MUMBAI: Encouraged by the success of converting The Matrix Revolutions into the Imax format last year Warner Bros. has announced that it will release Tom Hanks' upcoming film The Polar Express both in Imax and in standard definition in November.

The film will be released simultaneously in key markets across the world on 19 November.

 
The film reunites Hanks with his Forrest Gump director Robert Zemeckis. Both won Oscars for that project. The new family movie has been timed for the Thanksgiving holiday period.

It has used computer graphics imagery and stop-motion photography in order to blend realism and fantasy. It tells the tale of a doubting young boy who takes a train ride to the North Pole. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Zemeckis added, "When I saw the tests for The Polar Express in Imax 3D, I was excited that audiences would be able to experience the film this way. The 3D adds incredible depth and allows the viewers to experience the visual splendor and amazing adventure of this classic story in a way which should create a really memorable experience, not only this holiday season but for many years to come."

Delights that await viewers include catching snowflakes falling off screens that are up to eight stories tall. Viewers will experience the art of dodging the train's arrival as the whistle blows in 12,000 watts of digital surround sound.

Before that on 4 June Warner Bros. plans to release Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Imax and conventional theatres in the US, Canada and selected international territories. This will be followed by Catwoman with Halle Berry in July.