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

[Fang Zei]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

I was at Tyson's Corner tonight catching 'Alita: Battle Angel' (Dolby Cinema 3D - 'Fan Event' screening - which was a blast) and did get confirmation that the IMAX screen will be converted over to IMAX-laser in time for 'Avengers: Endgame' (huzzah!)

Good to know!

How was Alita in Dolby Cinema 3D? Cameron was hyping it up last year re: the Avatar sequels and claimed it can do 3D at 16 foot lamberts.

With these single-projector 4k Imax laser units that will gradually replace the two-projector 2k+2k Imax xenons, I wonder what system they’ll have in place to do 3D. Since it’s only one projector, presumably it’ll work the same way as the Sony 4k’s when those are set up for real-d. In that setup, the 2k left and right eye images are stacked one above the other on the 4k chip and each 2k image gets shot out of its own lens.

I’ve noticed over the last few years that many theaters will simply leave the projector in this configuration for 2D screenings, with the same image shooting out of both lenses. It’s more convenient for the people running the theater since they don’t have to worry about an auditorium not being set up for 3D, but they’re compromising 2D picture quality for 4k dcp’s (even if they slide off the real-d filters) since they’re making it 2k+2k instead of just showing the 4k through a single big lens.

I’d imagine these single-projector Imax lasers will either go that route for 2D (I hope not!) or they’ll have a lens wheel in place to easily switch from one big lens for 2D to the split configuration for 3D.

[xbs2034]

He didn't go into the specifics of how the system works, but at the AMC Empire the manager mentioned how much he liked the single laser system for use. Though said there would be a loss of some of the 3D brightness vs the dual laser Lincoln Square has for those movies (with IMAX doing fewer 3D showings in general, I'm guessing it's not a huge priority for the system).

Still, I've seen two IMAX 3D presentations there (Mortal Engines and The Wandering Earth) and found the brightness levels fine, maybe it is a bit darker than what dual laser would have done, but I found it at least no darker than say IMAX Xenon 3D which I always was okay with. And like with 2D films such as First Man and Overlord, I found the colors and image detail to be great.

[Fang Zei]

I guess I’ll just need to try one of each (2D and 3D) when either the Regal Majestic or the AMC Georgetown get around to upgrading and just turn around during the 2D show to see if there are two beams coming out of the projector window or just one. For 3D they would have to use two lenses since I can’t imagine them doing the alternating LRLRLR method and actually having it look good.

Actually, if the laser at Tysons will be done in time for Endgame *and* there are 2D showtimes, I might just see it that way.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by ITDEFX101

Wait what? 9 dollar IMAX Tuesday deal?

Last time I was there was for Avengers last year. So I have no idea what has changed.

the reduced tix price is for Lego 2's screenings intown at American History and over at Udvar Hazy - they mentioned it on their Facebook page. EDIT: they worded it wrong it was supposed to be $9 child admission - they let me in on the wrong price

I'm actually heading over there now, since I have to do an errand stop at Tysons before trotting over to A&S.

ciao all, I'll post back since there were some other questions directed at me, that I'll answer when I get back.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by Fang Zei

I guess I’ll just need to try one of each (2D and 3D) when either the Regal Majestic or the AMC Georgetown get around to upgrading and just turn around during the 2D show to see if there are two beams coming out of the projector window or just one. For 3D they would have to use two lenses since I can’t imagine them doing the alternating LRLRLR method and actually having it look good.

Actually, if the laser at Tysons will be done in time for Endgame *and* there are 2D showtimes, I might just see it that way.

what I like about Tyson's is that both the Dolby and IMAX screens are really tall, 'Endgame' which will be full screen 1.90 should look pretty spectacular as a result.

as to 'Alita' on the Dolby Cinema screen - I thought it looked very good, although I seem to recall the 3D in the trailers to be stronger, something seemed a little 'off' - comparing this to the 3D conversion of 'Titanic' - the latter's 3D presentation on the Dolby Cinema screen would be an A+ rating, while "Alita" was an A-

As to Udvar Hazy, I think initially you paid for parking 'on entrance', but the new setup has you getting a ticket which you pay on the way out, but after 5:30 the gate is up hence making it free for late afternoon/evening IMAX screenings.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

The ones I know of right away are the AMC Empire 25 (I've been there several times since the laser upgrade and it's fantastic) in New York, the AMC Bay Street 16 in California, and the AMC North Park 15 in Texas- which the manager at the Empire 25 mentioned where undergoing the renovations at the same time, and all of which have been updated on the AMC website to reflect the laser change. I'll send an email about those.

But IMAX said they upgraded six domestic sites last Fall in their earnings call, though the others may not been AMC so harder to tell where they are.

also Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood (Universal City, CA), interestingly AMC denotes these few locations as "IMAX WITH LASER AT AMC"

[Dubstar]

Sony's new "Premium Large-format Auditorium"



(from DCinemaToday)

Sony Electronics Inc. is introducing Sony Digital Cinema™, the company’s experiential premium large-format (PLF) movie theater auditorium. Working in conjunction with state-of-the-art movie theater company, Galaxy Theatres, the world’s first location will debut at their Las Vegas Boulevard Mall venue, which is planned to open in spring 2019.

Sony Digital Cinema is a new experience for PLF theaters that includes Sony’s industry-leading dual laser projection system – which provides exceptional picture quality and immersion – along with powerful sound and luxury reclining seats. The auditoriums’ high-contrast projection systems authentically bring filmmakers’ stories and vision to life with a vibrancy that matches their original intent.

As audiences demand unforgettable theatrical experiences, Sony Digital Cinema auditoriums provide a way to visually and emotionally connect and engage fans with big screen stories. The first location, at Galaxy Theatre’s deluxe Boulevard Mall site, will be the largest auditorium in the Las Vegas market, further enhancing Galaxy’s distinction as the Best Movie Theater in Las Vegas, according to Las Vegas Weekly and Las Vegas Review-Journal.

“This location in Las Vegas is the first in what will be a nationwide rollout of Sony Digital Cinema experiences, which will drive audiences to the movies,” said Bob Raposo, head of cinema at Sony Electronics. “Sony has the capability and tools to be involved in every aspect of a film, from capture, workflow and post-production, to film production and distribution, and experiential theater solutions. We are uniquely positioned to understand and develop products that directly impact and elevate cinemas and their audiences.”

“We strategically chose Las Vegas, a city synonymous with world-class entertainment, for the launch of our new Sony Digital Cinema auditorium at Galaxy Theatres,” explained Rafe Cohen, president of Galaxy Theatres. “We strive to exceed customers’ expectations of a best-in-class theatrical destination, from the concessions and the seating to the technology. We turned to Sony, a company known for quality and excellence, to create a first of its kind Sony Digital Cinema auditorium that is sure to make our Boulevard Mall location a destination for those seeking the best cinematic experience on every level.”

For more than a decade, Sony has been working with many of the world’s biggest and most prestigious theater chains, as well as small independent circuits and art house cinemas to provide exceptional products, service and support that re-invent the movie-going experience. Robust offerings include 4K, laser, lamp, HDR, 2D and 3D projection technology options. Sony solutions provide the flexibility requested by theaters, and the superb image quality and natural color reproduction that enhances audience engagement.

EDIT: sound for these venues is Dolby Atmos.

[MovieReviews331]

Trying to decide whether to see Akita in Dolby Conema 3D or IMAX Laser 3D. Any thoughts on which would be better?

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by MovieReviews331

Trying to decide whether to see Akita in Dolby Conema 3D or IMAX Laser 3D. Any thoughts on which would be better?

with Alita - you will get more visual information, expanding vertical screen expanding scenes in IMAX than the Dolby Cinema presentation. If you're more a 'sound' person, I'd say DC, if it's all visual, go for IMAX.

[PeterTHX]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

with Alita - you will get more visual information, expanding vertical screen expanding scenes in IMAX than the Dolby Cinema presentation. If you're more a 'sound' person, I'd say DC, if it's all visual, go for IMAX.

James Cameron has been promoting the Dolby Cinema 3D.

He also had the pull to get it in Dolby Cinema 3D (along with Titanic). AMC has a deal with RealD to keep 3D to their screens with the exception being IMAX. They had to get an exemption for Alita.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by PeterTHX

James Cameron has been promoting the Dolby Cinema 3D.

He also had the pull to get it in Dolby Cinema 3D (along with Titanic). AMC has a deal with RealD to keep 3D to their screens with the exception being IMAX. They had to get an exemption for Alita.

Why? Considering there are far more RealD 3D screens than Dolby Cinema 3D ones ?

[CelluloidPal]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

Why? Considering there are far more RealD 3D screens than Dolby Cinema 3D ones ?

Actually, Cameron and Rodriguez are promoting the IMAX 3D not Dolby.

[avs commenter]

I'm trying to decide to see Captain Marvel in Cinemark XD or 2D Imax?

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by CelluloidPal

Actually, Cameron and Rodriguez are promoting the IMAX 3D not Dolby.

I don't know about Rodriguez as much, but Cameron has absolutely been favoring Dolby 3D in promotion, as well as before with Titanic.

Plus, when they decided to do early previews, the first ones on Monday were exclusive to Dolby Cinema 3D, and when they added other 3D locations on Tuesday, Dolby 3D was still the one playing if a theater had that, even when those theaters could've shown it in IMAX laser 3D instead (which personally I would have preferred, but saw it in Dolby because that's what was offered).

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

I don't know about Rodriguez as much, but Cameron has absolutely been favoring Dolby 3D in promotion, as well as before with Titanic.

Plus, when they decided to do early previews, the first ones on Monday were exclusive to Dolby Cinema 3D, and when they added other 3D locations on Tuesday, Dolby 3D was still the one playing if a theater had that, even when those theaters could've shown it in IMAX laser 3D instead (which personally I would have preferred, but saw it in Dolby because that's what was offered).

Until the release of "Avengers: Endgame" there are far more Dolby Cinema screens than IMAX laser screens

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

Until the release of "Avengers: Endgame" there are far more Dolby Cinema screens than IMAX laser screens

Oh sure, but what I was saying was on Tuesday night, there were IMAX showings offered, but only if a theater didn't have a Dolby Cinema 3D (not all Dolbys can show 3D) capable screen. But when a theater did have such a screen, they would select that version over IMAX, laser or not.

In NYC the way it broke down was Kips Bay (IMAX digital, no Dolby Cinema) played it in IMAX 3D, AMC 34st (IMAX Digital and a Dolby Cinema, but 2D only Dolby) also played it in IMAX 3D, and Lincoln Square and AMC Empire (both with IMAX laser theaters and 3D capable Dolby Cinemas) played the Dolby Version. So combined with Monday being exclusive to Dolby 3D, it seems like that was the preferred format.

[PeterTHX]

Originally Posted by CelluloidPal

Actually, Cameron and Rodriguez are promoting the IMAX 3D not Dolby.

James Cameron on Dolby Vision 3D - Alita: Battle Angel | Dolby Cinema | Dolby - YouTube

[Geoff D]

They're promoting anything and everything is what they're doing.

[PeterTHX]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

Why? Considering there are far more RealD 3D screens than Dolby Cinema 3D ones ?

AMC had a deal in place with RealD to be the exclusive 3D format for their theaters, IMAX excepted.
Probably got a discount on installs or something.

So only a few films have been able to be in Dolby Cinema 3D at AMC, Alita, Titanic, Rogue One are the ones I know of (remember right now offhand anyway). Even then at select locations - Rogue One played in Dolby Cinema 3D at a whopping 2 AMC theaters in the USA - and I was fortunate to see it opening night at one (Burbank AMC 16).

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by PeterTHX

AMC had a deal in place with RealD to be the exclusive 3D format for their theaters, IMAX excepted.
Probably got a discount on installs or something.

So only a few films have been able to be in Dolby Cinema 3D at AMC, Alita, Titanic, Rogue One are the ones I know of (remember right now offhand anyway). Even then at select locations - Rogue One played in Dolby Cinema 3D at a whopping 2 AMC theaters in the USA - and I was fortunate to see it opening night at one (Burbank AMC 16).

The two others I know of are Jungle Book and Transformers: The Last Knight (though may be missing something else), all of which played at the AMC Empire. Though Titanic and now Alita are the only ones I went to, as I picked IMAX 3D for Rogue One and Last Knight, and Real D for Jungle Book