Are There Different Types Of IMAX Theaters?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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They are completely different technologies , entirely different experiences, but they are marketed as the same thing — IMAX. In the past I have suggested that IMAX market and label the two types of theaters as IMAX Digital and IMAX Huge, but the company refuses to do anything about it.

What is the difference between the IMAX?

IMAX theatres have a dome circular and huge plain screens that almost cover the entire theatre and makes you feel like a part of the film. Whereas normal theatres have plain and regular screen of limited pixel resolution.

Are all IMAX theaters the same?

Did you know that not all IMAX screens are the same size ? Wired talked to the CEO of IMAX and found that it’s true, not all IMAX screens are the same size. Traditionally, an IMAX screen was around 72-feet, but the company compromised in order to install more systems in more markets.

How many IMAX theaters are there?

We have more than 1,500 IMAX theatres in more than 80 countries and territories around the globe. We can be found in destination entertainment centers and multiplexes as well as some of the most prestigious educational institutions worldwide.

Is all IMAX 70mm?

From my count, 342 of the 430 US IMAX Theaters are Digital. That means only 88 screens are real 70mm IMAX . And many of those screens are attached to museums, and don’t show Hollywood movie releases. The Dark Knight Rises prologue was only available on 42 of those 88 screens.

Is IMAX really worth?

The screen size is better for films where a whole lot in going on. Like say falling into a city or exploring a forest. IMAX picture is awesome and worth it in my opinion for specific movies . But even more than that (especially in the USA) its worth it for the sound boost as well for specific movies.

Why is IMAX so expensive?

Digital. Because 70mm film and projectors are costly and difficult to mass produce, and because the size of auditoriums that house full-size IMAX screens make them expensive to construct, IMAX debuted a digital projection system in 2008 to use with shorter 1.90:1 aspect ratio screens.

Is IMAX better than 4K?

It is estimated that 35mm film has a digital resolution equivalent to 4K: 35mm Imax film equates to 6K, while 70mm Imax is closer to 12K. ... While some films are scaled back up to a digital or film print for distribution, even Imax projection systems are not capable of playing back higher than 4K .

Can you watch IMAX movies at home?

IMAX Enhanced delivers more of what fans demand from IMAX in the home: Content: The only way to experience IMAX’s signature picture, sound and scale in the home—with exclusive, digitally remastered 4K HDR content and immersive audio by DTS.

Do you need glasses for IMAX?

Thanks to the fact that many IMAX theaters use different 3D technology than regular theaters in order to accommodate their concave screens, they also use different glasses. ... For hardcore movie buffs who wear glasses, there’s only one way to go: your own prescription 3D glasses .

Which is better 70mm or IMAX?

IMAX 70mm is still far better , but you’ll experience the size of the film and the enormity of the story this way. Most multiplexes that claim to offer IMAX, though, have a more traditional 1.9:1 aspect ratio and lack the expanded range of the laser projection system.

How much does an IMAX screen cost?

The basic system is the “Palais” setup, for theaters up to 75 square meters, at a cost of $400,000 —a price on par with a new Bentley in China. The set-top box and film rentals cost extra. An even bigger “Platinum” system accommodates up to 40 guests and costs about $1 million.

Is 70mm worth it?

70mm is a film format with frames that are larger in size and wider in aspect ratio than the standard 35mm film. “From an audience standpoint, it’s a much crisper, brighter, and ideally more uniform and stable image ,” said McLaren. ... There’s just so much more going on in these 70mm prints than even on your Blu-ray.”

Why is IMAX so good?

Unparalleled brightness and brilliant clarity . Clarity, detail and size make IMAX more than a movie. Our remastering — or DMR — process fully transforms every frame of a film to produce the best possible version of a filmmaker’s vision.

Does IMAX make you sick?

Dizziness, headaches and nausea happen while watching 3-D or IMAX movies because the brain receives conflicting information from the senses, said professor Andrea Bubka, who researches cybersickness at St. ... When vivid images play out on-screen, the eyes send signals that tell the brain the body is in motion.

Where is the largest IMAX theater in the world?

The Panasonic IMAX Theatre at Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia holds the largest fixed projection screen in the world, measuring 35.72m x 29.57 m (117 ft x 97 ft). It opened in September 1996 and can seat 540 people.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.