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

[42041]

Originally Posted by blu-ray_girl_fan

Cinemark XD, AMC ETX, and Regal RPX are simply ways for those chains to avoid paying licensing fees to IMAX.

I also assume they don't include IMAX Corp.'s "remastering" filters, which I consider a good thing.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by 42041

I also assume they don't include IMAX Corp.'s "remastering" filters, which I consider a good thing.

why would they? they aren't official IMAX projector setups

[blu-ray_girl_fan]

Originally Posted by 42041

I also assume they don't include IMAX Corp.'s "remastering" filters, which I consider a good thing.

IMAX DMR is not automatically applied to all movies shown in IMAX. Roger Deakins tested footage for Skyfall using DMR and non-DMR processes, and he decided that the footage looked good enough w/o DMR despite 15/70 blow-up.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by blu-ray_girl_fan

IMAX DMR is not automatically applied to all movies shown in IMAX. Roger Deakins tested footage for Skyfall using DMR and non-DMR processes, and he decided that the footage looked good enough w/o DMR despite 15/70 blow-up.

I'm glad he did, because the 15/70 print I saw looked sharp as a tack, and the recomposed framing (to fit most of the screen) was fantastic.

[blu-ray_girl_fan]

Star Trek Into Darkness is being shown two days early in Cinemark's XD auditoriums.

http://www.cinemark.com/star-trek-in...ness-fan-sneak

[Dubstar]

missed this bit of news since it was posted at the beginning of January, but the Smithsonian had stated it's conversion plan of it's three screens to IMAX-Digital "Laser" technology:

IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX; TSX:IMX) and the Smithsonian Institution today announced an agreement to install IMAX’s next-generation laser digital projection technology in the Smithsonian’s three IMAX® theatres, enabling the Smithsonian to deliver the highest-quality digital content available – both documentaries and blockbuster films – and further enhance The IMAX Experience® for its millions of visitors annually.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater at the National Museum of Natural History and the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater at the National Air and Space Museum, both in Washington, D.C., and the Airbus IMAX Theater at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., will transition to IMAX’s laser digital projectors in 2014.

IMAX’s next-generation projection system is expected to set a new benchmark as the industry’s premium entertainment experience. The system, which incorporates the laser digital intellectual property IMAX exclusively licensed from Eastman Kodak in 2011, represents the largest R&D initiative in IMAX’s history and will enable IMAX® dome theatres and IMAX screens larger than 80 feet to deliver the highest-quality digital content available with greater brightness and clarity, a wider color gamut and deeper blacks.

“Building on our shared legacy of excellence and discovery, we’re delighted that the Smithsonian has adopted this new technology, acting as a springboard for our institutional partners globally,” said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. “For over 35 years, our partnership with the Smithsonian has served as the gold standard in delivering immersive entertainment experiences that educate, inspire and showcase the wonders of our world. We believe the new laser digital projection system will usher in a new era of quality and innovation in projection technology and allow museum-goers to experience their favorite documentaries and blockbusters as never before.”

Since the National Air and Space Museum opened its doors to visitors in 1976, the Smithsonian/IMAX partnership has delivered exceptional-quality and critically acclaimed documentaries and world-class entertainment to millions. The partnership also has funded and produced groundbreaking IMAX® documentaries including The Dream is Alive, Blue Planet, Destiny in Space (with Lockheed Martin Corporation), and Cosmic Voyage (with Motorola).

“Laser digital projection offers our visitors a more immersive and visceral experience, as well as more programming opportunities,” said Christopher A. Liedel, President, Smithsonian Enterprises. “Today’s agreement continues our decades-long partnership with IMAX and strengthens our commitment to delivering the best educational and entertainment experience.”

[pagemaster]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

missed this bit of news since it was posted at the beginning of January, but the Smithsonian had stated it's conversion plan of it's three screens to IMAX-Digital "Laser" technology:

IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX; TSX:IMX) and the Smithsonian Institution today announced an agreement to install IMAX’s next-generation laser digital projection technology in the Smithsonian’s three IMAX® theatres, enabling the Smithsonian to deliver the highest-quality digital content available – both documentaries and blockbuster films – and further enhance The IMAX Experience® for its millions of visitors annually.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater at the National Museum of Natural History and the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater at the National Air and Space Museum, both in Washington, D.C., and the Airbus IMAX Theater at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., will transition to IMAX’s laser digital projectors in 2014.

IMAX’s next-generation projection system is expected to set a new benchmark as the industry’s premium entertainment experience. The system, which incorporates the laser digital intellectual property IMAX exclusively licensed from Eastman Kodak in 2011, represents the largest R&D initiative in IMAX’s history and will enable IMAX® dome theatres and IMAX screens larger than 80 feet to deliver the highest-quality digital content available with greater brightness and clarity, a wider color gamut and deeper blacks.

“Building on our shared legacy of excellence and discovery, we’re delighted that the Smithsonian has adopted this new technology, acting as a springboard for our institutional partners globally,” said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. “For over 35 years, our partnership with the Smithsonian has served as the gold standard in delivering immersive entertainment experiences that educate, inspire and showcase the wonders of our world. We believe the new laser digital projection system will usher in a new era of quality and innovation in projection technology and allow museum-goers to experience their favorite documentaries and blockbusters as never before.”

Since the National Air and Space Museum opened its doors to visitors in 1976, the Smithsonian/IMAX partnership has delivered exceptional-quality and critically acclaimed documentaries and world-class entertainment to millions. The partnership also has funded and produced groundbreaking IMAX® documentaries including The Dream is Alive, Blue Planet, Destiny in Space (with Lockheed Martin Corporation), and Cosmic Voyage (with Motorola).

“Laser digital projection offers our visitors a more immersive and visceral experience, as well as more programming opportunities,” said Christopher A. Liedel, President, Smithsonian Enterprises. “Today’s agreement continues our decades-long partnership with IMAX and strengthens our commitment to delivering the best educational and entertainment experience.”

They will use the new projector to phase out the existing 15/70 machines. Hopefully, IMAX will not abandon 15/70 completely. The problem stems in that if you book a 15/70 print, you need to run it a lot longer to recoup the costs. A movie like Skyfall works, but something like Underworld 4 you will not book even if there was a print made for it.

[blu-ray_girl_fan]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

missed this bit of news since it was posted at the beginning of January, but the Smithsonian had stated it's conversion plan of it's three screens to IMAX-Digital "Laser" technology:

Yeah, this is nice since the studios don't even bother making film prints for the giant IMAX screens, which means that places like the Bob Bullock IMAX in Austin don't show movies being screened in the smaller LieMAX auditoriums.

[kallima]

Originally Posted by blu-ray_girl_fan

Star Trek Into Darkness is being shown two days early in Cinemark's XD auditoriums.

http://www.cinemark.com/star-trek-in...ness-fan-sneak

Much like Pepper Potts, you rock!!!
Thanks for posting, will be buying now for the 5/15 showing!! You makes me such a happy girl!

[pagemaster]

Originally Posted by blu-ray_girl_fan

Yeah, this is nice since the studios don't even bother making film prints for the giant IMAX screens, which means that places like the Bob Bullock IMAX in Austin don't show movies being screened in the smaller LieMAX auditoriums.

The studios are still making film prints for some IMAX cinemas, and some still have dual capability. I believe the cost is paid for by IMAX but I am not sure.

I wonder if they will at least keep the capability to screen film

[AmrlKJaneway]

Originally Posted by pagemaster

The studios are still making film prints for some IMAX cinemas, and some still have dual capability. I believe the cost is paid for by IMAX but I am not sure.

I wonder if they will at least keep the capability to screen film

Probably. IMAX patented this rail system a few years back that makes it easier to move their massive projectors back and forth. I'm sure they'll continue screening their 70mm prints until the film is so worn, it's falling off the reels. But we'll probably see more and more future productions have digital-only prints.

But we can't judge the new laser system until we see it. It's not the current "lieMax" set-up. It's apparently close to the quality of 15/70 in reports I read some months back. I hope it makes IMAX a little cheaper, and maybe there will be one in the city near my town again.

IMAX has also made a new digital camera, but has assured fans that it will only be for specific handheld shots in some movies, and the majority of footage in IMAX documentaries/films will remain shot on 15/70.

[pagemaster]

Originally Posted by AmrlKJaneway

Probably. IMAX patented this rail system a few years back that makes it easier to move their massive projectors back and forth. I'm sure they'll continue screening their 70mm prints until the film is so worn, it's falling off the reels. But we'll probably see more and more future productions have digital-only prints.

But we can't judge the new laser system until we see it. It's not the current "lieMax" set-up. It's apparently close to the quality of 15/70 in reports I read some months back. I hope it makes IMAX a little cheaper, and maybe there will be one in the city near my town again.

IMAX has also made a new digital camera, but has assured fans that it will only be for specific handheld shots in some movies, and the majority of footage in IMAX documentaries/films will remain shot on 15/70.

The rail system is not installed in the biggest of the big true size IMAX theatres. So I am very interested to see what they plan to do for the largest theatres, my gut says that 15/70 is done after the new projection comes out.

From what I understand, 15/70 projectors were using the rail system to ensure The Dark Knight Rises would get a 15/70 release in as many theatres as possible.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by pagemaster

The rail system is not installed in the biggest of the big true size IMAX theatres. So I am very interested to see what they plan to do for the largest theatres, my gut says that 15/70 is done after the new projection comes out.

From what I understand, 15/70 projectors were using the rail system to ensure The Dark Knight Rises would get a 15/70 release in as many theatres as possible.

I think it's true in the construction of new IMAX 4:3 screens, but I hope it doesn't mean the end of shooting IMAX movies on 15/70 stock.

[Spicoli]

Imax to go into former Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood


http://www.latimes.com/entertainment...,2203702.story

[ZoetMB]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

I think it's true in the construction of new IMAX 4:3 screens, but I hope it doesn't mean the end of shooting IMAX movies on 15/70 stock.

Even if IMAX wanted to continue shooting 15/70, they might not be able to in the not-too-distant-future. Fuji has stopped producing motion picture film and has sold off its remaining 2 million feet of stock to a third party. While Kodak is still producing motion picture stock, it's in bankruptcy and chances are film manufacturing isn't going to be around much longer. It is expected that the U.S. studios are going to stop producing 35mm prints at the end of this year and internationally, prints are expected to stop by the end of 2014.

Kodak never really made money from selling motion picture negative stock - it was all in print stock. With the demise of film prints, we're not going to see negative stock for much longer. The only possibility (and I doubt they would do this) is if IMAX were to buy some film manufacturing facilities from Kodak.

[ZoetMB]

Originally Posted by blu-ray_girl_fan

Cinemark XD, AMC ETX, and Regal RPX are simply ways for those chains to avoid paying licensing fees to IMAX. The AMC Theater in Northpark Mall (Dallas) has both a Digital IMAX and an ETX screen. They're about the same size.

While they all have "large" screens, they're also somewhat technically different. There's nothing wrong with a theatre having both a digital IMAX screen and an ETX (in the case of AMC) or RPX (in the case of Regal) screen as that means that the theatre has at least two screens of higher presentation quality. Frankly, I wish they'd have even more, because I've found theaters not playing a Dolby Atmos film in the ETX or RPX theatre because another film without Dolby Atmos is expected to gross more and those theatres are usually larger. So even these big complexes need more specially equipped screens.

There's one point of view that says these special screens are simply a way to get more dollars out of patrons and that it's a rip off because all theatres should have a high quality digital presentation. But back in the day, we did pay a lot more money to see a reserved seat 70mm presentation with 6-track magnetic sound or a Cinerama presentation, so it's not like it hasn't been done before, although when it was originally done, theatres were far fancier, they weren't multiplexes and the audiences were classier (people used to actually get dressed-up to attend such shows).

Since ETX and RPX require more speakers that emulate a higher than 7.1 presentation, the same screens are usually used for Dolby Atmos. I do find Dolby Atmos to be pretty great, IMO.

[Spicoli]

Cinerama (Seattle) will be showing Oblivion and I will be there. I saw Samsara there and it was grand.

Technical specifications for
Oblivion (2013/I) More at IMDbPro »

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Camera
Red Epic, Zeiss Master Prime and Fujinon Premier Lenses (cloud shots)
Sony CineAlta F65, Zeiss Master Prime and Fujinon Premier Lenses

Film length (metres)
3408 m (Portugal, 35 mm)

Film negative format (mm/video inches)
Redcode RAW
SRMemory

Cinematographic process
Digital Intermediate (4K) (master format)
F65 RAW (4K) (source format)
Redcode RAW (5K) (source format) (cloud shots)

Printed film format
35 mm (anamorphic) (Kodak Vision 2383)
70 mm (horizontal) (IMAX DMR blow-up) (Kodak Vision 2383)
D-Cinema

Aspect ratio
1.89 : 1 (IMAX version)
2.35 : 1

Related Links
Release dates Ratings Awards
Filming locations News articles Main details
Edit page
You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Edit page' button will take you through a step-by-step process.

[pagemaster]

Originally Posted by Spicoli

Cinerama (Seattle) will be showing Oblivion and I will be there. I saw Samsara there and it was grand.

Technical specifications for
Oblivion (2013/I) More at IMDbPro »

ad feedback
Camera
Red Epic, Zeiss Master Prime and Fujinon Premier Lenses (cloud shots)
Sony CineAlta F65, Zeiss Master Prime and Fujinon Premier Lenses

Film length (metres)
3408 m (Portugal, 35 mm)

Film negative format (mm/video inches)
Redcode RAW
SRMemory

Cinematographic process
Digital Intermediate (4K) (master format)
F65 RAW (4K) (source format)
Redcode RAW (5K) (source format) (cloud shots)

Printed film format
35 mm (anamorphic) (Kodak Vision 2383)
70 mm (horizontal) (IMAX DMR blow-up) (Kodak Vision 2383)
D-Cinema

Aspect ratio
1.89 : 1 (IMAX version)
2.35 : 1

Related Links
Release dates Ratings Awards
Filming locations News articles Main details
Edit page
You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Edit page' button will take you through a step-by-step process.

Just an FYI, for digital, Oblivion is 2K and 110gb. And it is scope so it is not 1080p...

I am not sure if there are 4K DCPs...

[pagemaster]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

I think it's true in the construction of new IMAX 4:3 screens, but I hope it doesn't mean the end of shooting IMAX movies on 15/70 stock.

You are right, but without a 15/70 projector to show it, filming in 15/70 becomes a waste. Plus, there are only 3 15/70 left in use today.

[blu-ray_girl_fan]

Originally Posted by pagemaster

You are right, but without a 15/70 projector to show it, filming in 15/70 becomes a waste. Plus, there are only 3 15/70 left in use today.

There are more than three theaters capable of showing 15/70.