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

[MrsMiniver]

So looking at the listings, it appears that these locations that are on the list are going to be laser theaters at some point. Dome locations have been signed however the projectors are not yet ready. So in other words, if a location is signed for a future laster installation, IMAX is making sure these locations will get Star Wars. Those who have not signed up for laser, IMAX is not making prints available. IMAX is in the business of selling laser projectors, that is the future. Last thing IMAX wants is competing 15/70 prints where laser is the showcase. The vast majority of IMAX 15/70 locations lease the the projection and sound equipment from IMAX, I believe it is part of the terms and conditions for laser that the theatre cannot keep the 15/70 projectors.

As for 2D only, my thoughts are that IMAX simply does not want any direct comparisons or competition to the laser 3D screenings.

At the end of the day, a few more 15/70 locations are not going to make much of a difference either way. The screenings are selling out already. It would really awesome if IMAX made the effort to at least release TFA in the same number of locations as Interstellar. Interstellar was an extraordinary experience that was rare and worth it as you just don't get to see 15/70 everyday. From a marketing perspective, a 15/70 release now and then will have a positive impact on the IMAX brand name. Kinda like a glass Coke bottle with real sugar, the vast majority of people consume the high fructose can of plastic bottle version, but the glass Coke with real sugar is still there.

As for laser, I have seen two films in laser, its very good and perhaps the equivalent, the full 1.43 is available. But it is not as special as 15/70.

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

So looking at the listings, it appears that these locations that are on the list are going to be laser theaters at some point. Dome locations have been signed however the projectors are not yet ready. So in other words, if a location is signed for a future laster installation, IMAX is making sure these locations will get Star Wars. Those who have not signed up for laser, IMAX is not making prints available. IMAX is in the business of selling laser projectors, that is the future. Last thing IMAX wants is competing 15/70 prints where laser is the showcase. The vast majority of IMAX 15/70 locations lease the the projection and sound equipment from IMAX, I believe it is part of the terms and conditions for laser that the theatre cannot keep the 15/70 projectors.

As for 2D only, my thoughts are that IMAX simply does not want any direct comparisons or competition to the laser 3D screenings.

At the end of the day, a few more 15/70 locations are not going to make much of a difference either way. The screenings are selling out already. It would really awesome if IMAX made the effort to at least release TFA in the same number of locations as Interstellar. Interstellar was an extraordinary experience that was rare and worth it as you just don't get to see 15/70 everyday. From a marketing perspective, a 15/70 release now and then will have a positive impact on the IMAX brand name. Kinda like a glass Coke bottle with real sugar, the vast majority of people consume the high fructose can of plastic bottle version, but the glass Coke with real sugar is still there.

As for laser, I have seen two films in laser, its very good and perhaps the equivalent, the full 1.43 is available. But it is not as special as 15/70.

I don't think it is the ones signed on for laser which are getting prints, but rather, with the exception of Sydney (the world's largest movie screen), mostly museum locations which are still film only and this was the only way to play the film there. For instance, IMAX has said over 70 locations signed for laser, and yet the laser + 15/70 list is way smaller, and we know Lincoln Square is signed for laser but they are getting a digital version (though who knows if they kept their film equipment post Interstellar).

Also, given the likely now huge cost of prints, and domes are 2D only anyway, makes sense the 15/70 release wouldn't be 3D to cut down on the print cost. I also wonder how the experience of a full Hollywood film in a dome is, saw a 40min doc in one, and the theater was cool, but felt a bit dizzy/had a headache afterwards, not sure I could handle a movie over two hours in that.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

So looking at the listings, it appears that these locations that are on the list are going to be laser theaters at some point. Dome locations have been signed however the projectors are not yet ready. So in other words, if a location is signed for a future laster installation, IMAX is making sure these locations will get Star Wars. Those who have not signed up for laser, IMAX is not making prints available. IMAX is in the business of selling laser projectors, that is the future. Last thing IMAX wants is competing 15/70 prints where laser is the showcase. The vast majority of IMAX 15/70 locations lease the the projection and sound equipment from IMAX, I believe it is part of the terms and conditions for laser that the theatre cannot keep the 15/70 projectors.

As for 2D only, my thoughts are that IMAX simply does not want any direct comparisons or competition to the laser 3D screenings.

At the end of the day, a few more 15/70 locations are not going to make much of a difference either way. The screenings are selling out already. It would really awesome if IMAX made the effort to at least release TFA in the same number of locations as Interstellar. Interstellar was an extraordinary experience that was rare and worth it as you just don't get to see 15/70 everyday. From a marketing perspective, a 15/70 release now and then will have a positive impact on the IMAX brand name. Kinda like a glass Coke bottle with real sugar, the vast majority of people consume the high fructose can of plastic bottle version, but the glass Coke with real sugar is still there.

As for laser, I have seen two films in laser, its very good and perhaps the equivalent, the full 1.43 is available. But it is not as special as 15/70.

this is not the case in terms of the Washington DC area - granted it's far more easier to get to the Air & Space downtown museum on the metro, the Air & Space Virginia museum can be non-car accessible, albeit a very long subway/bus ride. In terms of competition between the two, the intown screenings are 15/70 2D only, the laser is 3D.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

this is not the case in terms of the Washington DC area - granted it's far more easier to get to the Air & Space downtown museum on the metro, the Air & Space Virginia museum can be non-car accessible, albeit a very long subway/bus ride. In terms of competition between the two, the intown screenings are 15/70 2D only, the laser is 3D.

The air and space is signed for laser. So is the IMAX in Sydney. There are multiple dome locations that are signed for laser but the system is just not finished yet.

I find it hard to believe that IMAX is not giving a print for the Lincoln Square which I have been told is at the top for revenue.

The Henry Ford IMAX is closing in Jan so they will not longer be an IMAX Theatre, they are planning to go it on their own.

The Esquire Theatre did not get one nor did the Pacific Science Centre.

Also a number of notable international locations did not get a print either.

It does not make sense for some of the theaters that played Interstellar, to not play Star Wars in 15/70.

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

The air and space is signed for laser. So is the IMAX in Sydney. There are multiple dome locations that are signed for laser but the system is just not finished yet.

I find it hard to believe that IMAX is not giving a print for the Lincoln Square which I have been told is at the top for revenue.

The Henry Ford IMAX is closing in Jan so they will not longer be an IMAX Theatre, they are planning to go it on their own.

The Esquire Theatre did not get one nor did the Pacific Science Centre.

Also a number of notable international locations did not get a print either.

It does not make sense for some of the theaters that played Interstellar, to not play Star Wars in 15/70.

Lincoln Square is confirmed to play it in Xenon digital, but it sounds like they may no longer have their film equipment anyway https://mobile.twitter.com/eileenati...20898761400320

That theater is near the top of revenue though. For instance, Force Awakens sold out its entire opening weekend there in a matter of hours, and Gravity made over a million on that IMAX screen alone.

Also, The Martian is added to IMAX's schedule for a one week run on Oct 30th (was wondering what would take that date, though would have probably seen it in IMAX had it been available on release date).

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

Lincoln Square is confirmed to play it in Xenon digital, but it sounds like they may no longer have their film equipment anyway https://mobile.twitter.com/eileenati...20898761400320

That theater is near the top of revenue though. For instance, Force Awakens sold out its entire opening weekend there in a matter of hours, and Gravity made over a million on that IMAX screen alone.

Also, The Martian is added to IMAX's schedule for a one week run on Oct 30th (was wondering what would take that date, though would have probably seen it in IMAX had it been available on release date).

I am more than certain that Lincoln Square has their 15/70 projector. It's on a rail system just like Scotia Bank Toronto. But Toronto removed their system from what I understand.

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

I am more than certain that Lincoln Square has their 15/70 projector. It's on a rail system just like Scotia Bank Toronto. But Toronto removed their system from what I understand.

Scotia Bank Toronto is laser though, so I imagine they would have removed their rail system by them. I think they may have even been the first location to go laser back in late 2014 (also, never seen their IMAX, but saw a couple things there back in Sept 2014 when I was there for TIFF/visiting my aunt, and seemed like a nice theater as far as multiplexes go).

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

Scotia Bank Toronto is laser though, so I imagine they would have removed their rail system by them. I think they may have even been the first location to go laser back in late 2014 (also, never seen their IMAX, but saw a couple things there back in Sept 2014 when I was there for TIFF/visiting my aunt, and seemed like a nice theater as far as multiplexes go).

The Toronto location is one of their flagship locations, just like the TLC Chinese. They do a lot press screenings their for movie reviews etc. It is also one of the top revenue locations. Yes, it was the very first laser location, it was also the location for field tests for the laser when it debuted in 2014. The location seats 460 which makes it one of the bigger locations.

It would seem more than likely that the film projector has been removed. I have seen a lot of films at the IMAX Scotiabank over the years, but ever since they went to laser I have only been back twice.

Another location that is close by if you are in Toronto area is the Coliseum location, it plated Interstellar in 15/70 but does Xenon digital for everything else. I actually prefer the Coliseum over Scotiabank as it is aa smaller screenand less seats which makes it a lot more intitmate compared to Scotiabank.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

The air and space is signed for laser. So is the IMAX in Sydney. There are multiple dome locations that are signed for laser but the system is just not finished yet.

I find it hard to believe that IMAX is not giving a print for the Lincoln Square which I have been told is at the top for revenue.

The Henry Ford IMAX is closing in Jan so they will not longer be an IMAX Theatre, they are planning to go it on their own.

The Esquire Theatre did not get one nor did the Pacific Science Centre.

Also a number of notable international locations did not get a print either.

It does not make sense for some of the theaters that played Interstellar, to not play Star Wars in 15/70.

huh? - Air & Space intown is 15/70 2D. The Air & Space (Chantilly, Virginia) IMAX screen is IMAX-Laser 3D.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

huh? - Air & Space intown is 15/70 2D. The Air & Space (Chantilly, Virginia) IMAX screen is IMAX-Laser 3D.

The Air and Space has signed on for laser, just like Udvar Hazy which is already laser. Because a laser system has not yet been delivered to Air and Space, imax has given them a 15/70 print. Make sense now?

[blackjackmark]

Originally Posted by pghflyer

Man, that is pretty limited. Is the Cinemark 17 on Webb Chappel still the best property in Dallas area for IMAX (to see Star Wars)?

Will be visiting family there for the holidays and here in Pittsburgh we usually make the trip to the nice Cinemark Mills IMAX in Tarentum.

Really wish there was a site that gave screen size (I know other sites give info on projection formats/ systems).

Wondering the same thing!

[Geoff D]

I've heard that the Science Museum IMAX in London will be getting a 15/70 print, yessssssss!!!! The venue doesn't have laser (only 2 do in the UK) but, unlike the BFI, doesn't have digital either, so I'd say that pretty much confirms that the 15/70 prints are for the few remaining IMAX venues that can't do any form of digital/laser 3D, or indeed 3D in general.

[ZoetMB]

Originally Posted by ManBeast

I know this probably isn't too related to what is discussed in this thread but I saw 2001: A Space Odyssey and How the West Was Won on a Cinerama screen this weekend. The latter was shown in the original three-strip projection format from a beautiful IB Technicolor print, I think it was the most remarkable projection of a film I have ever seen, I will certainly remember it for a long time.

Makes me sad that this format didn't last.

In Seattle or Bradford or ?

And while I haven't been to either of those, my understanding is that both of their screens are far smaller than the original Cinerama theatres. I saw HTWWW at the Loew's Cinerama in NYC (twice) and I saw 2001 at the Boston Cinerama in September '68 and I believe they both had 75' screens. Some Cinerama theatres had 96' screens. I also saw "It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World" at the Warner Cinerama in NYC, but that was presented in 70mm Cinerama.

When the screen is that incredibly large and was sized wall to wall and floor to ceiling, it really was completely overwhelming and mind-blowing. The multi-track mag sound just added to the experience.

But the reality was is that in the original 3-strip Cinerama, everyone complained about the "lines" between the screens, even when they started using vibrating gobos to make them less visible and the Cinerama format did not lend itself to close-ups. If you look at the list of both the 3-strip Cinerama and 70mm Cinerama, you'll see that most of the films were either travelogues or sucked.

I think 15/70 IMAX is almost as impressive as Cinerama was, but unfortunately we've pretty much seen the last of that as well.

As I've mentioned before, it was HTWWW in Cinerama and West Side Story in 70mm 6-track that made me decide I wanted a career in film or sound. I wound up becoming a recording engineer.

[ZoetMB]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

I am more than certain that Lincoln Square has their 15/70 projector. It's on a rail system just like Scotia Bank Toronto. But Toronto removed their system from what I understand.

They had it for Interstellar, but since they're not getting a 15/70 print of Star Wars (at least they're not on the current list), I have to assume it's gone. If it's not gone, why wouldn't NYC get a print? My understanding is that it's the highest grossing IMAX theater (maybe that's hype), although when I saw Interstellar (must have been a weekday), there were only about 50 people in the theater.

I went there to see Gravity expecting 15/70, but it was digital. It was a bit dim in 3D, but it looked and sounded good, even though the Atmos was reputed to have sounded far better.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

They had it for Interstellar, but since they're not getting a 15/70 print of Star Wars (at least they're not on the current list), I have to assume it's gone. If it's not gone, why wouldn't NYC get a print? My understanding is that it's the highest grossing IMAX theater (maybe that's hype), although when I saw Interstellar (must have been a weekday), there were only about 50 people in the theater.

I went there to see Gravity expecting 15/70, but it was digital. It was a bit dim in 3D, but it looked and sounded good, even though the Atmos was reputed to have sounded far better.

The Lincoln location installed the digital well before Gravity. At the time, there were no .ore prints available in 15/70, so they had to install it. Gravity was a Digital release only. No 15/70 prints available.

I highly doubt the 15/70 projector is gone. It will be gone when they install laser. They likely did not get a print because 3D is more important and 2D prints are all that are available.

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

The Lincoln location installed the digital well before Gravity. At the time, there were no .ore prints available in 15/70, so they had to install it. Gravity was a Digital release only. No 15/70 prints available.

I highly doubt the 15/70 projector is gone. It will be gone when they install laser. They likely did not get a print because 3D is more important and 2D prints are all that are available.

Lincoln actually went digital just a week before Gravity released. I was there to see Enough Said at one of the their standard screens downstairs and saw there were no IMAX showings listed so asked the ticket person what was going on, and said that they would be closed for a week for construction (I think Elysium was their last film release before converting, did see Pacific Rim there a bit before and it was certainly 15/70 3D print).

[nrocket3]

I wonder how much the 70mm dome Imax tickets for Star Wars will be in demand come around December?

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

I've heard that the Science Museum IMAX in London will be getting a 15/70 print, yessssssss!!!! The venue doesn't have laser (only 2 do in the UK) but, unlike the BFI, doesn't have digital either, so I'd say that pretty much confirms that the 15/70 prints are for the few remaining IMAX venues that can't do any form of digital/laser 3D, or indeed 3D in general.

According to this article http://screencrush.com/star-wars-the...imax-theaters/ there actually was a request for more 15/70 prints, but Disney didn't make enough to meet demand, and indeed they usually preferred to have the film play in IMAX 3D wherever possible.

Seems like Lincoln Square would have gotten a print except they've already removed their film equipment in anticipation of going to laser, where the renovation may begin in mid January once Star Wars has completed its run (with nothing currently scheduled for February, would be nice if they could get laser install done in time to debut with The Finest Hours at the end of January).

While it does seem like it will be up their with some of the smallest 15/70 releases such as Titanic and Desolation of Smaug, the very fact that it had any prints at all made is a small surprise to me.

Also World of Science Telus in Canada has converted to laser, but seems like they won't be showing Star Wars (not all museums are, for instance I know the Natural History museum and Cleveland Science Center have a policy of not playing Hollywood films at their IMAX screens), though combined with the 14 laser sites announced for IMAX, there indeed are the 15 laser locations IMAX was aiming for by the end of 2015

[Spike M.]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

According to this article http://screencrush.com/star-wars-the...imax-theaters/ there actually was a request for more 15/70 prints, but Disney didn't make enough to meet demand, and indeed they usually preferred to have the film play in IMAX 3D wherever possible.

Won't make enough. The film's not done yet, Disney just sort of locked themselves into digital with the 3D branding of tickets at venues that still could play prints (ie: Navy Pier).

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

According to this article http://screencrush.com/star-wars-the...imax-theaters/ there actually was a request for more 15/70 prints, but Disney didn't make enough to meet demand, and indeed they usually preferred to have the film play in IMAX 3D wherever possible.

Decent article that, MUCH better than the ill-informed clickbait nonsense which makingstarwars put out about the IMAX version (although screencrush are wrong that the digital IMAX version won't open up; it will, just to 1.90 rather than 1.44). And while I agree with you that it's something of a pleasant surprise that there will be 15/70 versions at all, it's a damned shame that Disney would rather gobble up every cent they possibly can (like this freakin' movie isn't gonna make bank) than present the movie in the best possible IMAX quality at the most amount of capable IMAX locations.

Originally Posted by Spike M.

Won't make enough. The film's not done yet, Disney just sort of locked themselves into digital with the 3D branding of tickets at venues that still could play prints (ie: Navy Pier).

Aye, given the paucity of the Laser system and that there are FAR more 15/70 installs all around the world, Disney just couldn't be arsed and wanted the IMAX venues to chase as much revenue for as little cost as possible, e.g. digital 3D. Thank the maker there are still IMAX venues which don't have digital!