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

[UFAlien]

I've been very curious about the size of my local Cinemark XD's screen and how it compares to IMAX Digital installations... I'm bad at judging size by eye. I've asked a few times but none of the employees I've managed to question had anything more than guesstimates. It kinda bugs me... it's not like I have any practical reason I NEED to know but every once in a while I try again just in case.

[Dreamliner330]

Originally Posted by UFAlien

I've been very curious about the size of my local Cinemark XD's screen and how it compares to IMAX Digital installations... I'm bad at judging size by eye. I've asked a few times but none of the employees I've managed to question had anything more than guesstimates. It kinda bugs me... it's not like I have any practical reason I NEED to know but every once in a while I try again just in case.

Laser Tape.

In my experience I prefer IMAX, even with 2K LIMAX.

With 3D I sit 3 rows behind the split in AMC LIMAX and I'm right up on the screen without it being above me.

It most of the premium ATMOS rooms I've been in, you sit a lot further away from the screen and the super close seats are under the screen and it looks like its pointing over your head.

IMAX also provides something I really cherish: consistency.

[PeterTHX]

Originally Posted by Dreamliner330

IMAX also provides something I really cherish: consistency.

The only consistency I've experienced with IMAX is the sound being too loud and pushed to distortion levels.


Dolby Cinema superior picture & sound, and seating (full recliners with bass shakers).

[Dubstar]

Dolby Cinema is no guarantee of a superior picture or sound presentation (AMC Tyson's Corner is an example on how Dolby futzed it up) - and I for one don't like the rumble seats - IMAX-laser over DC, any day, all day...

[PeterTHX]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

Dolby Cinema is no guarantee of a superior picture or sound presentation (AMC Tyson's Corner is an example on how Dolby futzed it up) - and I for one don't like the rumble seats - IMAX-laser over DC, any day, all day...

Aren't you just upset over exit signs or something at the Tyson?


The laser projectors don't excuse excessive SPL at IMAX. I shouldn't need earplugs or experience discomfort in any theater.

[ITDEFX101]

I agree.... what is the point of pushing your speakers to the limits for several hours every day for years? So when a speaker does blow out, AMC/Regal sends out an email to IMAX and within a few hours this van stops by and out comes 12 Opalupas on loan from the Chocolate factory and fixes/replaces the damned thing within minutes? I don't think any theater employee is qualified to fix anything. I really wish we could see the inside of a modern day projection booth.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by PeterTHX

Aren't you just upset over exit signs or something at the Tyson?


The laser projectors don't excuse excessive SPL at IMAX. I shouldn't need earplugs or experience discomfort in any theater.

no the exit signs are a problem at AMC Georgetown's Dolby Cinema screen

The sound calibration and distortion at Tysons are Dolby's doing. And for the record, quite a few people are miffed that Dolby dropped the screen to near floor level which in turns throws the step 'red' lighting back onto the screen - it's not an isolated flaws, a number of Dolby Cinema auditoriums nationwide have the same problem

now the IMAX-digital screen at Tysons IS set too loud - 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' and the last 'Transformers' movie were ear bleed bad. IMAX-laser at Udvar Hazy and the Lockheed Martin screen don't have this problem.

[Blu-Malibu2009]

Originally Posted by singhcr

Dunkirk was AWESOME, I totally agree. Such gorgeous color, depth, and detail. Those gun cam shots were amazing and I enjoyed the shaky cam scenes because it felt so realistic and you felt like you were in the plane, rattling your teeth along with the pilot. I had goosebumps the entire time, soaking in that large format goodness. Every shot was a treasure to see. It really is impressive. There was a big drop in quality when the 5/70 footage was shown, but it was noticeably improved over the 35mm footage from Interstellar and other films I've seen there. Me likey.

I liked the fact that the 15/70 film was promoted before the trailers started. "We are pleased to show Rogue One on 70mm film. Experience the power of IMAX 70mm film." Ah yeah.

The downside is that the Dunkirk footage made the Rogue One footage look quite flat and mushy by comparison. A lot of the darker shots had a milky grey look to it (I'd venture the first 2/3rds of the film looked like this). At first I thought it was the film print, but the letterbox bars were black and the space scenes looked fine. I was surprised how poor the blacks were. Geoff, did you see this at your 15/70 showing? I didn't see as much detail as I expected to see, but it was better than your average digital or 35mm DMR experience and way better than seeing SPECTRE via 2K projectors there. I guess even 4K digital can't hold up on such a large screen.

Towards the end, even during the darker scenes, the image picked up quite a bit. The final battle looked rather good, I agree. Lots of detail in the ships and planets, for example. I loved the 2.76:1 frame, and visually it was a big improvement over TFA. Excellent framing and composition. Very cinematic.

It would be exciting to see this on a Dolby Vision theater or a 5/70 print on a smaller screen.

I saw the Dunkirk Prologue and Rogue One in Laser IMAX on a 62 foot tall screen. One thing that is very obvious to me is that IMAX is ripping off their customers by cramming 3D down our throats. That was very evident when you see the 2D IMAX footage of Dunkirk fill the screen and then it's followed by letterboxed widescreen content that looks much smaller in 3D than it would in 2D.

There was a letterboxed 2D trailer for Vin Diesel's XXX movie and it looked much larger than Rogue One. Why have these gigantic screens if you are going to ruin the giant screen effect with 3D? It absolutely makes the screen smaller (noticed that with Avatar years ago) and this experience with Dunkirk/Rogue One just made it more obvious than ever.

Nolan has shown them the right way to do it. They should at least offer half of their showtimes in 2D, yet it seems 99% of the IMAX shows are 3D these days. That is a real shame, especially since the vast majority of these movies are just converted 2D footage in the first place. I tend to stick to Regal's RPX format because at least usually Regal will offer some 2D RPX showtimes. I made a special trip for Rogue One in Laser IMAX because of the Dunkirk footage.

The Laser IMAX projection was great for both films. I don't know if it's a true replacement for 70mm film, but they are on the right track and it's a huge improvement over the outdated 2k projectors. I was impressed with the brightness on Rogue One in 3D. Usually 3D is dark but the Laser projection definitely seems to help a ton in that regard. One thing that really stood out is the new 12 channel sound system. It was incredible, especially during the Dunkirk footage. Two thumbs way up for both the Laser visuals and the new sound.

[ITDEFX101]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

no the exit signs are a problem at AMC Georgetown's Dolby Cinema screen

I think it's by law that they are required to have a well lit EXIT Sign in case of emergency (you know fire, idiots with guns...)

Anyways the IMAX screen at Regal Cinemas Manassas has a problem where if someone doesn't shut the door to the theater, there is a light leak that you can see one the screen...very distracting. I have gone to go shut it only to have some fool keep it open.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by ITDEFX101

I think it's by law that they are required to have a well lit EXIT Sign in case of emergency (you know fire, idiots with guns...)

Anyways the IMAX screen at Regal Cinemas Manassas has a problem where if someone doesn't shut the door to the theater, there is a light leak that you can see one the screen...very distracting. I have gone to go shut it only to have some fool keep it open.

the manager at Georgetown said the exit sign can be reangled so it doesnt go through the screen - if you're sitting in the middle seats yah notice it ...quick shout out to Arclight Bethesda in having the best, faintest and unobtrusive green exit signs,

Cinema Arts has THE darkest auditoriums known to man (the only thing illuminating the space during the movie IS the movie).

Regal Bethesda (now closed) had exit signs for the visually impaired, having ultra bright red exit signs right next to the screens was frickin annoying.

[ITDEFX101]

Well I filled out that Regal listens survey on the receipt and let them know that two movies I saw in the same theater screen had hissing and not as sharp 4k projection with both Manchester by the sea and Fences. I read online that theater 7's projection was dark still. I did bring up this concern to the management after we saw Suicide Squad and they said they would fix it. I don't know.... Manassas Regal employees seem to not care. Heck even at the concession stand, they don't hand your drink they just leave it on the counter and don't give you a chance to clear before they said "I can help the next person.."

I wonder what keeps that place in business? From what I was told by employees is that ever since Gainesville opened, it literately killed Manassas.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by ITDEFX101

Well I filled out that Regal listens survey on the receipt and let them know that two movies I saw in the same theater screen had hissing and not as sharp 4k projection with both Manchester by the sea and Fences. I read online that theater 7's projection was dark still. I did bring up this concern to the management after we saw Suicide Squad and they said they would fix it. I don't know.... Manassas Regal employees seem to not care. Heck even at the concession stand, they don't hand your drink they just leave it on the counter and don't give you a chance to clear before they said "I can help the next person.."

I wonder what keeps that place in business? From what I was told by employees is that ever since Gainesville opened, it literately killed Manassas.

thats odd since Manassas has the IMAX screen but Gainesville has the RPX screen, if Regal had the time, money (they do, theyre just frugal) or initiative to include Atmos on all its RPX screens than yes, their IMAX digital screens wouldn't hold their ground.

thats unfortunate about the image issue with Manchester by the Sea, the Middleburg Film festival screening i saw was like looking through a window

oh how i hate concession folk that treat their customers like cattle ... I'd say some fightin words

[ITDEFX101]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

thats odd since Manassas has the IMAX screen but Gainesville has the RPX screen, if Regal had the time, money (they do, theyre just frugal) or initiative to include Atmos on all its RPX screens than yes, their IMAX digital screens wouldn't hold their ground.

oh how i hate concession folk that treat their customers like cattle ... I'd say some fightin words

I kinda get annoyed by the "for only XX you can get a large..." and I say no thanks. I am like no thanks because to be honest, I can't finish a large popcorn or drink. Heck the last two movies I saw with them they were all medium. I think they get ding'ed by management if they don't sell larges on each order. It's not their fault.

So if they aren't using Atmos....what are they using for audio?

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by ITDEFX101

I kinda get annoyed by the "for only XX you can get a large..." and I say no thanks. I am like no thanks because to be honest, I can't finish a large popcorn or drink. Heck the last two movies I saw with them they were all medium. I think they get ding'ed by management if they don't sell larges on each order. It's not their fault.

So if they aren't using Atmos....what are they using for audio?

the majority of RPX sound systems are standard 7.1

the Kingstowne (Alexandria) location's RPX is Atmos

[ITDEFX101]

Anyone else miss the old THX Logo infront before a movie? I remembered back in late 90's Fairfax Regal was the only theater I was aware of that had a THX Certified theater (had the plaque and everything outside the door). The IMAX logo can be overwhelming in 3d. lol

[ITDEFX101]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

Cinema Arts has THE darkest auditoriums known to man (the only thing illuminating the space during the movie IS the movie).

Is that the Cinema Arts theater in Fairfax City (near best buy and woodson high school)? I haven't been there in over 10 years (maybe longer)... pitch dark huh? wow that must make for some interesting spills.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by ITDEFX101

Is that the Cinema Arts theater in Fairfax City (near best buy and woodson high school)? I haven't been there in over 10 years (maybe longer)... pitch dark huh? wow that must make for some interesting spills.

yes... I've always wondered that too ..you literally can't see your hand in front of your face during ultra dark scenes, apparently the theater upgraded their seats - glad they are able to keep afloat

[ITDEFX101]

How far are you guys willing to drive to get to a Premium theater? I am lucky to be within 15 mins of a theater and 20 from a premium theater.

[ClownPrinceofCrime]

Originally Posted by Blu-Malibu2009

I saw Dunkirk and Rogue One in Laser IMAX on a 62 foot tall screen.

Was it a private screening? Or are you referring to the exclusive 7 minutes playing ahead of certain Rogue One showings?

[Blu-Malibu2009]

Originally Posted by ClownPrinceofCrime

Was it a private screening? Or are you referring to the exclusive 7 minutes playing ahead of certain Rogue One showings?

Sorry, I should have clarified. Dunkirk Prologue, not the whole film. It's 5 minutes and 20 seconds long, not the rumored 7 minutes. Saw it at the Bob Bullock Museum in Austin, Texas. Screen is 62 feet tall and 82 feet wide.