US-based cinema operator National Amusements has announced a deal to install up to 18 IMAX screens over the next few years; 12 of which could be in the UK.

National Amusements operates more than 1,425 screens worldwide and will initially install four IMAX MPX theatre systems – designed specifically to be easily added to existing multiplexes – at its sites in White Plains, New York; Hartford, Connecticut; Louisville, Kentucky; and Cincinnati, Ohio by November 2004 in time for the IMAX release of The Polar Bear Express.

Two further IMAX screens will open in as yet undetermined locations in 2005-6, with one expected to be in the UK.

However, as a further part of the deal, National Amusements is to purchase up to 12 additional systems, most of which are also likely to be installed in the UK.

IMAX’s co-chair and co-CEO, Richard L Gelfond, said: “This multiple theatre commitment from National Amusements confirms our belief in the potential of IMAX theatres in commercial multiplexes and further advances our commercial strategy.

“The strong interest from National Amusements and other top multiplex theatre operators should help us attract even more digitally remastered Hollywood event films, which, in turn, can help us grow the IMAX network around the world.”