Star Trek Into Darkness Following Dark Knight Strategy - Opening Minutes Screening in IMAX Next Month

True or false, the history books will state the tragic passing of Heath Ledger, and the accompanying rumors of "Playing the Joker made him kill himself" and so on, shot public awareness of The Dark Knight to Must-See status. A disputable claim, but many have counter-pointed that argument stating the popularity of its predecessor Batman Begins, strong word-of-mouth in its original theatrical run and home video sales. I've heard many say the real dealmaker was Warner Brothers' then-unheard of decision of attaching the opening sequence in front of I Am Legend at select IMAX screenings that prior Christmas 2007.

Paramount is taking note. The first nine minutes of Star Trek Into Darkness, the centerpiece of their 2013 lineup, screens on 500 IMAX theaters of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Said opening set-piece is said to be one of several in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek sequel filmed with IMAX cameras, just like The Dark Knight. Obvious the studio doing their best to replicate the winning strategy; can't say I blame them. Assuming, a trailer will be attached to non-IMAX prints of Hobbit that weekend.