What In The World Is IMAX and 3D?

First off. If you want something technical, check out this very detailed blog post over at 3D-Vision. It is awesome.

Now, if you want me to attempt to explain. I’ll do my best. Ten thousand noodle lashings for me, if I have misinformed! I am no expert. I’m just a mom that spends thousands of dollars each year on renting out screen rooms for charity events. And I love movies. Period.

So what is IMAX? It's a film format and projection standard created by a Canadian company called, you guessed it; IMAX corporation.

Where a standard screen might be 30'-40' feet high, an IMAX screen can vary from 51'-71' feet high (sometimes even larger). A large misconception is that the screens were supposed to be curved. No, the standard is a flat rectangular screen, only IMAX Dome theatres have the large circular screens. All IMAX theatres can play 3D.

Does a movie have to be shot on IMAX film? Yes, and without getting my brain all worked up, we'll give one example. The purpose to IMAX is to create a higher resolution of image by using a larger film frame, thus using 70 mm print film. The IMAX projection is meant to compliment this and thus a unique aspect of it, is that the sound is actually separate from the film. Whew!!! That was a lot of info. Anyway, this is why the IMAX theatres destroy your ears with a plethora of speakers, surrounding you in awe inspiring noise, creating a three dimensional effect, as well as scaring the crap out of you when loud explosions happen. Did you know that an IMAX theatre has an exclusive radius clause which prohibits another IMAX screen from being at the very least, 25 miles near it? Just thought you'd like to know. So in summary, an IMAX experience should be better quality sound, and a larger more precise screen.

Update: There is much more information on IMAX and of course, not all screens are the same. You many check out IMAX.com or IMAX on wikipedia.

3D. Well, most of you just think 3D is another way to sucker an additional $4 out of your pocket, am I right? With most Disney movies coming out in 3D, we are forced to pay approximately $56 for a family of four. Guess, what? An average 3D IMAX ticket can vary from $15 and up, and expect a hike this summer. It's unclear how much, but speculation is about 8%-9%. That can equate to an addition $1.12 on a $14 3D ticket. So it's no surprise that families are picky about what movies they choose to see in 3D. At least, we are. Once you factor in food and drinks, you can easily be out almost $80 for a night out at the cinema. So I thought in this respect, I'd share what I know.

3D is about tricking your brain. It's creating a right and a left image, simultaneously, giving a sense of depth. To experience this, can be costly for both the film maker and the movie theatre. Equipment on both ends are costly, and this is why the ticket prices are higher than a 2D film.

Are all 3D theatres created equal? *whispers* NO! This is my little secret to you. Not all 3D movie theatres are the same, but they can be easily owned by the same company, advertise as 3D, and charge the exact same price. The difference lies in the equipment the theatre purchased to project the film. In some cases, if a theatre is trying to save money, they will opt for a 3D projector that only works well if the film was shot in 3D. If the film was made into 3D digitally, then it will not be viewed optimally at this theatre. So movies like Clash of the Titans, where the effects were done digitally after filming, will not be their best if you chose the wrong theatre.

So how do you know? You won't. If you really have a favorite movie coming out that you are desperate to see in 3D, maybe even 3D IMAX, chose a premiere location. Find a theatre that seems to be the largest of the chain, or in general has the most screens, and this is where you will find the most money invested in projection equipment.

Update: 3D is actually much more complicated than I stated. There is A LOT to it. So if you are interested, you can check out 3D film. Now we are all about being fair, and to be honest we had a commenter explain that the projector does not in fact have any thing to do with the film, nor does the cost of it.

Our response: I’m kinda going to stand by what I said. I think it does. At least that was how it was explained to me by the manager of a movie theatre. Was he right? Am I right? Well, we’ll leave it as; this is our OPINION.

So summary disclaimer:

1) If you want full definition, check out the links we provided for wikipedia.

2) I’m not an expert, and I never intended to do a 10 page post on every facet. These are just my thoughts, opinions.

3) We love movies!