners Go Behind-the-Magic of "The MERRIEST Place on Earth!"

ANAHEIM, Calif.

The Disneyland Resort in southern California continues its popular podcast of original content by kicking off the resort's 50th anniversary holiday season with a fun and amusing assortment of interviews. This unique Internet-based show is free, available now and is accessible to a global audience via a "Disneyland" search on iTunes or at www.disneyland.com/podcast.

The newest podcast episode features interesting behind the scenes stories and interviews, all with a holiday twist, recorded live at "The Happiest Place on Earth" by host Michael Geoghegan. First up, listeners learn about a worthwhile online auction that features over 40 personally hand-signed and decorated Mickey Mouse shaped gold holiday ornaments from some of Hollywood's biggest stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Christina Aguilera, Teri Hatcher, Kirk Douglas, Bob Newhart and many more. The auction can presently be found on eBay and is a fundraiser for Toys for Tots in support of young victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Geoghegan also uncovers the fascinating background facts and figures on what it takes to decorate the resort for the holidays, especially Disneyland's signature 60-foot live tree, shimmering in all gold ornaments and lights this year to commemorate the park's 50th anniversary. Becky Cline from the Walt Disney Archives in Burbank then provides historical background on Disneyland's traditional Candlelight Processional and Ceremony.

The podcast moves into the back country of Frontierland to discover real live reindeer at Santa's Reindeer Round-up. It is here that Geoghegan establishes a first for the Official Disneyland Resort Podcast as he actually interviews the 2005 National Thanksgiving Turkey, recently pardoned by President Bush and now living at Disneyland! The show concludes with a fascinating interview with longtime Disney Imagineer Kevin Rafferty who provides background on his career with Disney and a sneak preview on the all-new attraction, "Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!" opening in January at Disney's California Adventure park.

(source: Disneyland Resort)
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Grand Toys and Zizzle Bring Pirates to Canada

12/14/2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GRAND TOYS AND ZIZZLE SAIL THE HIGH SEAS and TAKE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST TO CANADA


Hong Kong, December 14, 2005

The box-office bonanza that made pirates cool again is back in action with the next installment of Disney's PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN franchise, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST. And to accompany one of the most anticipated films of 2006, Grand Toys International Limited (NASDAQ: GRIN) announced today that Grand's Canadian Subsidiary, under its distribution agreement with Zizzle LLC, will deliver in Canada the first mass market toy line ever offered behind the Disney franchise, which encompasses the coming sequel and the yet to be named final film in the trilogy, scheduled for release in 2007.

Jason Mars, Grand's Vice-President of Sales and Merchandising said, "With multiple years of entertainment support between Dead Man's Chest in summer 2006 and the third movie in 2007, we believe that Pirates of the Caribbean has longevity in the marketplace, and we are excited to be working with Zizzle to build this franchise." Mr. Mars added that "Grand will support the product line with comprehensive TV and PR programs for the Canadian market."

Zizzle, with its team of proven toy marketers led by Roger Shiffman, has come on the scene and is gaining momentum quickly. Product development for Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean, created by the Zizzle team, will be innovative, and marketing will seek unique, fun ways to drive Pirates at retail.

"Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean was tremendously successful, and the inherent excitement for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest combined with our fresh ideas on product development make for a powerful opportunity," said Mr. Shiffman. "The play pattern and property are the perfect fit for kids, and we hope to drive the business worldwide to a magnitude that few other major film properties have seen before."

Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean products, which will launch just prior to the movie release, will include: action figures, play sets, role play, interactive hand held games, novelty electronics and more. The line will play off the incredible depth of characters, storylines, movie sets/locations and pirate fantasy covered by the sequels. Highly detailed action figures will include all of kids' favorite characters, from Captain Jack Sparrow to Will Turner to the new villain character, Davy Jones. Figures and accessories will be launched in multiple sizes/scales and with built-in features from slashing swords to smoking cannons. Kids will be able to take to land or sea with different play sets, including an Ultimate Black Pearl ship measuring nearly three feet long! And, of course, role play toys will allow any child to become "one" with their favorite pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, using all of his great gear.

About Grand Toys International Limited: Grand Toys International Limited is a newly reorganized international company resulting from the reorganization of Grand Toys International, Inc. and the acquisition of Playwell International Limited in August 2004 and the acquisition of International Playthings, Inc. in March 2005. Grand Toys, through its U.S. and foreign operating subsidiaries, develops, distributes and supervises the out-sourced manufacturing of toy and toy related products throughout the world. Grand Toys' operating subsidiaries have been in continuous operation for up to 45 years. Grand Toys' strategy is to grow by expanding its proprietary products, adding licenses and by acquiring complementary companies. Grand Toys' goal is to become a leading manufacturer, developer, marketer and distributor of toy and toy related products throughout the world. Additional information can be sourced on Grand at www.grand.com.

About Zizzle: Zizzle was launched in January 2005, by Roger Shiffman, and has offices in Bannockburn, Illinois and Hong Kong. Zizzle has a seasoned management team consisting of Marc Rosenberg, Patty Jackson and David Scher among others. Zizzle is developing a comprehensive line of electronic and traditional toys for 2006 and beyond. For more information, go to www.zizzle.com.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on Grand Toys management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties and changes in circumstances. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based upon information available to Grand Toys as of the date of the press release, and it assumes no obligation to update or alter its forward- looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Further information on risks or other factors that could affect Grand Toys' results of operations is detailed in the filings of Grand Toys International Limited with the SEC, and the filings of its predecessor, Grand Toys International, Inc., now a subsidiary of Grand Toys International Limited.

(source: Grand Toys International Limited)
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A Plethora of Piratey Goodness

12/13/2005

Disney has released the first official trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. If you're one of the few who have yet to see it, KeepToTheCode.com is pleased to present you with a myriad of choices of format and size to view the clip. Click here to choose your preferred format.

The trailer can currently be seen preceding the film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, in theaters now.
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Visit the official Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest web site at this link (requires Macromedia Flash player to view). While currently light in terms of depth of content, the site will most certainly feature more in the months leading up to the July 7 release of the film.
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Peter and the Starcatchers Update

12/08/2005

As reported here on March 18 (scroll to "Peter and the Starcatchers"), Disney will be bringing the Ridley Pearson-Dave Barry novel to the big screen as an animated feature.

See DigitalSpy and ComingSoon for the latest details. Jay Wolpert is scripting.
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New POTC3 Title?

12/07/2005

According to film industry crew magazine Below The Line, Pirates Of The Caribbean 3 is being referred to as Pirates Of The Caribbean: Uncharted Waters. Shooting on Pirates of the Caribbean 3 is currently slated to be completed in March 2006. (ed note: standard disclaimer applies -- information subject to change, et cetera...)
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Card Walker 1916-2005; POTC2 Trailer On Line; TCM honors Miyazaki

12/01/2005

Yahoo Movies has released the first official Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest trailer.
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E. Cardon "Card" Walker, former Walt Disney Co. chief executive who headed the company following the deaths of founders Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney, died Monday at age 89. Walker suffered from congestive heart failure.

He began his career with Disney in 1938, working in the mailroom. Over the following years, he worked his way up the company ladder, eventually helping develop a variety of Disneyland's signature attractions as well as some of the company's animated feature films.

Following Walt's death in 1966, Card was named executive vice president and chief operating officer, and in 1971, after Roy O. Disney's death, he became president of the company.

Walker was a major player in the acquisition of the 43 square miles of property in central Florida known today as Walt Disney World.

Current Disney company CEO Bob Iger said, "Card was instrumental in keeping Disney strong and growing in the critical years that followed the passing of founders Walt and Roy Disney...There is little question that, were it not for Card Walker's vision and leadership, Disney would not be what is it today."

Former CEO Michael Eisner commented, "Thanks to his deep understanding of the company and its founders, talking to Card was the next best thing to talking to Walt himself...Card successfully steered this company through a challenging time of transition, establishing an incredibly strong base for success on which Disney continues to build."

Walker is survived by his wife of 59 years, Winnie, three children and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be private; family requests donations be made to the Motion Picture and Television Fund.
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In January, cable channel Turner Classic Movies (aka TCM) will honor the films of Hayao Miyazaki, often called "the Walt Disney of Japan."

Miyazaki won the Academy Award in 2002 for his film Spirited Away, the only non-American film ever to win for Best Animated Feature. Spirited Away debuts on TCM on January 5 at 8 pm (check listings for local times).

Miyazaki's films are distributed in the US by Disney; his most recent work, Howl's Moving Castle, was released earlier this year. We were invited to attend a special screening and panel discussion, which can be viewed at this link (ed note: Keep To The Code is a fully-owned property of DizHub).

The full press release, including a schedule of film dates and times, can be viewed at this link.
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