'Cloud Atlas' Getting IMAX Release; First TV Spot Highlights Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, And Futuristic Chase Scenes

Given the sprawling scope and staggering ambition of the Andy and Lana Wachowski and Tom Tykwer's Cloud Atlas, it seems only appropriate that the movie open on some of the largest screens in the world. IMAX has announced that the epic saga will hit their super-sized screens next month, on the same day as Cloud Atlas' regular, non-IMAX release. It's worth pointing out, however, that Cloud Atlas was not shot in native IMAX but is being digitally remastered for the release.

Still, whether you plan to see it on the big screen or the extra-big one, Cloud Atlas looks like one of this fall's most intriguing offerings. To pique viewer interest, Warner Bros. has just unveiled the first TV spot for the movie. While the previously released extended and theatrical trailers underscored the movie's more emotional themes, the new 30-second spot cuts straight to the sci-fi action goodness. Watch it after the jump.

[via Cinema Blend]

If it's tough to puzzle out what the movie's out by looking at the two previous trailers, it's damn near impossible to figure it out by watching this promo. A brief interaction between Tom Hanks and Halle Berry serves as the backbone of this spot, with quick, unexplained flashes of some of the film's other stars and other story arcs. It's tough to fault Warner Bros. for not getting the movie's entire message across in this video, though — the David Mitchell adaptation has way more story than can be accurately conveyed in 30 seconds.

What does come across loud and clear is critics' love for this film, thanks to glowing quotes from the likes of HitFix, First Showing, MSN Movies, and Entertainment Weekly. Laremy Legel, who reviewed the film for us from TIFF, wasn't among those quoted, but you can read his equally enthusiastic write up here.

Also starring Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Ben Whishaw, Doona Bae, Hugh Grant, and Susan Sarandon, Cloud Atlas opens in IMAX and non-IMAX on October 26.

[Additional source: THR]