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

[AmrlKJaneway]

Sydney's IMAX plans to replace the 1570 projector when the new laser system arrives in late 2014:

http://www.imax.com.au/news/2013/03/...ection-system/

[blu-ray_girl_fan]

Originally Posted by AmrlKJaneway

Sydney's IMAX plans to replace the 1570 projector when the new laser system arrives in late 2014:

http://www.imax.com.au/news/2013/03/...ection-system/

Well, that article confirms what the manager of the Bob Bullock IMAX in Austin, TX told me -- the current digital projection system does not fill the entire Giant IMAX screen. So, you see a window-boxed picture when the theater is sent a digital copy rather than a 15/70 film print.

At the very least your theater is willing to do that, though. The Bob Bullock IMAX refuses to add the digital system as a temporary stopgap, so a lot of movies aren't being shown there.

[AmrlKJaneway]

Originally Posted by blu-ray_girl_fan

Well, that article confirms what the manager of the Bob Bullock IMAX in Austin, TX told me -- the current digital projection system does not fill the entire Giant IMAX screen. So, you see a window-boxed picture when the theater is sent a digital copy rather than a 15/70 film print.

At the very least your theater is willing to do that, though. The Bob Bullock IMAX refuses to add the digital system as a temporary stopgap, so a lot of movies aren't being shown there.

I'm assuming the upcoming laser system does fill the entire screen? I'm interested to see it.

[blu-ray_girl_fan]

Originally Posted by AmrlKJaneway

I'm assuming the upcoming laser system does fill the entire screen? I'm interested to see it.

That's what the manager said, though IMAX has been promising the laser system for a couple of years now. I guess we'll find out...eventually.

[DaFees]

Originally Posted by blu-ray_girl_fan

Well, that article confirms what the manager of the Bob Bullock IMAX in Austin, TX told me -- the current digital projection system does not fill the entire Giant IMAX screen. So, you see a window-boxed picture when the theater is sent a digital copy rather than a 15/70 film print.

At the very least your theater is willing to do that, though. The Bob Bullock IMAX refuses to add the digital system as a temporary stopgap, so a lot of movies aren't being shown there.

Originally Posted by blu-ray_girl_fan

That's what the manager said, though IMAX has been promising the laser system for a couple of years now. I guess we'll find out...eventually.

My local IMAX theater in Harrisburg, PA is film only, like yours is, no stopgap digital solutions either. To me this is great, not only does it avoid confusion but it keeps theater goers from getting some half-baked experience. I love this theater and have gone there to see Ghost Protocol and TDKR and will be going to ST:ID. I love the one of a kind screen filling experience that I get. The man in charge at my theater has said like yours the new digital laser projectors coming out next year will be able to provide screen filling resolutions and that him and the theater are very interested in these new projectors.

Honestly I love that the theater only shows movies that fill the screen. Of crouse the occasional, so big you'd be an idiot not to show it hits like twilight are shown but it is not like there is a new feature every other week. I only hope this remains true once the new digital systems are installed. I mean the theater has proven it doesn't need the latest hits like Iron Man 3 to be successful enough to continue to exist so I hope it stays that way.

I like this theater because I can go there and know I am getting an experience you just can't get anywhere else, be it another theater or your own home.

[Dubstar]

I may have stated this already, but the Smithsonian's posting on the subject is that the three 15/70 theaters in Chantilly Virginia and the two Mall theaters will retain the full 4:3 aspect ratios for the digital laser conversion in 2014. Thankfully for Udvar Hazy, they will also get a 3D system, something that the theater is woefully lacking.

[AmrlKJaneway]

Originally Posted by DaFees

My local IMAX theater in Harrisburg, PA is film only, like yours is, no stopgap digital solutions either. To me this is great, not only does it avoid confusion but it keeps theater goers from getting some half-baked experience. I love this theater and have gone there to see Ghost Protocol and TDKR and will be going to ST:ID. I love the one of a kind screen filling experience that I get. The man in charge at my theater has said like yours the new digital laser projectors coming out next year will be able to provide screen filling resolutions and that him and the theater are very interested in these new projectors.

Honestly I love that the theater only shows movies that fill the screen. Of crouse the occasional, so big you'd be an idiot not to show it hits like twilight are shown but it is not like there is a new feature every other week. I only hope this remains true once the new digital systems are installed. I mean the theater has proven it doesn't need the latest hits like Iron Man 3 to be successful enough to continue to exist so I hope it stays that way.

I like this theater because I can go there and know I am getting an experience you just can't get anywhere else, be it another theater or your own home.

I wish you, and your local IMAX the best of luck. It's great that it's surviving in a more traditional manner. When I was a kid, there was never blockbusters at the IMAX. You'd just go to watch a documentary on space or cacti or something. It was great.

Don't get me wrong, it's great they play features now. But like you said, they don't need all of them.

The purist like me isn't liking the disappearance of film and disks and printed books, but the environmentalist in me is loving it.

[blu-ray_girl_fan]

Originally Posted by AmrlKJaneway

I wish you, and your local IMAX the best of luck. It's great that it's surviving in a more traditional manner. When I was a kid, there was never blockbusters at the IMAX. You'd just go to watch a documentary on space or cacti or something. It was great.

Don't get me wrong, it's great they play features now. But like you said, they don't need all of them.

The purist like me isn't liking the disappearance of film and disks and printed books, but the environmentalist in me is loving it.

Well, if it's an IMAX theater attached to a museum, I think they just depend on a steady stream of schoolchildren on field trips to watch documentaries.

I haven't seen an IMAX documentary in years, though, and I'm kinda frustrated that the Bob Bullock doesn't play as many big Hollywood releases as it used to back when the studios still made film prints.

[NARMAK]

Originally Posted by blu-ray_girl_fan

Well, if it's an IMAX theater attached to a museum, I think they just depend on a steady stream of schoolchildren on field trips to watch documentaries.

I haven't seen an IMAX documentary in years, though, and I'm kinda frustrated that the Bob Bullock doesn't play as many big Hollywood releases as it used to back when the studios still made film prints.

Ours was the first in Europe and as you guessed, attached to the Media Museum, but ever since they switched to putting more movies on in the IMAX theatre, they've done phenomenal.

It's still one of the only 'real' IMAX theatres and despite the seating being a bit of a squeeze for a guy my height it's still so immersive you forget the small leg room once the movies get going.

Watched Start Trek, Prometheus, Harry Potter Deathly Hallow one and two, MI: Ghost Protocol and TDKR. Did want to watch The Hobbit but missed out in its original run. Probably going to watch Star Trek: Into Darkness next though once my exams at uni are over on the 13th.

Still, i'm happy more and more 15/70mm prints of traditional movies are being made for them to show because it's still bigger than the local theatres and the sound is way better and the prices are close on the same for students.

[DaFees]

Originally Posted by blu-ray_girl_fan

Well, if it's an IMAX theater attached to a museum, I think they just depend on a steady stream of schoolchildren on field trips to watch documentaries.

I haven't seen an IMAX documentary in years, though, and I'm kinda frustrated that the Bob Bullock doesn't play as many big Hollywood releases as it used to back when the studios still made film prints.

That's how my IMAX works, it is attached to a science center, so it does rely on school children taking field trips. I wonder though other than maybe one in New York and one or two in California, how many 15/70mm IMAX theaters aren't attached to some kind of museum, science center, aquarium, or otherwise? Basically how many aren't attached to something other than a movie theater?

[pappy97]

Originally Posted by blu-ray_girl_fan

Phone: 972-247-8172

E-mail: 207@cinemark.com

http://www.cinemark.com/theatre-deta...x?node_id=1506

Thank you, but I am aware of these methods of contact. I have tried them to no avail. Given that there has been several posts, including from yourself, regarding Dallas and Texas theaters that the IMAX 15/70 format, it seems to be a fair question if anyone here has any knowledge as to whether Star Trek: Into Darkness will be shown in the Cinemark IMAX Theater in Dallas (on Webb Chapel). If no one knows, oh well, but I've tried e-mailing (no response), calling ("I don't know"), and google searches (Which helped me ascertain that TDKR was in 15/70 at this particular theater last year).

Thank you (in advance or simply for reading the post).

[ultraman352]

Which format (s) should i see it in?
I am debating to go see it first in Digital IMAX at Northpark, or ETX (at Northpark with Dolby Atmos) or see it at Webb Chappel, (I am going to new york on the 24th, so I might be able to see it at the Lincoln Lowes theater, tell me what you think is best idea

[NARMAK]

Originally Posted by ultraman352

Which format (s) should i see it in?
I am debating to go see it first in Digital IMAX at Northpark, or ETX (at Northpark with Dolby Atmos) or see it at Webb Chappel, (I am going to new york on the 24th, so I might be able to see it at the Lincoln Lowes theater, tell me what you think is best idea

If you can go to an authentic IMAX of 15/70 I think most people would say that first, but if the movies not actually filmed any scenes with native IMAX cameras and just been put on the film, there's not too many going for it because it still doesn't make use of the top or bottom of the 4:3 screen.

In that case, people might put the Dolby Atmos system first because the surround sound is more immersive.

They're all good choices though to be fair for any movie that isn't filmed natively on IMAX cameras at least.

[blu-ray_girl_fan]

Originally Posted by NARMAK

If you can go to an authentic IMAX of 15/70 I think most people would say that first, but if the movies not actually filmed any scenes with native IMAX cameras and just been put on the film, there's not too many going for it because it still doesn't make use of the top or bottom of the 4:3 screen.

In that case, people might put the Dolby Atmos system first because the surround sound is more immersive.

They're all good choices though to be fair for any movie that isn't filmed natively on IMAX cameras at least.

Star Trek Into Darkness has scenes shot with IMAX cameras.

I would say that even a Digital LieMAX presentation is better than a normal theater because you get the shifting aspect ratios.

For this particular movie, don't bother paying the extra money for AMC ETX or Cinemark XD since they won't be showing the movie with shifting aspect ratios.

As for Cinemark Webb Chapel, my guesstimate is that they will show it in Digital instead of 15/70. Paramount has been having serious financial and administrative problems, so it's unlikely that they're going to make a lot of film prints. TDKR was released by Warner, which is a much healthier company than Paramount.

[DaFees]

Originally Posted by ultraman352

Which format (s) should i see it in?
I am debating to go see it first in Digital IMAX at Northpark, or ETX (at Northpark with Dolby Atmos) or see it at Webb Chappel, (I am going to new york on the 24th, so I might be able to see it at the Lincoln Lowes theater, tell me what you think is best idea

Like Blu-ray_fan_girl said I would avoid the ETX for lack of shifting aspect ratios. I've looked high and low but found no info one way or the other whether or not the Webb Chappel IMAX is getting a film print but if it is you really should go there.

Also with regards to the theater in New York, unfortunately Star Trek may not even be available on the 24th as that is the day Fast 6 comes out so the theater might have switched over for that by then.

Now, the other thing to keep in mind is the IMAX theaters that are participating in the IMAX FanFlixs program where by you will get a free collectible print for seeing Star Trek at 8PM on the 15th assuming of course you intend to attend the opening night show. I know the Webb Chappel IMAX is a participating theater but if you want to know which others are then I would check out the list found here, http://www.imax.com/community/blog/s...anfixtm-debut/

[ultraman352]

I am guessing in that case, the best place for me to see it would be the Northpark IMAX, I would see it in the Evolution theater with dolby atmos, at LOOK Cinemas, but their projection sucks right now, they need to figure things out,

On the other hand the Webb Chappel, would fill up the whole screen... but the northpark would look better probably

[pappy97]

Originally Posted by blu-ray_girl_fan

Star Trek Into Darkness has scenes shot with IMAX cameras.

I would say that even a Digital LieMAX presentation is better than a normal theater because you get the shifting aspect ratios.

1.) Was this the same way with The Dark Knight Rises? (That any LieMAX presentation got shifting aspect ratios?)

2.) Sounds like for us Dallas area residents (of which we are well represented in this thread), the best option is just to roll the dice and go to Cinemark Webb Chapel IMAX (unless someone else on this thread wants to try to contact the theater as I did). Based on your post and the fact that the theater has both digital and 15/70, in the best case scenario you get 15/70, worst case you get shifting aspect ratios.

Is my logic sound on this one? Thanks!

[blu-ray_girl_fan]

Originally Posted by ultraman352

I am guessing in that case, the best place for me to see it would be the Northpark IMAX, I would see it in the Evolution theater with dolby atmos, at LOOK Cinemas, but their projection sucks right now, they need to figure things out,

On the other hand the Webb Chappel, would fill up the whole screen... but the northpark would look better probably

Originally Posted by pappy97

1.) Was this the same way with The Dark Knight Rises? (That any LieMAX presentation got shifting aspect ratios?)

2.) Sounds like for us Dallas area residents (of which we are well represented in this thread), the best option is just to roll the dice and go to Cinemark Webb Chapel IMAX (unless someone else on this thread wants to try to contact the theater as I did). Based on your post and the fact that the theater has both digital and 15/70, in the best case scenario you get 15/70, worst case you get shifting aspect ratios.

Is my logic sound on this one? Thanks!

Yes, TDKR had shifting aspect ratios in both 15/70 IMAX and Digital LieMAX. I saw it at AMC Northpark in LieMAX and Bob Bullock (Austin) in Real IMAX.

Cinemark Webb Chapel Digital IMAX and AMC Northpark Digital IMAX are about the same in terms of presentation. It really comes down to which location is more convenient for you.

[R3P0]

My Local theater noone seems to be able to tell if its Liemax or actual Imax Digital, the screen is huge it gets the shifting ratios and truthfully ive no complaints cause it looks good, does anyone short of grabbing a ladder and measuring have any definitive way to tell if its a true IMAX. Theater name is AMC Forum 30 in Sterling Hts, Mi

[DaFees]

Originally Posted by R3P0

My Local theater noone seems to be able to tell if its Liemax or actual Imax Digital, the screen is huge it gets the shifting ratios and truthfully ive no complaints cause it looks good, does anyone short of grabbing a ladder and measuring have any definitive way to tell if its a true IMAX. Theater name is AMC Forum 30 in Sterling Hts, Mi

LieMAX and Digital IMAX are the same thing as for your local theater the AMC Forum 30: It is a LieMAX theater. I you want a true IMAX theater you need to go to Dearborn or Grand Rapids.