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

[CelluloidPal]

Originally Posted by ITDEFX101

You are talking about the 2017 version and not the 1999 one right?

Both were shot on film.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

The IMAX version most definitely changes aspect ratio at several times throughout the movie, though it's not the jarring on/off/on/off rhythm that Nolan previously employed so it draws less attention to itself. And it may be more/less impactful depending on the aspect ratio of the specific screen you're viewing.

Still, if viewing on 15/70 IMAX the drop in quality alone should be enough to mark it out, as the glossy 15-perf gorgeousness gives way to dull, grainy 5-perf images.

As for Inception, here's one more confirmation on no IMAX, this time from British Cinematographer: https://britishcinematographer.co.uk...asc-inception/

Even in IMAX laser the differences between the two is very noticeable

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by Riddhi2011

On IMAX maybe but even on a 2K pillarboxed projection, the 5-perf footage looked extraordinarily rich and the grain made the image all the more delicious and crisp. The colour timing was also deep and very natural. Film grain aesthetic is one of the reasons I try my best to watch that movie on the big screen and pay good money for it.
Digital images do not excite me much at all. It is those that look incredibly character-less, dull and flat. Almost all film shot movies have that textured, sharp aesthetic including The Hateful 8, The Mag 7, The Mummy, Dunkirk.

Sure, the point is that you're looking at higher quality 5-perf in that specific presentation than in the optically embiggened IMAX "5 into 15" version, I'm not recoiling from film in general when I talk about the 15/70 print. But the 5-perf really did look very haggard next to the native 15-perf material.

Originally Posted by Dubstar

Even in IMAX laser the differences between the two is very noticeable

I'm not surprised, the digital IMAX versions were derived from the 15-perf IMAX IP which includes the blown up 5-perf stuff. The playing field is however more level in the 5-perf IP that was used for the regular DCP, which is why I'm fervently hoping that the home IMAX version will use the best material from both IP's.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Sure, the point is that you're looking at higher quality 5-perf in that specific presentation than in the optically embiggened IMAX "5 into 15" version, I'm not recoiling from film in general when I talk about the 15/70 print. But the 5-perf really did look very haggard next to the native 15-perf material.


I'm not surprised, the digital IMAX versions were derived from the 15-perf IMAX IP which includes the blown up 5-perf stuff. The playing field is however more level in the 5-perf IP that was used for the regular DCP, which is why I'm fervently hoping that the home IMAX version will use the best material from both IP's.

correct - in 5/70 the image is more consistent in grading; however in sound the IMAX was a juggernaut. In 5/70 in a THX auditorium the sound levels were dialed down considerably.

[ITDEFX101]

Well unfortunately it wasn't that great of a movie warrant a second viewing considering I saw it at Udvar. The Picture quality was amazing in IMAX but as soon as it went to letterbox I could instantly see the difference.

[Riddhi2011]

Originally Posted by ITDEFX101

You are talking about the 2017 version and not the 1999 one right?

Yes the 2017 version and it looked incredibly detailed and sharply textured, with fine film grain, even in 3D (which looked nice on the second viewing).

[Dubstar]

I have to hand it to AMC Tyson's but since it's not a THX certified auditorium - the 5/70 presentation I saw this afternoon - wiped the floor when compared to the AFI Silver one. The dynamic range proved to be much more effective with tighter low end bass and impact, notably during the hospital boat sinking scene.

[ITDEFX101]

Shit, if you guys would have raved about the PQ of the Mummy earlier I would have checked it out.....but it's gone now.

[ITDEFX101]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

I have to hand it to AMC Tyson's but since it's not a THX certified auditorium - the 5/70 presentation I saw this afternoon - wiped the floor when compared to the AFI Silver one. The dynamic range proved to be much more effective with tighter low end bass and impact, notably during the hospital boat sinking scene.

Did that IMAX theater get new seats or are they regular theater seats that are reserved?

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by ITDEFX101

Did that IMAX theater get new seats or are they regular theater seats that are reserved?

Regular reserved seating

[Riddhi2011]

Originally Posted by ITDEFX101

Shit, if you guys would have raved about the PQ of the Mummy earlier I would have checked it out.....but it's gone now.

I did! back in The Mummy thread. However my initial comments on 3D are not right. I saw it the second time and the 3D was quite good.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...=290608&page=2

[Scarriere]

I am thinking about seeing Dunkirk tonight and have two good options: IMAX 70mm or Ultra AVX in Atmos.
I'm more of a sound guy so Atmos is very appealing, but the grandeur of the IMAX screen is as well.
For Dunkirk, what would you recommend?

[Geoff D]

Dunkirk didn't get an Atmos mix. Seeing it in an Atmos theatre isn't the same thing.

If you can see it in proper 15/70 IMAX then I'd go for that every time.

[Scarriere]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Dunkirk didn't get an Atmos mix. Seeing it in an Atmos theatre isn't the same thing.

If you can see it in proper 15/70 IMAX then I'd go for that every time.

Thanks a lot for that vital info!
IMAX it is.

[singhcr]

On top of the wonderful detail that IMAX film brings, their sound systems are quite good as well. I have been to Atmos theaters as well and personally the IMAX 15/70 theater here has better sound too. It's no slouch.

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by singhcr

On top of the wonderful detail that IMAX film brings, their sound systems are quite good as well. I have been to Atmos theaters as well and personally the IMAX 15/70 theater here has better sound too. It's no slouch.

I agree that IMAX sound is no slouch in all their sound systems.

But I'd say it is the IMAX 12 Channel system (which is mostly found in laser sites, though it is in some digital IMAXes as well) which really competes with Atmos, and in my admittedly somewhat limited experience with both formats (particularly Atmos where Atomic Blonde is the first Atmos mix I've heard in over a year and a half) probably even bests it.

[CelluloidPal]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

I have to hand it to AMC Tyson's but since it's not a THX certified auditorium - the 5/70 presentation I saw this afternoon - wiped the floor when compared to the AFI Silver one. The dynamic range proved to be much more effective with tighter low end bass and impact, notably during the hospital boat sinking scene.

I saw the presentation at the AFI and I didn't see any issues, picture or sound wise. I usually go to them first because their projectionists has their sh** together and I'm weary on going elsewhere. But it's cool to hear Tyson's is handling their business there because I would like to visit that place one of these days. The Hitman's Bodyguard will be at their Dolby Cinema screen.

[NP13]

Saw Dunkirk at the BFI IMAX again yesterday, said to my friend afterwards "I really wish I'd seen Interstellar like that". As if by magic, the BFI have just announced their line up of "Propstore" screenings, including Interstellar on 15/70mm.
I don't think I've ever booked a cinema ticket so fast.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?sto...id=24927908241

[Geoff D]

Oh man, the BFI are showing T2 3D on August 29th of all days! If I hadn't just spunked £100 to go and see Dunkirk (or still lived in London in general ) then I'd be all over those screenings like a cheap suit. The Dark Knight in 15/70 is the only major IMAX feature I've yet to see in that format, damn it!! I'm dead jealous.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by CelluloidPal

I saw the presentation at the AFI and I didn't see any issues, picture or sound wise. I usually go to them first because their projectionists has their sh** together and I'm weary on going elsewhere. But it's cool to hear Tyson's is handling their business there because I would like to visit that place one of these days. The Hitman's Bodyguard will be at their Dolby Cinema screen.

I just found it odd, that the sound levels at Ihe Silver - which I'd assume are THX mandated made the sound much more subdued - I'm a bit baffled since 70mm presentations of 'Lifeforce' and 'Tron' were tremendously loud. Tyson's had more impact soundwise, but the IMAX-laser sound mix was far and away the best incarnation and playback was soul rattling.

AMC must have rejigged it's DC screen since 'Atomic Blonde' was damn impressive and didn't exhibit past system flaws - might have to see 'Hitman's Bodyguard' there too.