Warner Home Video willrelease the Imax 3D film Space Station on DVD, the first-everImax 3D title to be released in the video domain. The DVD, which will bedistributed in both 2D and 3D capabilities, will go into the domestic market inthe fourth quarter of 2004.

However, consumers hoping tosee the 3D version will have to go the extra mile and acquire a technologicalbridge, a specially-designed set-top box that relays the infra-red signals to3D glasses like those required for viewing in an Imax 3D cinema. This equipmentis currently available at high-end electronics retailers in the US, but Imaxsays it will become more widely available in the next couple of years. "3D iswhere the Imax world is headed," the company's presidentof filmed entertainment Greg Foster told Screendaily.

Although the notion of ahome video version of a film designed specifically for a giant screen seemscounter-intuitive Foster says the company has 22 titles licensed to Warner forthe home video window. Still, he says the release on DVD makes the most of thesmall screen; "The VHS version isn't quite what one would could consider theImax experience."

While the Space Station DVD will be more prominently distributed in 2D than3D, he says the company expects the 3D product to track the growth of HDtelevision into the mainstream, adding that high-definition delivery technologyis ideal for 3D viewing.

Space Station, which chronicles the initial construction stage ofthe international space station and is narrated by Tom Cruise, was thefastest-grossing Imax title, drawing more than $66m since its April 2002premiere.

The film won't be the first3D DVD title to go on release. On Feb. 24, Miramax/Dimension will be releasing SpyKids 3-D: Game Over on DVD in both3D and 2D versions along with a pair of traditional anaglyph 3D glasses(red/green lenses).