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

[xbs2034]

I think for a long time the new 12 channel IMAX sound system with ceiling speakers was exclusive to laser locations. But they are now starting to install them in Digital IMAX locations.

I saw Pirates of the Caribbean in IMAX Digital tonight at AMC Empire 25 and that had the new sound system (along with the other renovations laser theaters got with the big exception of course of the upgraded projector) in use. I also felt the expanded image fit the film pretty well (and it was used throughout, including the credits and post credit scene), ironically the one place I thought it didn't work was the start of the end credits where you could tell there was a lot of unnecessary extra space created for the image they were using.

And getting to see another film/theater with the sound system (that I think is awesome), really makes me wish Nolan would do a mix for that with Dunkirk, particularly as a bunch of 15/70 locations will be laser sites reinstalling old projectors. But given all previous Nolan films have been 5.1 mixes and how he seems pretty hesitant about embracing new film technology, I'm not holding my breath.

[Zhorik]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

I think for a long time the new 12 channel IMAX sound system with ceiling speakers was exclusive to laser locations. But they are now starting to install them in Digital IMAX locations.

I saw Pirates of the Caribbean in IMAX Digital tonight at AMC Empire 25 and that had the new sound system (along with the other renovations laser theaters got with the big exception of course of the upgraded projector) in use. I also felt the expanded image fit the film pretty well (and it was used throughout, including the credits and post credit scene), ironically the one place I thought it didn't work was the start of the end credits where you could tell there was a lot of unnecessary extra space created for the image they were using.

And getting to see another film/theater with the sound system (that I think is awesome), really makes me wish Nolan would do a mix for that with Dunkirk, particularly as a bunch of 15/70 locations will be laser sites reinstalling old projectors. But given all previous Nolan films have been 5.1 mixes and how he seems pretty hesitant about embracing new film technology, I'm not holding my breath.

A 6 channel mix can simulate 2D Atmos (and to some extend 3D) using plugins (Waves doppler/soundshifter/panorama, GRM, ISONO Anymix etc.) or manually by peaking 6,8,10 or 12 khz. E.g. The helicopter rotor blades in the opening of Spectre.

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by Zhorik

A 6 channel mix can simulate 2D Atmos (and to some extend 3D) using plugins (Waves doppler/soundshifter/panorama, GRM, ISONO Anymix etc.) or manually by peaking 6,8,10 or 12 khz. E.g. The helicopter rotor blades in the opening of Spectre.

Sure, I absolutely think there were some very effective mixes using the old IMAX sound system (The Equalizer and The Water Diviner were two fairly recent standouts with powerful and immersive sound mixes).

But since the new system can do things the old one couldn't (I didn't see Spectre in IMAX, it was the final film I saw in the Ziegfeld theater, but in general I never found the old system could simulate overhead effects as effectively as some in Pirates for instance, and there are plenty of obvious uses for overheads from the Dunkirk trailers), Dunkirk is pushing the IMAX experience heavily, and plenty of IMAX screens and titles have now used this new sound system, I don't see any good reason not to create a 12 channel IMAX mix also.

[PeterTHX]

Originally Posted by Zhorik

A 6 channel mix can simulate 2D Atmos (and to some extend 3D) using plugins (Waves doppler/soundshifter/panorama, GRM, ISONO Anymix etc.) or manually by peaking 6,8,10 or 12 khz. E.g. The helicopter rotor blades in the opening of Spectre.

I believe Spectre was Dolby Surround 7.1

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by PeterTHX

I believe Spectre was Dolby Surround 7.1

Indeedy, but I think Zhorik is saying that a kind of 'height' effect can still be achieved through a regular system as long as the audio is mixed in a certain way e.g. phase shifting or whatever the nomenclature is. Heck, speaking purely for my piddly 7.1 home system I've heard a few things recently when watching an Atmos track in 7.1 that really did seem like they were coming from a higher plane than my front speakers, which are at ear level.

[ITDEFX101]

I think Cinemark in Fairfax, VA is starting to get their shit together. The good news is either they upgraded their speakers for the full surround sound effect or they finally decided to utilize all channels instead of front end ones...the bad news is they are going to reserved seating next weekend :-\

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Indeedy, but I think Zhorik is saying that a kind of 'height' effect can still be achieved through a regular system as long as the audio is mixed in a certain way e.g. phase shifting or whatever the nomenclature is. Heck, speaking purely for my piddly 7.1 home system I've heard a few things recently when watching an Atmos track in 7.1 that really did seem like they were coming from a higher plane than my front speakers, which are at ear level.

Yeah, for instance with Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (an Atmos title but I've seen in Dolby 7.1 and not even an Atmos mix) the rain effects did have an overhead sensation.

I don't want to diss 7.1 or the old IMAX sound system, they can produce incredible sounding and immersive titles. But was just saying now that IMAX is installing 12 channel in digital locations, and many 15/70 sites for Dunkirk will be retrofits in laser sites with that sound system already in place, I wished Nolan did take advantage of that mix (with all the air combat and airial bombings we see in the trailers would seem like a perfect fit).

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by ITDEFX101

I think Cinemark in Fairfax, VA is starting to get their shit together. The good news is either they upgraded their speakers for the full surround sound effect or they finally decided to utilize all channels instead of front end ones...the bad news is they are going to reserved seating next weekend :-\

Is that what's going on there? From their website it appears they are doing renovations/upgrades to all their auditoriums - that location is cursed being too close to the Regal. It's apparent that some movies that could and should be on their two XD screens are not secured because Regal got theatrical dibs.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by PeterTHX

I believe Spectre was Dolby Surround 7.1

Technically it's LPCM 7.1 ~ Dolby can't trademark 7.1 as its own

[PeterTHX]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

Technically it's LPCM 7.1 ~ Dolby can't trademark 7.1 as its own

When mixed in the studio to Dolby spec and played through Dolby Digital Cinema Processor CP750 they can - the PCM is just the carrier method.

7.1 had no traction theatrically until the format came out with Toy Story 3.

[Geoff D]

Yep, 7.1 may not be theirs as a concept but 'Dolby Surround 7.1' as a branded theatrical format most certainly is.

[ITDEFX101]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

Is that what's going on there? From their website it appears they are doing renovations/upgrades to all their auditoriums - that location is cursed being too close to the Regal. It's apparent that some movies that could and should be on their two XD screens are not secured because Regal got theatrical dibs.

Yesterday when I saw Alien: Covenant it was showing in Theater 13......hate that one? Why? Because it has the worse seats and last time I saw a movie in there the audio level was so low I could NOT understand the dialog for about 30 minutes of the movie. After reporting it twice they didn't do shit so I asked for my money back... They said that people were complaining that even in the xD screens the audio mix was low.....and I was like well if the movie has been showing for 2 weeks and there was a problem from the start, why didn't you contact the distributor for a fixed copy? I ended up getting not only a refund on my card for what I paid for seeing the movie and concession, but cash for the same amount (double money back!) Ended up going to Regal and seeing it over there later that night, and the audio mix was fine.

Anyways Theater 13 seems to be upgraded with new seats. My guess is that either they will do reserved/recliner seating for their xD screens only or switch out to all recliner seats for all screens. Honestly being in a theater before recliner seats and after I can tell you that the screen probably loses a row or 2 of seats.....so less people per screen :-\

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by ITDEFX101

Yesterday when I saw Alien: Covenant it was showing in Theater 13......hate that one? Why? Because it has the worse seats and last time I saw a movie in there the audio level was so low I could NOT understand the dialog for about 30 minutes of the movie. After reporting it twice they didn't do shit so I asked for my money back... They said that people were complaining that even in the xD screens the audio mix was low.....and I was like well if the movie has been showing for 2 weeks and there was a problem from the start, why didn't you contact the distributor for a fixed copy? I ended up getting not only a refund on my card for what I paid for seeing the movie and concession, but cash for the same amount (double money back!) Ended up going to Regal and seeing it over there later that night, and the audio mix was fine.

Anyways Theater 13 seems to be upgraded with new seats. My guess is that either they will do reserved/recliner seating for their xD screens only or switch out to all recliner seats for all screens. Honestly being in a theater before recliner seats and after I can tell you that the screen probably loses a row or 2 of seats.....so less people per screen :-\

getting back to the topic of 7.1, Cinemark could easily upgrade all the auditorium sound systems to playback as such (as Arclight and the Angelika has done) but given the audio problems I gather that will cause more problems than solve any.

[ITDEFX101]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

getting back to the topic of 7.1, Cinemark could easily upgrade all the auditorium sound systems to playback as such (as Arclight and the Angelika has done) but given the audio problems I gather that will cause more problems than solve any.

If Cinemark overhauls their rewards program to something that equal or better than Regal's, then I will go back to Cinemark....but as it stands I have over 250k in Regal Reward Points vs my 340 Cinemark points and **** you AMC!! LOL

[Scorpion Soldier]

Pretty big news for the Large Format/Premium landscape in the Netherlands, courtesy of Pathé:
https://www.pathe.nl/blog/2017/05/26...-imax-bioscoop

Translated summary:

• 3 new Dolby Cinema screens. The first two at Pathé de Kuip (Rotterdam) and Pathé De Munt (Amsterdam), with the third being announced at a later date.
• Five of the chain's IMAX screens will be upgraded to the 12-channel sound system (Likely Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Tilburg and Eindhoven.)
• Plans are being made for the country's 7th IMAX screen at a yet-to-be-announced location.
• Various theaters will be getting a 4DX screen as well.

[Riddhi2011]

Originally Posted by cinerama

For Dunkirk from IMDB:

1 : 1 (opening sequence: all versions)

1:1? I don't think so.

It was quite obvious to me the first time I saw that list. It's definitely vintage sepia footage from World War II that'll likely play during the opening credits. And very likely, it will be pillar-boxed in all versions. It does not make any sense to blow up 16mm or 8mm footage to full IMAX height or width.

[Visionist]

Does anybody know anything abot IMAX home theater? I know the flat rate is $1000000, that the screen is floor to ceiling, wall to wall and that sensors keep the rig under real time control from IMAX HQ, but what about the gear? Is it IMAX's 4K laser projector & 12 channel sound? Are films available to customers with their expanded IMAX aspect ratio, when such was an IMAX exclusive (eg Skyfall, Prometheus etc)?

[ITDEFX101]

Originally Posted by Visionist

Does anybody know anything abot IMAX home theater? I know the flat rate is $1000000, that the screen is floor to ceiling, wall to wall and that sensors keep the rig under real time control from IMAX HQ, but what about the gear? Is it IMAX's 4K laser projector & 12 channel sound? Are films available to customers with their expanded IMAX aspect ratio, when such was an IMAX exclusive (eg Skyfall, Prometheus etc)?

Anyone here with a Spouse that will be *OK* with spending 1 Million on an IMAX screen at home, raise your hand!

[ITDEFX101]

Originally Posted by Scorpion Soldier

Pretty big news for the Large Format/Premium landscape in the Netherlands, courtesy of Pathé:
https://www.pathe.nl/blog/2017/05/26...-imax-bioscoop

Translated summary:

Dude.................. 12.1????

How far is this going to go???

[PeterTHX]

Originally Posted by ITDEFX101

Dude.................. 12.1????

How far is this going to go???

It's not 12.1 - it's "12 channel" or 11.1


Same as a home Atmos/DTS:X 7.1.4 layout.