Do not see a movie in IMAX unless it was made for it.

[sega3dmm]

Originally Posted by Poya

It's especially jarring in an AMC theater since all of the normal screens are outfitted with a 4K projector, which looks far better.

But the dual 2K projectors that are used for IMAX have a superior light output and contrast than a single Sony 4K projector. There was never one IMAX 3D presentation I went to where the image was dim or had crush, while this happens on 95% of Sony 3D shows I've been to. There are moments even in 2D where Sony 4K fails. Overall, I don't recommend Sony.

Even worse, even if you find a real IMAX theater, they plan to replace their film projectors with a lousy 4K laser projector that will no doubt be highly inferior to the 70mm prints.

Lousy? While I agree 4K isn't sufficient enough for 70mm, it's far cheaper to release movies in that format. The reality is, as an exhibition format, film is dying, becoming more expensive to print, especially when it comes to IMAX. Also, a commercial audience has never seen those projectors in action so don't judge before you see.

If you are interested in 3D, the Real D experience is far better because of its newer tech instead of the outdated 3D tech of the IMAX.

True, if only RealD's polarizers didn't lose 5-10% of contrast. I hate losing the image in IMAX 3D by tilting my head.

IMAX is still stuck on the old 5.1 surround that only sounds "better" because it's louder and a lot more bass.

I don't even think IMAX has a dedicated LFE channel, I think it's all directed to a sub-bass through a low-pass filter, more like 5.0. If I recall, back in the 90's IMAX had 6.0 sound, the extra channel being for height, but I don't even know if it's being used anymore.

It's just that the IMAX's EQ is pitifull.

If you want to see a normal movie at its best, go see it on a cheaper but far better premium screen, like the AMC ETX (and the upcoming AMC Prime) or the Regal RPX. They have 4K projectors, very large screens, even larger than the smaller IMAX screens now out there, and they don't ruin the image of the picture. Some of them are even equipped with Dolby Atmos for optimum audio experience. Save your money from what IMAX has become, unless it's Interstellar, a film that will use IMAX cameras.

AMC ETX and Regal RPX share some of the same issues, like the lack of masking and sometimes poor EQ and projector misalignment.

Until IMAX impresses me with their 4K laser projector, I am done with the brand and wouldn't see an IMAX film even if it was shot with those cameras. I'm done with constantly changing aspect ratios (Star Trek Into Darkness's opening is a hilarious example of this). I'm done with inferior sound made to impress the dullest bulb in the room. I'm done with their grainy 2K projectors. I'm done with their DMR process. I'm done with seeing films shot in 15/70 but end up being in a pixelated digital intermediate (looking at you, MI4). I'm done with paying more for a sub-par experience. I'm done with the lack of surround arrays. I'm done with their fanboys who don't know any better.

I'm finished!