Questions regarding Digital IMAX and IMAX DMR.

[ZoetMB]

Originally Posted by MrsMiniver

Some great questions:

A 4K projection does not always mean a better picture, the whole point of IMAX is to get you closer to the screen (they have a patent on theatre design so you cannot design a cinema like a true IMAX venue), IMAX digital projects more light than any other digital projection system that I know of.

They may have a patent, but I doubt it would get by a challenge. The IMAX digital theaters that I've been to are not architecturally different than they were before the conversion from being a "normal" screen. The screen might be mounted slightly closer to the first row of seats, but that would never hold up in a patent challenge.

As for the light, I still felt that as much as I liked the presentation, digital IMAX 3D at the Loews Lincoln Square IMAX in NYC was still a bit too dim. But I think we're going to start seeing laser lamp theatrical projectors in 2014 and this should solve the digital 3D dimness issue.

Originally Posted by BozQ

My point in all this? Don't lose sleep over the technicalities. Pay for the right experience. The feeling I get with IMAX DMR now is almost as bad as 3D conversion.

I'd gladly pay to watch most movies in 2K and 7.1 Surround. If I get the option of watching it in 4K and/or Dolby Atmos, even better.

While given the choice between digital IMAX and Dolby Atmos (which usually plays in the higher-quality and large screen ETX, RPX or other similarly-equipped theaters), I'd go with Atmos.

But having said that, I did see "Gravity" in digital 3D IMAX (5.1) and it was a surprisingly great experience, even though I hate 3D in general, due to the dimmer image.

As for prices, I believe NYC is the highest-priced movie market in the U.S. Some months back, the Regal E-Walk was getting $14 for a regular presentation, $15 for 3D and $20 for 3D in the RPX theatre. Across the street, the AMC Empire 25 was getting $21.50 for IMAX 3D. But I went to the movies the other day and the "regular" ticket had been raised from $14 to $14.50. Don't know if the other prices went up as well.

I originally complained when the RPX and ETX theaters were charging more because I felt that all theatre presentations should be highest quality, but then I remembered that the roadshow theaters of the 1950s-70s, in which a fair percentage of films were shown in 70mm 6-track, were also quite expensive for their time - almost as expensive as a Broadway show.

So is it annoying to pay more for the better experience? Sure, but in the end, I think it's worth it. And it also has the advantage of keeping out the at least some of the people who do all the annoying things in movie theaters, although I suppose it gives others a sense of even more entitlement to be obnoxious, since they paid more.