Digital IMAX vs Regular 4K

[The Fallen Deity]

That's a tough one.

Both look fantastic imo.

With some films you can barely tell the difference.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by The Fallen Deity

That's a tough one.

Both look fantastic imo.

With some films you can barely tell the difference.

Originally Posted by Poya

Out of these two formats, which one provides the better visual experience?

Originally Posted by BaerGriggs

So wouldn't regular 4K be better than digital IMAX in that case?

Originally Posted by Batjoke100

In my experience,

2K DCP = IMAX

4K DCP = Regular 4K

For the vast majority of movies done at 2K, Digital IMAX offers what's arguably the best experience. For the rare movie finished at 4K though, I would seek out a regular 4K screen, or even better, find one of those theater-specific IMAX rip offs like Cinemark XD. Those are great for 4K.

IMO it really depends. All things being equal, a 4K presentation should be better looking than IMAX digital. But, I don't think a single projector can compete with a dual IMAX digital projector.

There are more elements that make up a good or quality presentation than just resolution alone. I have no problem with IMAX digital, I know the difference between IMAX digtial and IMAX film.

Just think, IMAX digital is 22 ftl on the screen while single projection is 14ftl on the screen, based on this, it stands to reason that IMAX must do something to their native resolution files to illuminate a really large screen.

[steve1971]

Digital IMAX.

[SillySauce]

I though Imax started using the barco 4k projectors? How does using 2 2K projectors help the PQ? I thought they used 2 projectors because of the stupid 3D and bigger screen.

My Regal uses a Sony 4K LCOS projector, and the PQ is amazing. I prefer it to theaters using Barco 4K and Christie 4K or 2K projectors. All Cinemark theaters are Barco 4K, AMC and Regal use the Sony 4K projectors.

They showed a clip from "falling skies" a few years ago and it looked like a movie. Super organic looking for a digital projector.

I've also heard that they leave the 3D lens on the projectors during non 3D movies and it lowers the resolution.

[noirjunkie]

What I'm looking forward to are the dual 4K laser projection systems they'll be installing in IMAX theaters: source. Ultimately, I still prefer 70mm whenever I can see it, but the laser system, by all accounts, will be a serious step up from the current 2K systems.

[MisterXDTV]

Digital IMAX is basically 2K Projection right now...

So 4K is better in most cases, unless IMAX has an exclusive DCP like with The Dark Knight Rises, Transformers 4 or Interstellar...

[Dreamliner330]

I called IMAX today. Boy oh boy they drink their own Kool-aid.

The one lone real IMAX screen in Minnesota recently 'upgraded' to digital from 70mm.

I know the AMC LIMAX projectors are 2K and the screens are 1/4 the size of real IMAX. I already have to sit 3/4 back to hide the screen-door-effect....

I just learned that the 6-story tall 1.43:1 screen is now digitally projected on by two 2K 1.9:1 projectors.

When I tried to explain that theaters near me are rolling out 4K he told me the two 2K is higher resolution. When asked if they display the same content he said yes. To which, the only benefit is a brightness increase.

I plan to go there for the Hobbit, but I fail to see how 4x the screen size in 2K will look that great. Especially when I are quality issues on a much smaller screen and 4K is available (with leather recliners and Atmos).

Ugh.

Anyone know what to ask for to see if the 4K theater actually got a 4K source for a film they are playing?

[ZoetMB]

Originally Posted by Dreamliner330

I plan to go there for the Hobbit, but I fail to see how 4x the screen size in 2K will look that great. Especially when I are quality issues on a much smaller screen and 4K is available (with leather recliners and Atmos).

While everything you say is true, I went to see Gravity at a theatre that was equipped for 70mm IMAX and I thought that's what I was going to see, but they showed Gravity 3D in digital IMAX. Screen size was that of 70mm IMAX, not the smaller "LieMax" screen. Aside from dimness that happens to all 3D films, I have to admit that the presentation was pretty damned good. So don't worry about it too much - go and enjoy the movie.

But given a choice between IMAX with IMAX sound and 4K at a good theatre with Atmos sound, I'd go to the Atmos theatre. But given a choice between 2D LieMax and 3D 4K with Atmos, I'd go to LieMax.

The biggest problem is watching a movie in 2D that's projected on a Sony 4K projector in which they don't remove the 3D filter, which is almost all the time. That makes the 2D picture dim and off-color. It drives me freaking nuts when they do this and I really don't understand it considering that a minority of films are in 3D. I don't understand why they can't devote some screens to 2D and some to 3D and remove those damned filters.

A lot of the dimness issues should be resolved as theatres adopt the newer laser driven projectors (assuming there are no artifacts that I don't know about yet.) It's probably more likely that these projectors will get installed first at theatre that are still using 2K projectors, since they've had more time to earn out their investment.

[Dreamliner330]

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

While everything you say is true, I went to see Gravity at a theatre that was equipped for 70mm IMAX and I thought that's what I was going to see, but they showed Gravity 3D in digital IMAX. Screen size was that of 70mm IMAX, not the smaller "LieMax" screen. Aside from dimness that happens to all 3D films, I have to admit that the presentation was pretty damned good. So don't worry about it too much - go and enjoy the movie.

But given a choice between IMAX with IMAX sound and 4K at a good theatre with Atmos sound, I'd go to the Atmos theatre. But given a choice between 2D LieMax and 3D 4K with Atmos, I'd go to LieMax.

The biggest problem is watching a movie in 2D that's projected on a Sony 4K projector in which they don't remove the 3D filter, which is almost all the time. That makes the 2D picture dim and off-color. It drives me freaking nuts when they do this and I really don't understand it considering that a minority of films are in 3D. I don't understand why they can't devote some screens to 2D and some to 3D and remove those damned filters.

A lot of the dimness issues should be resolved as theatres adopt the newer laser driven projectors (assuming there are no artifacts that I don't know about yet.) It's probably more likely that these projectors will get installed first at theatre that are still using 2K projectors, since they've had more time to earn out their investment.

IMAX is giving me a pair of free tickets (I didn't even ask) for me to try out the digital IMAX for The Hobbit. I do know the seating location is further from the screen in the full IMAX theater, but the not 4x further. I distinctly remember the first time I noticed pixelation on a LIEMAX was Tom Cruises' white pants in Mission Impossible.

I didn't have any complaints for the 4K Atmos system. I saw Lucy on it (wasn't available in IMAX in the US). They installed a new bulb right before the screening, so it was the best it was ever going to look. (I don't know if the theater had a 4K source of Lucy).

I begged and pleaded with the IMAX theater here to wait for 4K. 2K was installed this year. It will be AGES until 4K and I'm certain I'll have it before they will.

Also, 70mm is 1.43:1 and digital IMAX is 1.9:1. On your viewing you were either cheated out of width or height.

[Spike M.]

I'll always choose D-IMAX over a regular theater, 4K or otherwise. Conventional presentations are such a crap shoot; I've had far too many experiences with murky and dim images and painfully low volume levels, that I'd rather shell out the extra dough for D-IMAX, even if it doesn't meet the expectations that that name once represented. At least I'm assured a bright image and kicking volume.

[BaerGriggs]

Originally Posted by Dreamliner330

Anyone know what to ask for to see if the 4K theater actually got a 4K source for a film they are playing?

The AMC I go to occasionally says directly on the Fandango website "4K Digital" if the film is presented in 4K.

[Dreamliner330]

I watched Gone Girl today and stepped into the Interstellar on the IMAX Digital screen afterwards. What a disappointment compared to 70mm.

When the screen "opened up" for IMAX sequences, it got maybe 4-6 feet taller total. The real IMAX screen had to be 20-30 feet taller when it opened up. (And the image was already much bigger).

In the quest for profit, IMAX is squeezing quality. Once people start flocking to 4K Atmos theaters, IMAX will go away.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by Dreamliner330

I watched Gone Girl today and stepped into the Interstellar on the IMAX Digital screen afterwards. What a disappointment compared to 70mm.

When the screen "opened up" for IMAX sequences, it got maybe 4-6 feet taller total. The real IMAX screen had to be 20-30 feet taller when it opened up. (And the image was already much bigger).

In the quest for profit, IMAX is squeezing quality. Once people start flocking to 4K Atmos theaters, IMAX will go away.

I think everyone gets it that you do not like IMAX Digital, so be it. I don't like Atmos at all, its way to distracting an volume levels are at the mercy of the young teen in the booth. I just avoid it.

Originally Posted by Spike M.

I'll always choose D-IMAX over a regular theater, 4K or otherwise. Conventional presentations are such a crap shoot; I've had far too many experiences with murky and dim images and painfully low volume levels, that I'd rather shell out the extra dough for D-IMAX, even if it doesn't meet the expectations that that name once represented. At least I'm assured a bright image and kicking volume.

IMAX is the way to go if you want a quality presentation. Sure, there are other theatres out there that can exceed it but it can be very difficult to find the .

[Dreamliner330]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

I think everyone gets it that you do not like IMAX Digital, so be it. I don't like Atmos at all, its way to distracting an volume levels are at the mercy of the young teen in the booth. I just avoid it.

I'm just extremely disappointed at the extreme drop in quality. 90% of my theatrical experience is digital IMAX, primarily because I keep forgetting how great real IMAX is.

IMAX is known for having ear piercing volume levels. All theaters are at the mercy of the employees messing with things (yes, even IMAX can be affected by this). I usually want it louder. With IMAX I always bring my earplugs which reduce all frequencies by 20 dB: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044DEETC.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by Dreamliner330

I'm just extremely disappointed at the extreme drop in quality. 90% of my theatrical experience is digital IMAX, primarily because I keep forgetting how great real IMAX is.

IMAX is known for having ear piercing volume levels. All theaters are at the mercy of the employees messing with things (yes, even IMAX can be affected by this). I usually want it louder. With IMAX I always bring my earplugs which reduce all frequencies by 20 dB: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044DEETC.

Why do you keep going back to IMAX Digital if you don't like it?

[Dreamliner330]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

Why do you keep going back to IMAX Digital if you don't like it?

If I sit far enough back, I can't see the pixels on the screen and the real IMAX theater near me will never have film again after Interstellar.

So my choices will be:
4K Atmos with recliners and a bigger screen than digital IMAX
2K digital IMAX blown up to full IMAX screen size
2K digital IMAX

I'll probably still see IMAX films in IMAX, the rest in 4K Atmos...like Hunger Games.

I've got a pair of free tickets to see Hobbit in 48fps 3D in 2K at the real IMAX theater. I'll report back opinions then, I'm sure I'll have them.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by Dreamliner330

If I sit far enough back, I can't see the pixels on the screen and the real IMAX theater near me will never have film again after Interstellar.

So my choices will be:
4K Atmos with recliners and a bigger screen than digital IMAX
2K digital IMAX blown up to full IMAX screen size
2K digital IMAX

I'll probably still see IMAX films in IMAX, the rest in 4K Atmos...like Hunger Games.

I've got a pair of free tickets to see Hobbit in 48fps 3D in 2K at the real IMAX theater. I'll report back opinions then, I'm sure I'll have them.

Just so you know, the digital IMAX cannot be blown up to the size of the classic IMAX screen . What theatre are you going to see the Hobbit?

[Dreamliner330]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

Just so you know, the digital IMAX cannot be blown up to the size of the classic IMAX screen . What theatre are you going to see the Hobbit?

Great Clip IMAX, Apple Valley MN.

It won't be as tall, but it will be as wide.

They had a 70mm IMAX projector with a 6-story tall screen. Now they have a 2K digital IMAX system. Same screen.

I've shed a tear for the 10 feet above and below the 1.9:1 crop that will never see a projected image again.

[MrsMiniver]

Originally Posted by Dreamliner330

Great Clip IMAX, Apple Valley MN.

It won't be as tall, but it will be as wide.

They had a 70mm IMAX projector with a 6-story tall screen. Now they have a 2K digital IMAX system. Same screen.

I've shed a tear for the 10 feet above and below the 1.9:1 crop that will never see a projected image again.

The new IMAX laser projectors will be close to the aspect ratio of film based IMAX. The screen will fill up provided they use the new projector .

[Dreamliner330]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

The new IMAX laser projectors will be close to the aspect ratio of film based IMAX. The screen will fill up provided they use the new projector .

Right. And that makes me double frustrated. Had they waited until next summer they'd be installing 4K laser projectors, but I'm sure they'll be stuck with 2K for probably the next decade.