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

[Lee A Stewart]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

You tell me, instead of just spamming threads. You remind me of someone else who used to do junk like this on here.

Spamming? I am just trying to understand what you stated using pictures instead of words. I see nothing wrong with that.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by Lee A Stewart

Spamming? I am just trying to understand what you stated using pictures instead of words. I see nothing wrong with that.

But you're just posting picture after picture without the required context. That's why it helps to stop and examine it rather than keep dredging Google photos for stuff.

[Lee A Stewart]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

But you're just posting picture after picture without the required context. That's why it helps to stop and examine it rather than keep dredging Google photos for stuff.

OK - I will put it into words: I think your statement that extracting the middle of a 65mm frame for an IMAX 15/70 presentation is about the same as a 1.43 AR portion of a Super 35 frame isn't much different . . . is not correct.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by Lee A Stewart

OK - I will put it into words: I think your statement that extracting the middle of a 65mm frame for an IMAX 15/70 presentation is about the same as a 1.43 AR portion of a Super 35 frame isn't much different . . . is not correct.

I know exactly what your point was, spamming with image after image to try and show me up. Fine. But here's the thing: I didn't say it was "about the same", I said it's not much bigger...and I'm right. It *is* bigger, how could it not be, but not by a dramatic amount. Rounded off, the 4/35 fullap frame is 25x19mm, while the centre cut or "tiled" 1.44 extraction of the 5/65 frame is 33x23mm.

Given the expense of 65mm (not just shooting but the processing afterwards) I don't see the point in going to all that faff just to chop off the sides and ultimately gain a modest increase in image area which - as I said right at the top there - still falls way short of what actual 15-perf IMAX looks like, and I've seen the two intercut in the 15/70 print of BvS.

Nolan, on the other hand, likes to use VistaVision (8/35) to fill in for any 'IMAX' shots that he can't otherwise get, and that makes FAR more sense when you look at the last of those several image comparisons you posted. The full aperture on VV is like 38x25 @ 1.50 ratio so it would only need a tiny crop to get to the 1.44 and is literally double the image area of 4/35 without having to effectively throw away massive chunks of it as per the 5/65 1.44 extraction. Not only is it more cost effective to use VV, you get a bigger 'IMAX' image area anyway.

Though we have actually had an 'IMAX' sequence in another film that intercut spherical 4/35 with true IMAX, which was Catching Fire, and could most people even tell that they didn't use IMAX for a lot of it? Could they bollocks. I saw the 15/70 print of that one too and it's kinda crazy that 4-perf 35 and 15-perf 65 intercut so well there while the cropped 5/65 in BvS stood out way more. Maybe it was just a Snyder thing, all that grain not reacting well to being embiggened (the 35 anamorphic looked pretty damned rough too in the IMAX print), so it remains to be seen how it'll look on NTTD's IMAX presentation.

[Lee A Stewart]

25x19mm = 475

33x23mm = 759 . . . 60% bigger.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by Eric The Duke

I'm really sad that I will be seeing Tenet at an AMC IMAX instead of a Smithsonian IMAX theater.

yeah, it is odd, that while Udvar Hazy is open, the IMAX theater itself isn't.

I was over near the Avalon theater in Chevy Chase DC earlier today and they had posters up for 'Tenet' - maybe they just needed a poster to display, but maybe they know something, that the DC theater public doesn't. If, what is true is happening, they won't have ANY competition if Mazza Galleria folds and with it, AMC's theater.

[FAShaffi]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

yeah, it is odd, that while Udvar Hazy is open, the IMAX theater itself isn't.

I was over near the Avalon theater in Chevy Chase DC earlier today and they had posters up for 'Tenet' - maybe they just needed a poster to display, but maybe they know something, that the DC theater public doesn't. If, what is true is happening, they won't have ANY competition if Mazza Galleria folds and with it, AMC's theater.

I messaged the Smithsonian Theaters page on Facebook and asked if they were going to reopen the Udvar Hazy IMAX in time for "Tenet" but they said they have no plans to do so at the moment I'm going to see it at the IMAX Laser at Tysons next Tuesday so I can at least get the 1.90 AR

[Poya]

@Lee A Stewart
@Geoff D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_zi...ature=youtu.be

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by Lee A Stewart

25x19mm = 475

33x23mm = 759 . . . 60% bigger.

Yes, I can do maths too. And 8/35 is bigger again, all without paying for and developing 65mm stock just to junk, what, 40% of it. As I said, from having seen IMAX put next to a 'tiled' 5-perf output then there's no comparison, the very act of having to 'blow up' the centre portion of the frame seemed to make it look so much worse than the 4/35 blow-up seen in Catching Fire. What's up with that?

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Anyhoo, I saw Tenet on IMAX 15/70 earlier and I'm very pleased to report that the 5-perf stuff (not tiled ) looked SO much better there than on Dunkirk's IMAX 15/70 print. For that show Nolan did the 5 to 15 enlargement optically, rather than using the high-res scan + DMR upscale process he'd previously used with his 35 anamorphic stuff. Problem being that the optical blow-up lost too many generations, he went from 5-perf neg to timed 5-perf IP then 15-perf IN blow-up which was cut into the A/B roll IMAX negative and then printed for release. So it was four generations along, plus whatever loss the optics introduced into it, and it just looked like total ass in the Dunkirk print next to the 15-perf IMAX minted directly from the OG negative.

But on Tenet they've greatly improved the process, I haven't read any majorly techy stuff on it yet but I'd be surprised if they did the exact same steps as on Dunkirk. If they did then bravo, it's made a world of difference, but I reckon they might've DMR'ed it this time around i.e. they scanned in the timed 5-perf IP @ 8K, resized it digitally and filmed it back out onto 15/70 internegative to cut into the IMAX neg, thus avoiding one printing step and sidestepping the optical printing completely. OR Nolan realised he could optically blow up the 5-perf neg directly to positive 15/70 print in one step (as there are only like 13 of these IMAX prints (?) then the 5-perf can withstand being printed that much) and still keep his photochemical timing by using the same printer lights.

Other than that, same old same old really. The 15-perf IMAX looked glossy and clean and totally grain-free, and even though the 5-perf embiggening has greatly improved (whichever way they did it) it still doesn't hold a candle to IMAX, the 5-perf looking noticeably grainier and less detailed.

Oh, and if you put a gun to my head and said that I could only watch Nolan's IMAX shows in fixed 2.39 or 2.20 on home video then I'd be juuuuuust fine with that. On a massive 65ft screen (where Elizabeth Debicki appears actual size, lol) then it surrounds and immerses the viewer, where the acres of yawning headroom are part of the outlying image area and not the main focal point. Not a problem. But in the home even the 1.78 extractions that Nolan prefers still look far too 'loose' to me, it's for that reason I was actually glad that the IMAX framing on the UHDs was cinched in noticeably toighter than on the previous Blu-rays. It's still 1.78 but it's been moved in quite a bit closer, makes it feel more focused and less like open matte.

[benji888578]

I know everyone is talking about the film version of Tenet, but, I'm no where near an IMAX that still shows film...I will be seeing Tenet in 1.90 D IMAX...

Now, I did go see Inception in D IMAX for the 10th anniversary re-showing (only $5!) this week...this IMAX is in a local cinema, not any chain associated with it, so, when they built it (opened in 2012), it was built to IMAX standards, so, there isn't a bad seat in the house, and it's pretty good sized with around 350 leather seats.

When I went, I saw construction right next to the IMAX end, it looked like they just started and I couldn't find an announcement, so, I inquired if they were expanding the cinema or upgrading to Laser IMAX and they are upgrading! YES! (Pic off their website, not of construction).

>>Question: They said they are upgrading to Laser IMAX with recliners...does anyone go to an IMAX with recliners? Can they still make it to IMAX spec., and not have a bad seat in the house?

[Dreamliner330]

Quick update on my 2020 movie experience:

I went to see The New Mutants in 2K IMAX (don't bother, it sucks). I had a feeling with the "you don't need to wear your mask if your eating our food" policy exception I'd need to wear a mask that protected me; so I chose to wear my N95 mask. I put it on before I entered the theater and did not take it off until I left. Nothing to eat, nothing to drink, on the whole time.

AMC is blocking all the seats around your selection, so a single seat selection will block 9 seats total. I only have a handful of places I am willing to sit in a theater (mid-close and perfectly center) so I bought my ticket where I wanted.

When I got to the theater during previews there were probably 15 people in the room and it was clear someone was in my seat. I've had this happen only a few times and have zero hesitation kicking them out. I walked up and said "hey, I think you might be in my seat" they replied "no this is ours" to which I said, "That's G11, that's my seat, please move," they played dumb and said "oh, we thought this was G8" and they then moved down a couple seats. Clearly they were hoping I'd just want to avoid the conflict and sit elsewhere. Nope.

Of course they were young kids and had food so they never wore a mask at all and were sitting only two seats from me. While the whole mask thing has unfortunately become very political and I absolutely hate wearing them, they do limit droplet spread and breathing indoors for 2+ hours around other people is a good place to limit that droplet spread as much as possible.

The movie itself sucked but I did get a taste of what having to wear a tight fitting N95 mask was going to be like for a whole movie and I can definitely do it. I had to readjust it a few times an it was getting uncomfortable on my cheeks and near my ears towards the end but I was fine. I really do not think I will be getting any food at the theater for quite some time though. If there is anyone else in the room, the N95 mask will be on the whole time, no exceptions.

Since IMAX permanently closed their single screen 70mm full IMAX theater at the Minnesota Zoo last year I was planning to drive to AMC Navy Pier IMAX in Chicago for the 70mm IMAX presentation of Tenet. They are still closed so the AMC Rosedale 4K Laser IMAX in Roseville MN will have to do.

The Rosedale 4K Laser IMAX screen is nowhere near as big as real IMAX so I just will have to sit closer. I already have my ticket reserved for 1PM Friday. Hopefully they have the sound fixed this time. (Only the FRONT and REAR channels were working during Rise of Skywalker, no RIGHT or LEFT.)

[DOULG1VEN]

Is King of Prussia IMAX 1.43 dual laser or 1.9 single? Anyone know?

[puddy77]

Looks like Tenet is only screening real IMAX prints in 2 theaters in the US: Indianapolis and Ft. Lauderdale. Unfortunately, I wouldn't step foot in Ft. Lauderdale with an Arrival hazmat suit right now.

https://www.indiewire.com/2020/08/te...it-1234582856/

[Lee A Stewart]

Originally Posted by DOULG1VEN

Is King of Prussia IMAX 1.43 dual laser or 1.9 single? Anyone know?

Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills (IMAX GT and IMAX Digital)

[Lee A Stewart]

Originally Posted by puddy77

Looks like Tenet is only screening real IMAX prints in 2 theaters in the US: Indianapolis and Ft. Lauderdale. Unfortunately, I wouldn't step foot in Ft. Lauderdale with an Arrival hazmat suit right now.

https://www.indiewire.com/2020/08/te...it-1234582856/

Chrysler IMAX Dome Theatre, Michigan Science Center – Detroit was on the original list posted by IMAX. No longer there?

[pappy97]

Originally Posted by puddy77

Looks like Tenet is only screening real IMAX prints in 2 theaters in the US: Indianapolis and Ft. Lauderdale. Unfortunately, I wouldn't step foot in Ft. Lauderdale with an Arrival hazmat suit right now.

https://www.indiewire.com/2020/08/te...it-1234582856/

Thanks. I guess that answers the question of whether the Cinemark Webb Chapel IMAX in Dallas, which had brought in IMAX 15/70 projectors for other Nolan films like Interstellar and TDKR, would have it for Tenant.

[Dreamliner330]

Originally Posted by puddy77

Looks like Tenet is only screening real IMAX prints in 2 theaters in the US: Indianapolis and Ft. Lauderdale. Unfortunately, I wouldn't step foot in Ft. Lauderdale with an Arrival hazmat suit right now.

https://www.indiewire.com/2020/08/te...it-1234582856/

I am 9 hours from Indianapolis and I’m seriously considering driving. I already found a hotel. The reviews have been mixed so I’m going to watch it in 4K Laser LIMAX here first.

[Dreamliner330]

I saw Tenet today in 4K Laser IMAX at AMC Rosedale in Roseville MN.

I am very mixed on the movie itself. This is the first Nolan movie I had trouble following and it definitely hurt my viewing experience. More details on that here.

Again, I wore a N95 mask the whole time and the people around also wore masks. I felt much more comfortable this time.

When I watched Ford v Ferrari in 2K IMAX (different venue) I noticed the picture seemed dark during the trailers, I turned around and saw only one projector on and went out to say something. About 10 minutes later the image got brighter and I turned around to see both projectors on. Well...

For Tenet, during the trailers I noticed the image seemed dark, I turned around and only saw one light source. I went out to say something and the person said, "4K IMAX is only one projector," I still persisted that the image looked dark. I went back into the theater and about 10 minutes later during the trailer for Black Widow the brightness went way up. Definitely glad I went out to say something. I have no problem paying for IMAX, but I am paying for an experience, so that experience definitely needs to be perfect.

I am still thinking of driving down to Indianapolis, I do feel like maybe I'm missing something with Tenet but I just can't put my finger on it, I don't think the answer is 70mm, but it might be.

I also wanted to check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

[ITDEFX101]

Originally Posted by Dreamliner330

I saw Tenet today in 4K Laser IMAX at AMC Rosedale in Roseville MN.

I am very mixed on the movie itself. This is the first Nolan movie I had trouble following and it definitely hurt my viewing experience. More details on that here.

Again, I wore a N95 mask the whole time and the people around also wore masks. I felt much more comfortable this time.

When I watched Ford v Ferrari in 2K IMAX (different venue) I noticed the picture seemed dark during the trailers, I turned around and saw only one projector on and went out to say something. About 10 minutes later the image got brighter and I turned around to see both projectors on. Well...

For Tenet, during the trailers I noticed the image seemed dark, I turned around and only saw one light source. I went out to say something and the person said, "4K IMAX is only one projector," I still persisted that the image looked dark. I went back into the theater and about 10 minutes later during the trailer for Black Widow the brightness went way up. Definitely glad I went out to say something. I have no problem paying for IMAX, but I am paying for an experience, so that experience definitely needs to be perfect.

I am still thinking of driving down to Indianapolis, I do feel like maybe I'm missing something with Tenet but I just can't put my finger on it, I don't think the answer is 70mm, but it might be.

I also wanted to check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

Wow good to know. So was it worth seeing it in IMAX like do you recall any shots that switched AR that looked amazing in that format? I am thinking that preview scene from a few months ago is in IMAX, car chase scene and the scene where the airplane blows up is in IMAX..

[Mike0284]

Not sure if it was mentioned but it look like only 30 minutes of No Time to Die was filmed with IMAX cameras.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...d_in_IMAX#2020