An IMAX theater could soon be coming to the Augusta Regal Exchange 20.

Regal Entertainment Group representatives said they are investigating the possibility of retrofitting one the existing Regal Exchange auditoriums for an IMAX Digital system. IMAX and Regal signed an agreement in March to partner on 31 IMAX theaters in 20 U.S. markets. Although Regal is not confirming that the Regal Exchange 20 is one of the theaters, the Regal corporate site features an announcement that an IMAX theater is “coming soon” to the Exchange, and the IMAX corporate site lists a fall opening date.

Many of the new Regal/IMAX theaters are shooting for a Nov. 21 opening to coincide with the release of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: The IMAX Experience."

The original IMAX technology featured a large film print run horizontally, rather than vertically, through a specially designed camera. The film is projected on large screens designed to allow the image to fill the audience’s peripheral vision. The IMAX Digital system works in a similar fashion, using digital media instead of traditional film prints.

Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com