Overview
On a future visit to Hoyts cinema in Australia, you might be catching your movie of choice not just on the big screen, but in IMAX. The two companies — Hoyts and IMAX — announced a partnership in July with the goal of launching up to five state-of-the-art IMAX with Laser systems around the country. First stop was Hoyts Melbourne Central, now we know the next four locations to follow.
Before 2025 comes to an end, timed before Avatar: Fire and Ash arrives, Hoyts Chadstone will add IMAX to its offering in mid-November, before Hoyts Carousel in Perth, Hoyts Melbourne Central and Hoyts Blacktown in western Sydney open in mid-December — hopefully before the third Avatar film releases on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
This isn't the first time that Hoyts and IMAX have joined forces, but they haven't worked together on an IMAX site since 2019. There could still be more additions to come, since the chain operates in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, too. So, if you live in those states, start crossing your fingers.
Wherever else Hoyts rolls out its new IMAX with Laser systems, viewers will enjoy 4K images displayed via an optical engine with custom-designed lenses — and showing the widest range of colours in IMAX yet — plus precision audio.
"Hoyts is delighted to partner with IMAX to introduce four new screens across Australia, giving movie lovers even more ways to enjoy blockbusters on the big screen," said Hoyts Group CEO and President Damien Keogh.
"The release of Avatar: Fire and Ash in December — and a tremendous 2026 slate behind it — represent a golden opportunity for IMAX and its exhibition partners around the world," added IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond.
Fittingly, Australia is currently embracing IMAX in a big way. From just four locations earlier in 2025 — in Carlton in Melbourne, in Sydney, and also on the Gold Coast and in Canberra since late 2024 — the country is the tenth market box-office wise for the format around the globe.
Expanding the country's super-sized cinema options, this is the third round of new IMAX locations announced in the last year. Another new Melbourne venue has been confirmed as well, launching at Village Cinemas Fountain Gate the end of 2025. Plus, EVT, the hospitality company behind Event Cinemas, has a quartet of IMAX screens on the way at venues yet to be revealed. Three will welcome in movie lovers in 2026, with the fourth arriving before 2027 is out.
Hoyts' new IMAX locations are set to start rolling out in November and December of 2025. Keep an eye on the Hoyts website for more details in the interim.