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

[xbs2034]

Saw Sicario tonight as my first trip to the Dolby Cinema/seeing laser projection. The image quality was solid but nothing revolutionary IMO (though the Dolby Cinema intro, which was clearly designed to play to the system, looked better for sure but still perhaps short of jaw dropping) and still not fully sold on how they use the Atmos sound system at that location mainly to vibrate the seats with the big sound effects, but a nice theatrical experience overall.

I expect the IMAX laser system would be more impressive visually/audiowise, if for nothing else than even if all the NYC locations are currently liemax, their screen sizes (including one in the same building as the Dolby Cinema) are bigger.

Movie itself was good, with a pretty killer third act.

[Poya]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

Saw Sicario tonight as my first trip to the Dolby Cinema/seeing laser projection. The image quality was solid but nothing revolutionary IMO (though the Dolby Cinema intro, which was clearly designed to play to the system, looked better for sure but still perhaps short of jaw dropping) and still not fully sold on how they use the Atmos sound system at that location mainly to vibrate the seats with the big sound effects, but a nice theatrical experience overall.

I expect the IMAX laser system would be more impressive visually/audiowise, if for nothing else than even if all the NYC locations are currently liemax, their screen sizes (including one in the same building as the Dolby Cinema) are bigger.

Movie itself was good, with a pretty killer third act.

Last time I checked, Sicario isn't presented in Dolby Cinema.

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by Poya

Last time I checked, Sicario isn't presented in Dolby Cinema.

Well, it certainly is at the Dolby Cinema at the AMC Empire and is an Atmos title. But I think you may be right that it is not a Dolby Vision title- which would show off the system to its best (as I said the Dolby Cinema intro is what looked the best with the showcase of the colors and the contrast), yet I would still assume it should look better than at a regular location do to the projection technology.

[Poya]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

Well, it certainly is at the Dolby Cinema at the AMC Empire and is an Atmos title. But I think you may be right that it is not a Dolby Vision title- which would show off the system to its best (as I said the Dolby Cinema intro is what looked the best with the showcase of the colors and the contrast), yet I would still assume it should look better than at a regular location do to the projection technology.

It is an Atmos title, but it isn't Dolby Vision mastered. It's just an AMC Prime title. Nothing wrong with that. The film was mastered in 4K so it should look amazing. Plus, Emily Blunt is flawless. She needs to be Captain Marvel and Mary Poppins.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by Poya

It is an Atmos title, but it isn't Dolby Vision mastered. It's just an AMC Prime title. Nothing wrong with that. The film was mastered in 4K so it should look amazing. Plus, Emily Blunt is flawless. She needs to be Captain Marvel and Mary Poppins.

I'm sceptical that Dolby Cinema can replicate the IMAX Experience. There is something special about IMAX and the big screens and sound. Dolby is way too late to the game with Dolby Cinema IMO.

[Poya]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

I'm sceptical that Dolby Cinema can replicate the IMAX Experience. There is something special about IMAX and the big screens and sound. Dolby is way too late to the game with Dolby Cinema IMO.

I'm done with IMAX. They're sound system is outdated, their DMR is hideous, and their laser projectors pale in comparison to Dolby's. I'll only go to IMAX films that are shot in the format and in 70mm.

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

I'm sceptical that Dolby Cinema can replicate the IMAX Experience. There is something special about IMAX and the big screens and sound. Dolby is way too late to the game with Dolby Cinema IMO.

Yeah, I feel the screen size could be a significant issue if Dolby is gonna compete with IMAX laser. I've been to at least 10 different IMAX locations, and even though only one of them (Jordan's in Reading MA, was 15/70 when I went) is currently laser instead of digital, in every case but maybe the Penn Station IMAX location (though I think that's bigger as well) the screen size difference over that Dolby Cinema location at the AMC Empire is immediately noticable.

Plus, the fact that Sicario is playing there as a non Dolby Vision title is another issue Dolby could have. Films without Vision and maybe even Atmos will play in Dolby Cinemas, and will that is still a nice theatrical experience, someone has to research to see if they are getting a title which bests shows off the system (I can usually find if a title is Atmos in an instant search, but Dolby Vision info takes a little digging currently), while there is something to be said for the fact that if a title is playing in IMAX, you know it has been specifically mastered in that format and has an IMAX sound mix.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

Yeah, I feel the screen size could be a significant issue if Dolby is gonna compete with IMAX laser. I've been to at least 10 different IMAX locations, and even though only one of them (Jordan's in Reading MA, was 15/70 when I went) is currently laser instead of digital, in every case but maybe the Penn Station IMAX locati on (though I think that's bigger as well) the screen size difference over that Dolby Cinema location at the AMC Empire is immediately noticable.

Plus, the fact that Sicario is playing there as a non Dolby Vision title is another issue Dolby could have. Films without Vision and maybe even Atmos will play in Dolby Cinemas, and will that is still a nice theatrical experience, someone has to research to see if they are getting a title which bests shows off the system (I can usually find if a title is Atmos in an instant search, but Dolby Vision info takes a little digging currently), while there is something to be said for the fact that if a title is playing in IMAX, you know it has been specifically mastered in that format and has an IMAX sound mix.

Yes the screen size is definitely an issue that Dolby is going to have. Almost every major city in the world has a classic giant screen that is a flagship in ways. While the smaller Digital IMAX locations and not as grand as the older 15/70, they are still pretty decent, fairly large size screen and it makes going to the movie fun.

I also think Dolby should be trying to make an alternative to the smaller auditoriums inside an IMAX location. Those screens would do well

As for Scicario in a Dolby Cinema but not mastered in Dolby, there is lies probably the biggest issue with Dolby Cinema. Around my local cinema, every new feature is advertised in Dolby Atmos even though most of them are not. That totally sucks!!!

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

Yes the screen size is definitely an issue that Dolby is going to have. Almost every major city in the world has a classic giant screen that is a flagship in ways. While the smaller Digital IMAX locations and not as grand as the older 15/70, they are still pretty decent, fairly large size screen and it makes going to the movie fun.

I also think Dolby should be trying to make an alternative to the smaller auditoriums inside an IMAX location. Those screens would do well

As for Scicario in a Dolby Cinema but not mastered in Dolby, there is lies probably the biggest issue with Dolby Cinema. Around my local cinema, every new feature is advertised in Dolby Atmos even though most of them are not. That totally sucks!!!

that's an ideal prospect since I'm really curious where AMC has in mind for the DC metro area. Obviously Tyson's Corner would make sense, since it has an IMAX-digital screen, and an ETX screen, making a third screen a Dolby Cinema screen (auditorium #1 - which at one point was being considered for the IMAX conversion, thankfully it wasn't) seems appropriate. Courthouse (Arlington VA) already has reclining seats in place, and since it was at one point showcasing 8 channel SDDS sound / now Dolby 7.1, AMC's retrofit for laser and Atmos could do wonders for this theater.

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

that's an ideal prospect since I'm really curious where AMC has in mind for the DC metro area. Obviously Tyson's Corner would make sense, since it has an IMAX-digital screen, and an ETX screen, making a third screen a Dolby Cinema screen (auditorium #1 - which at one point was being considered for the IMAX conversion, thankfully it wasn't) seems appropriate. Courthouse (Arlington VA) already has reclining seats in place, and since it was at one point showcasing 8 channel SDDS sound / now Dolby 7.1, AMC's retrofit for laser and Atmos could do wonders for this theater.

AMC said they will upgrade all their Primes to a Dolby Cinema, and then turn to upgrading ETX auditoriums. So most likely with Tyson's Corner they would use the ETX screen rather than create a third PLF screen in that location (which would follow what happened at AMC Empire- it was an ETX before, became a Prime last year, and is now a Dolby Cinema, while they also keep a bigger digital IMAX screen in the same location).

[saprano]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

Saw Sicario tonight as my first trip to the Dolby Cinema/seeing laser projection. The image quality was solid but nothing revolutionary IMO (though the Dolby Cinema intro, which was clearly designed to play to the system, looked better for sure but still perhaps short of jaw dropping) and still not fully sold on how they use the Atmos sound system at that location mainly to vibrate the seats with the big sound effects, but a nice theatrical experience overall.

I expect the IMAX laser system would be more impressive visually/audiowise, if for nothing else than even if all the NYC locations are currently liemax , their screen sizes (including one in the same building as the Dolby Cinema) are bigger.

Movie itself was good, with a pretty killer third act.

AMC lincoln square is 15/70. Saw Interstellar there. The screen was so damn huge. Amazing presentation.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

that's an ideal prospect since I'm really curious where AMC has in mind for the DC metro area. .

I only say this because I think that there are too many premium large format locations already and if Dolby wants to stand a chance they are going to have to try for the smaller auditoriums. IMAX and PLF are already over saturated at this point and Dolby is not really adding anything.

2-3 small 200 seat theaters with Dolby Vision and 7.1 would be great.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

I only say this because I think that there are too many premium large format locations already and if Dolby wants to stand a chance they are going to have to try for the smaller auditoriums. IMAX and PLF are already over saturated at this point and Dolby is not really adding anything.

2-3 small 200 seat theaters with Dolby Vision and 7.1 would be great.

thankfully Arclight Bethesda has two auditoriums that feature Atmos (just not laser), the competitors should take notice that a small theater such as what auditorium #7 is - should see how it's done right. Auditorium #6 still in my mind is the better setup with the five stage channels behind the screen since it's 65 feet wide.

Originally Posted by xbs2034

AMC said they will upgrade all their Primes to a Dolby Cinema, and then turn to upgrading ETX auditoriums. So most likely with Tyson's Corner they would use the ETX screen rather than create a third PLF screen in that location (which would follow what happened at AMC Empire- it was an ETX before, became a Prime last year, and is now a Dolby Cinema, while they also keep a bigger digital IMAX screen in the same location).

recliners in the ETX auditorium at Tysons seems like a stupid idea.

~~

AMC at one point was trying to implement a better system over at the in-town Uptown theater. I don't know if they hit a roadblock or something, but maybe DTS-X would work or even say Auro's new system: AuroMax (height speakers , plus reinstating the five channel stage speakers + center height). Laser projection would be ideal too.

~~

given how the Angelika Mosaic has been pretty much booking both indie movie AND major Hollywood features - I've never understood why they bothered to install ceiling speakers onto screen 2 and not have a system that implements those speakers - grab a bone Angelika, maybe a DTS-X system would be suitable. Bow Tie Reston's BTX screen is also a system that could add Atmos, DTS-X, but ... no dice.

~~

Regal in my mind are cheap bastards, they build new RPX auditoriums and yet it's a crap shoot if they add an Atmos system - you pay for a deluxe experience but they don't go the extra mile and integrate Atmos ... ugh.

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by saprano

AMC lincoln square is 15/70. Saw Interstellar there. The screen was so damn huge. Amazing presentation.

Nope, it's digital, shown windowboxed with about 20 feet of unused screen space on the sides. They made the switch from 15/70 in late 2013, and while I didn't see it there, heard Nolan made them put back film equipment in some previously 15/70 locations (and even put in a 15/70 projector at TCL Chinese just for that film) for Interstellar.

But I go there pretty often, and everything I've seen from Gravity on was IMAX digital. Still a fairly nice presentation with great sound, but certainly would love to see all of the screen used again, which won't be until when/if they add laser (at bare minimum are clearly showing liemax through Spectre given tickets are on sale for all those films leaving no time for laser install).

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

Nope, it's digital, shown windowboxed with about 20 feet of unused screen space on the sides. They made the switch from 15/70 in late 2013, and while I didn't see it there, heard Nolan made them put back film equipment in some previously 15/70 locations (and even put in a 15/70 projector at TCL Chinese just for that film) for Interstellar.

But I go there pretty often, and everything I've seen from Gravity on was IMAX digital. Still a fairly nice presentation with great sound, but certainly would love to see all of the screen used again, which won't be until when/if they add laser (at bare minimum are clearly showing liemax through Spectre given tickets are on sale for all those films leaving no time for laser install).

Lincoln Square was 15/70 for Interstellar. The 15/70 projector is still there but they use digital for the rest of the films.

Also, if Digital IMAX is so bad, why do you bother going? So go to a single projection screening of something else.

[The Debts]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

Regal in my mind are cheap bastards, they build new RPX auditoriums and yet it's a crap shoot if they add an Atmos system - you pay for a deluxe experience but they don't go the extra mile and integrate Atmos ... ugh.

Regal being cheap bastards? Gee, that thought never would have crossed my mind, with their terrible food, endless trailers and adverts, bad parking spots, ridiculous 3D charges and a slew of other complaints.

Yes I have an ax to grind with them.

[saprano]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

Nope, it's digital, shown windowboxed with about 20 feet of unused screen space on the sides. They made the switch from 15/70 in late 2013, and while I didn't see it there, heard Nolan made them put back film equipment in some previously 15/70 locations (and even put in a 15/70 projector at TCL Chinese just for that film) for Interstellar.

But I go there pretty often, and everything I've seen from Gravity on was IMAX digital. Still a fairly nice presentation with great sound, but certainly would love to see all of the screen used again, which won't be until when/if they add laser (at bare minimum are clearly showing liemax through Spectre given tickets are on sale for all those films leaving no time for laser install).

It's 15/70. Yeah it's digital for the majority of movies but when a movie is shot in IMAX they bring it back out. Like they did for Interstellar.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by The Debts

Regal being cheap bastards? Gee, that thought never would have crossed my mind, with their terrible overpriced food, endless trailers and adverts, bad parking spots, ridiculous 3D charges and a slew of other complaints.

Yes I have an ax to grind with them.

fixed



thirty minutes of trailers is grating to say the least.

(oh how I love thee Arclight, no ads, four trailers at the most, cheaper tix than AMC and Regal, etc., etc., )

Originally Posted by saprano

It's 15/70. Yeah it's digital for the majority of movies but when a movie is shot in IMAX they bring it back out. Like they did for Interstellar.

I think unfortunately we've seen the last Hollywood backed 15/70 IMAX release with 'Interstellar'

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

I think unfortunately we've seen the last Hollywood backed 15/70 IMAX release with 'Interstellar'

Yeah, even way before its release, there were reports Interstellar would be the final Hollywood film to get a 15/70 release. And my point is I'm not gonna consider a theater which had one 15/70 release in the last two years and likely will not get another, as a film location, but rather a digital location which brought back film for a special occasion.

IMAX has actually announced their doc A Beutiful Planet (coming April 2016) will have a 15/70 release in addition to digital and laser, though my guess is it will just be for those museums which are film only.

And to Mrs Miniver's point, I don't hate IMAX digital at all. It still has that great sound system, and I feel looks better than 4K digital screens and probably comparable to 5/70 (saw Interstellar in those two formats, and found the IMAX version looked just as good, maybe even a bit better in some ways as there were a couple scratches on the print).

Just that it is a bit disappointing to see Lincoln Square use 75 foot screen width vs 95 feet and have those black bars on the side (but once the movie begins, I rarely think about them), and it is no longer the no brainer IMAX choice in NYC (I might go to Empire or Kips Bay instead if the show times are better/those are a bit more convenient location wise, plus they are a dollar cheaper if that makes any difference) though it is still my favorite one overall.

[Spike M.]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

Just that it is a bit disappointing to see Lincoln Square use 75 foot screen width vs 95 feet and have those black bars on the side (but once the movie begins, I rarely think about them), and it is no longer the no brainer IMAX choice in NYC (I might go to Empire or Kips Bay instead if the show times are better/those are a bit more convenient location wise, plus they are a dollar cheaper if that makes any difference) though it is still my favorite one overall.

Going into a movie at the Metreon in San Francisco, I knew full well the digital projectors would only take up a fraction of the screen, but I actually laughed out loud at how small of a portion they actually filled. My field of view was less "maximized" with the digital projectors on the largest screen in the States than it was with a 36x56 digital IMAX in my home town, lol.