Regina residents and visitors alike will see Walt Disney Pictures "The Lion King" roar out of a Saskatchewan theatre screen louder and bigger than ever today at the Saskatchewan Science Centre's Kramer IMAX Theatre launch of large-format, commercial Hollywood movies.

Over the summer, the Saskatchewan Science Centre installed digital remastering (DMR) equipment, including digital surround sound equipment at the IMAX theatre. The DMR equipment delivers re-formatted full-length, commercial movies for the five-story-high IMAX screens. The Science Centre received $135,000 from the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) for the upgrade. The City of Regina contributed $25,000 to the $160,000 project.

Federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) , Saskatchewan Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline and Mayor Pat Fiacco congratulated the Centre on the addition to its attractions.

"The Government of Canada's investment in the new IMAX technology continues our support in strengthening Regina's economic and tourism infrastructure, such as the Wascana Lake revitalization, the Regina Exhibition Park multipurpose facility and the restoration and upgrades to Government House," said Minister Goodale. "People might come to the IMAX for The Lion King, but they'll stay for the other exciting learning opportunities at the Science Centre and around Regina."

"This equipment will add a new dimension to one of Saskatchewan's top tourism attractions," Minister Cline said. "The Kramer IMAX Theatre already entertains thousands of visitors to Regina and the province each year, and the new films that it will show will confirm the Science Centre's status as a true 'powerhouse of discovery'," said Cline, who is also Minister Responsible for Tourism.

"On behalf of City Council and the City of Regina, I offer congratulations to the Kramer IMAX Theatre on opening its new Digital Re-Mastering and upgraded digital surround sound systems," said City Councillor Jerry Flegel on behalf of Mayor Pat Fiacco. "City Council works diligently to maintain a healthy balance of city services and social development opportunities by investing in improvement projects such as this and by continuing to work together as a community."

Through digital re-mastering technology, IMAX has developed a system that takes regular 35mm movie film and transforms it into 15/70mm film, the format required for IMAX movies. The upgraded Science Centre system enhances the image and sound with more clarity, size and impact for the audience.

Signed in September 2003, the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) focuses on increasing the competitiveness and productivity of Saskatchewan's economy. The agreement funds initiatives that develop Saskatchewan's small and medium-sized business sector, support economic and technological innovation, assist in economic diversification, and increase Aboriginal participation in the economic mainstream.

For additional information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, SK
Tel: (306) 975-5942

Renée Gillen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Western Economic
Diversification and Minister of State (Sport)
Tel: (613) 954-1110

Scott Langen
Executive Director
Saskatchewan Science Centre

Regina, Saskatchewan
(306) 791-7924

Bob Ellis
Director, Public Affairs
Saskatchewan Industry and Resources
Regina, Saskatchewan
(306) 787-1691

Lisa Wilson-Sturm
Acting General Manager, Public Affairs
City of Regina
777-7486