IMAX has delayed the premiere of the HBO drama "Game of Thrones" in theaters, but for very good reason.
IMAX plans to expand its screenings from 150 to 200 theaters across the United States and Canada due to "high levels of consumer demand," the theater chain announced on its blog.
"Game of Thrones" will launch on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 10 p.m., one week later than originally scheduled, and run through Thursday, Feb. 5. The screenings will include two episodes from season four and the first official trailer for season five, which premieres on April 12.
"The cinematic brilliance and grand scope of the series is perfect for the IMAX format," Pamela Levine, chief marketing officer at HBO, said in a statement. "We are always looking to provide fans with new and exciting ways to experience the show and viewing two key episodes, along with the new trailer, on such an impressive platform makes for a great event."
Cities in more than 30 states will hold screenings including Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chicago, Baltimore, St. Louis, Las Vegas, New York, Philadelphia and Austin, Texas.
Tickets go on sale Friday, Jan. 16.
The first 300 ticket holders on Thursday night will receive a commemorative "Game of Thrones" poster illustrated Robert Ball. The artist has designed interpretive prints of all the deaths that have occurred on the fantasy drama.
Click here to see the entire list of cities and theaters.
The fifth season of "Game of Thrones" premieres on Sunday, April 12 at 9 p.m. on HBO. The upcoming season will adapt its story from the fourth and fifth novels ("A Feast for Crows" and "A Dance with Dragons") of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series.
