Large Format/"Premium" Theaters (IMAX 15/70, Digital IMAX, XD, ETX, RPX, etc.)

[Blu-Malibu2009]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

Strange, I have seen numerous IMAX 3D Experiences and by far IMAX 3D is the only way to go. I have never had a headache or anything. The image looks great too because of the dual projection. On the other hand, the Dolby Atmos equipped 3D cinema near me looks dark and I do get an ever so slight headache.

Everyone has a different experience with it. I had migraines as a child and I think that is partially the reason I can't watch 2 hour movies in 3D with the glasses.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by Blu-Malibu2009

Everyone has a different experience with it. I had migraines as a child and I think that is partially the reason I can't watch 2 hour movies in 3D with the glasses.

Never had any childhood issues, but I find the Atmos system really distracting with all the objects firing around.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

Never had any childhood issues, but I find the Atmos system really distracting with all the objects firing around.

that's sort of the point ...

[MrsMiniver]

I

Originally Posted by Dubstar

that's sort of the point ...

I like to be immersed and not distracted by small speakers firing that really cannot fill a room adequately unless thery are all being used as an array.

[Zhorik]

Originally Posted by Spike M.

You mean IMAX 6.1?

Not that it matters, since Poya's using a 12.1 system for comparison.

Although if he's using the El Capitan as his basis, then blah. Every other Yelp review mentions how the screen isn't as big as you'd expect. Comparing Dolby Vision to Laser IMAX when Laser's are working with -a lot- more canvas is sort of a non-compete. A better test would be seeing how Laser's looked at something like the Citywalk IMAX vs something like that Dolby Vision theater that opened in Holland.

It would either be 12.0 or 6.0 or 5.0 technically as all channels are full range with base management as opposed to a dedicated LFE channel.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by Zhorik

It would either be 12.0 or 6.0 or 5.0 technically as all channels are full range with base management as opposed to a dedicated LFE channel.

Who cares what it is.

[Flatnate]

I would agree that there is an argument to be made for really good large screen, high dynamic range 2D. All 3D gives my wife a headache, I seem to do better, but I know it varies to the individual. The last 3D movie I saw in the theater was a 15/70mm presentation of Prometheus, and even then I found the ghosting somewhat distracting at times. I didn't attend another 15/70mm IMAX presentation until Interstellar because every major relase was 3D, and my wife refuses to go.

I agree with Dreamliner330, that it is a serious bummer that the Great Clips IMAX theater in Minnesota paired a dual 2K digital system on a 6 story tall screen that was always traditional 15/70mm IMAX up until this last year.

Now I have a independent theater chain closer to me who took over what used to be a cineplex with a smaller digital IMAX installation. They are now running the former IMAX screen almost entirely in 2D, with standard 4K projection and I have to admit that until 2D Dolby Vision comes to town, that they will probably get the majority of my business.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by Flatnate

I would agree that there is an argument to be made for really good large screen, high dynamic range 2D. All 3D gives my wife a headache, I seem to do better, but I know it varies to the individual. The last 3D movie I saw in the theater was a 15/70mm presentation of Prometheus, and even then I found the ghosting somewhat distracting at times. I didn't attend another 15/70mm IMAX presentation until Interstellar because every major relase was 3D, and my wife refuses to go.

I agree with Dreamliner330, that it is a serious bummer that the Great Clips IMAX theater in Minnesota paired a dual 2K digital system on a 6 story tall screen that was always traditional 15/70mm IMAX up until this last year.

Now I have a independent theater chain closer to me who took over what used to be a cineplex with a smaller digital IMAX installation. They are now running the former IMAX screen almost entirely in 2D, with standard 4K projection and I have to admit that until 2D Dolby Vision comes to town, that they will probably get the majority of my business.

We have IMAX laser and regualr IMAX close to me, I still go to the regualr IMAX as its closer to my home. IMAX laser only when I am in the mood to drive DT.

[Flatnate]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

We have IMAX laser and regualr IMAX close to me, I still go to the regualr IMAX as its closer to my home. IMAX laser only when I am in the mood to drive DT.

Being we only have four IMAX laser installations anywhere as of now (at least listed on the IMAX website as of today) I would say you are pretty lucky to live where you are at.

My fear is that IMAX will really drag its feet upgrading the Minnesota theater being its digital conversion is so new. That said, if I make a trip to Seattle I may have to hit up both the Boeing IMAX as well as the Seattle Cinerama.

With where I live now anything on a large screen is a bit of a drive, and unfortunately preferring 2D, IMAX usually isn't the theater of first choice, I wish they would offer more of a mix.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by Flatnate

Being we only have four IMAX laser installations anywhere as of now (at least listed on the IMAX website as of today) I would say you are pretty lucky to live where you are at.

My fear is that IMAX will really drag its feet upgrading the Minnesota theater being its digital conversion is so new. That said, if I make a trip to Seattle I may have to hit up both the Boeing IMAX as well as the Seattle Cinerama.

With where I live now anything on a large screen is a bit of a drive, and unfortunately preferring 2D, IMAX usually isn't the theater of first choice, I wish they would offer more of a mix.

IMAX did not do anything wrong, the Great Clips IMAX has to pay for the upgrade to either Xenon or Laser. IMAX does not pay the bill (Mann's and Scotiabank excldued).

As for being lucky, yes I am close to IMAX head office and close close by are IMAX Laser flagship Scotiabank, IMAX Xenon (former 70mm) and IMAX WC24 retrofit with Xenon IMAX and the new 12 channel sound system.

[Flatnate]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

IMAX did not do anything wrong, the Great Clips IMAX has to pay for the upgrade to either Xenon or Laser. IMAX does not pay the bill (Mann's and Scotiabank excldued).

As for being lucky, yes I am close to IMAX head office and close close by are IMAX Laser flagship Scotiabank, IMAX Xenon (former 70mm) and IMAX WC24 retrofit with Xenon IMAX and the new 12 channel sound system.

Awww man... that is bad news.

That means a laser upgrade could be a LONG ways off for that Great Clips IMAX in Minnesota.



Edit:

Found a press release from IMAX stating:

"Of the total 439 theaters that are on the IMAX backlog, the company has 69 earmarked for laser projector installations while in total it has a global network of 880 theaters".

I'm unsure how many traditional 15/70mm installations were in the IMAX network but you would think that 69 would comprise a good majority of those 15/70mm large screen installations. I won't despair yet, a long wait for the upgrade would be a bad deal no less.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by Flatnate

Awww man... that is bad news.

That means a laser upgrade could be a LONG ways off for that Great Clips IMAX in Minnesota.



Edit:

Found a press release from IMAX stating:

"Of the total 439 theaters that are on the IMAX backlog, the company has 69 earmarked for laser projector installations while in total it has a global network of 880 theaters".

I'm unsure how many traditional 15/70mm installations were in the IMAX network but you would think that 69 would comprise a good majority of those 15/70mm large screen installations. I won't despair yet, a long wait for the upgrade would be a bad deal no less.

I follow IMAX pretty good, I believe there are about 150 total classic 15/70 IMAX theaters in the whole network , of these there about 65 still playing 15/70 exclusively in the US. Moat of these are museums locations.

The Great Clips still has 15/70 for just the older nature movies.

At least you do get a building with the design of the classic IMAX theaters, the Great Clips is a GT design. The way you are situated closer to screen, the rear speakers high up and custom built for the Great Clips location, and a 90 foot screen make things really worth it IMO.

I know IMAX Xenon is not as good as 70mm IMAX, but you do get dual projection and a upgraded color palette.

All things said, I really don't think the Great Clips will get laser projection.

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by Flatnate

Awww man... that is bad news.

That means a laser upgrade could be a LONG ways off for that Great Clips IMAX in Minnesota.



Edit:

Found a press release from IMAX stating:

"Of the total 439 theaters that are on the IMAX backlog, the company has 69 earmarked for laser projector installations while in total it has a global network of 880 theaters".

I'm unsure how many traditional 15/70mm installations were in the IMAX network but you would think that 69 would comprise a good majority of those 15/70mm large screen installations. I won't despair yet, a long wait for the upgrade would be a bad deal no less.

Dark Knight Rises played in over 100 15/70 locations (apparently Nolan put that as a clause in agreeing to shoot with IMAX cameras). And I noticed there were some 15/70 locations such as museums which didn't play the movie at all, as well as previously 15/70 locations which had gone fully digital already and thus played DKR in digital, so my guess is it covers roughly half the locations which started out 15/70 (and again, who knows how long the roll out will be, after Scotiabank last year they have added just 3 so far this year, and may not be adding more given the next official announcement I can find is with the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX for Feb 2016).

One little note about New York (my hometown) is I'm annoyed at how late we seem to be getting new formats for such a big movie city, but the Empire 25 is listed on the Dolby Cinema Prime webpage as "coming soon".

Who knows exactly when that means, but hopefully this fall, and seems likely to be the first laser projection in NY. Still disappointed how their Prime has a ton of cross-over with what's playing in IMAX or skips Atmos releases (I'd probably check them out more often if they played an Atmos title not releasing in IMAX) though I would make sure to check this out fairly soon once it is available.

[Dreamliner330]

Originally Posted by Flatnate

Awww man... that is bad news.

That means a laser upgrade could be a LONG ways off for that Great Clips IMAX in Minnesota. .

The day I heard Great Clips IMAX was getting 2K (which was after the IMAX 4K announcement) I knew it wouldn't be getting 4K, if ever.

I pleaded with them to remain steadfast and wait for 4K, the advice fell on deaf ears.

That theater has a better chance of closing that getting 4K. It only has 1 screen and it's usually empty.

I've said they need to verbally announce to every crowd that it's the biggest screen in the state (and highest resolution in 70mm days), nothing like having a captive audience. Of course, again, the suggestion fell on deaf ears.

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

IMAX did not do anything wrong, the Great Clips IMAX has to pay for the upgrade to either Xenon or Laser. IMAX does not pay the bill (Mann's and Scotiabank excldued).

As for being lucky, yes I am close to IMAX head office and close close by are IMAX Laser flagship Scotiabank, IMAX Xenon (former 70mm) and IMAX WC24 retrofit with Xenon IMAX and the new 12 channel sound system.

Interesting you bring up Scotiabank and the Chinese theater as the only ones IMAX actually paid for. As everything since then (Boeing Center in Seattle, Airbus in DC, and the announced Tennessee Aquarium) where IMAX did not foot the bill are museum locations.

I know a number of museum locations never converted to digital, so those may be getting the priority of the transition first (also converting to laser would allow them to play Hollywood features, which are seemingly no longer offered on 15/70, whereas the multiplex locations can hold out longer playing those pictures on digital).

[MrsMiniver]

M

Originally Posted by xbs2034

Interesting you bring up Scotiabank and the Chinese theater as the only ones IMAX actually paid for. As everything since then (Boeing Center in Seattle, Airbus in DC, and the announced Tennessee Aquarium) where IMAX did not foot the bill are museum locations.

I know a number of museum locations never converted to digital, so those may be getting the priority of the transition first (also converting to laser would allow them to play Hollywood features, which are seemingly no longer offered on 15/70, whereas the multiplex locations can hold out longer playing those pictures on digital).

The Scotiabank was paid for by IMAX as they have a lot of press, TIFF, vendor, and client presentations. The Scotiabank is one of the top 10 grossing location in the world, Scotiabank also is about 20 minutes from the head office so it makes sense for testing purposes. The other location, Manns Chinese is for world premieres ect ect.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

Dark Knight Rises played in over 100 15/70 locations (apparently Nolan put that as a clause in agreeing to shoot with IMAX cameras). And I noticed there were some 15/70 locations such as museums which didn't play the movie at all, as well as previously 15/70 locations which had gone fully digital already and thus played DKR in digital, so my guess is it covers roughly half the locations which started out 15/70 (and again, who knows how long the roll out will be, after Scotiabank last year they have added just 3 so far this year, and may not be adding more given the next official announcement I can find is with the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX for Feb 2016).

One little note about New York (my hometown) is I'm annoyed at how late we seem to be getting new formats for such a big movie city, but the Empire 25 is listed on the Dolby Cinema Prime webpage as "coming soon".

Who knows exactly when that means, but hopefully this fall, and seems likely to be the first laser projection in NY. Still disappointed how their Prime has a ton of cross-over with what's playing in IMAX or skips Atmos releases (I'd probably check them out more often if they played an Atmos title not releasing in IMAX) though I would make sure to check this out fairly soon once it is available.

I believe the NY AMC at Lincoln Square, and the two Smithsonian locations will be upgradsd. The early laser locations are for the largest screens which are high grossing cinemas. Xenon IMAX is $1.2 million for a retro fit like you typical AMC location, a laser location which is ccustom built for the size of location (more laser fornlarger screens) will cost at least $2.5 million plus. So the location has to be a top grossing location to make it worthwhile.

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

I believe the NY AMC at Lincoln Square, and the two Smithsonian locations will be upgradsd. The early laser locations are for the largest screens which are high grossing cinemas. Xenon IMAX is $1.2 million for a retro fit like you typical AMC location, a laser location which is ccustom built for the size of location (more laser fornlarger screens) will cost at least $2.5 million plus. So the location has to be a top grossing location to make it worthwhile.

I've actually talked to a manager at Lincoln Square about the IMAX right after the digital conversion in late 2013 and he said their plan was to go to laser eventually (I could tell without him saying so that he didn't like the digital as much as the 15/70 and was looking forward to the laser upgrade), but there is no official announcement for that or a timeframe as far as I can find from searching. I bet the Dolby Cinema comes first given that has been announced (albeit without a timeframe), but maybe we get a bit lucky and they add it for next summer's movie season the way Seattle and DC did for this one.

As for the DC Smithsonian locations, I think there are 3 locations and the Airbus already converted, so the other two would make sense to follow.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by Dreamliner330

The day I heard Great Clips IMAX was getting 2K (which was after the IMAX 4K announcement) I knew it wouldn't be getting 4K, if ever.

I pleaded with them to remain steadfast and wait for 4K, the advice fell on deaf ears.

That theater has a better chance of closing that getting 4K. It only has 1 screen and it's usually empty.

I've said they need to verbally announce to every crowd that it's the biggest screen in the state (and highest resolution in 70mm days), nothing like having a captive audience. Of course, again, the suggestion fell on deaf ears.

I agree it will probably close before it gets a 4K upgrade. The big problem is that the location is in a zoo if im correct and the cinema was not really built for Hollywood movies.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

I've actually talked to a manager at Lincoln Square about the IMAX right after the digital conversion in late 2013 and he said their plan was to go to laser eventually (I could tell withouts him saying so that he didn't like the digital as much as the 15/70 and was looking forward to the laser upgrade), but there is no official announcement for that or a timeframe as far as I can find from searching. I bet the Dolby Cinema comes first given that has been announced (albeit without a timeframe), but maybe we get a bit lucky and they add it for next summer's movie season the way Seattle and DC did for this one.

As for the DC Smithsonian locations, I think there are 3 locations and the Airbus already converted, so the other two would make sense to follow.

The IMAX CEO said on a conference call regarding the IMAX financial statements with investors that the Lincoln Square is on the list for end of 2015. So I guess that almost all but confirms it.