Definition: IMAX (Image Maximum) is a proprietary system of high-resolution cameras, film formats, projectors, and theaters known for having huge screens with a tall aspect ratio and steep stadium seating to enhance the viewer’s sense of immersion. The technology is designed to offer viewers the clearest, most lifelike images possible, combined with superior sound quality, to create an unparalleled movie-watching experience.
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History and Evolution
Originally developed in Canada in the late 1960s, IMAX has evolved from its documentary and educational film roots to become a popular choice for blockbuster movie releases.
Over the years, the technology has undergone significant improvements, including introducing 3D capabilities and digital projection, further solidifying its reputation for delivering the most immersive cinematic experiences.
Key Features
One of the key aspects of IMAX is its larger film format, which is about ten times larger than the traditional 35mm film. This provides exceptional clarity, detail, and scale.
IMAX Enhanced’s sound system is a channel-based setup that uses six channels – usually sent to a 5.1 or 7.1 mix (12.1 in select locations), similar to Dolby Atmos.
Like traditional theatres, IMAX theatres also feature speakers placed directly behind the screen, which is acoustically transparent throughout the theatre to achieve a ‘surround sound’ effect. Additionally, IMAX can include a ‘top center’ speaker beyond the center speaker found in standard theatres.
The architecture of an IMAX theater, with its steep seating and oversized screen, is engineered to draw the audience into the movie and make them feel like they are part of the action.
Common IMAX screen sizes
IMAX screens are known for their immense size and immersive viewing experience, providing audiences with unparalleled image clarity and detail.
The size, format, and aspect ratio of IMAX screens vary depending on the specific theater and technology used (Omnimax vs regular multiplex screens).
True IMAX (Omnimax/Imax Dome) screens are designed for planetariums and special venues. Due to their dome shape, movies are projected using special spherical projectors:
IMAX Dome screens have a significantly larger surface area than regular silver screens. Screens up to 72 feet tall and 98 feet wide provide an immersive 180° field of view. Also, the steep seating ensures every seat has a clear view.
True IMAX’s nearly square aspect ratio of 1.43:1 allows for creative film presentations and higher resolution than standard systems. It’s great for movies about the universe and even nature documentaries.
From my experience seeing multiple IMAX dome movies at the Tycho Brahe Planetarium in Copenhagen, the footage gets stretched out and blurred at the sides and behind you. So, it’s not a very good format for mainstream motion pictures.
Digital IMAX, or “Fake-It-MAX,” uses dual 2K digital projectors for cost efficiency, with smaller screens and a 1.90:1 aspect ratio.
Digital IMAX theaters are more accessible for multiplexes due to lower setup and maintenance costs. The average size of IMAX screens measures about 22 meters (72 feet) wide and 16 meters (52 feet) high. However, size can vary, with some screens being larger or smaller based on the theater’s design and capacity.
Although it provides an enhanced experience over regular theaters, it doesn’t match True IMAX’s immersive visuals and patented sound quality. But they’re much better suited for mainstream movies.
Formats and Aspect Ratios
IMAX 70mm (15/70mm film): This is the traditional IMAX format, with an aspect ratio of approximately 1.43:1, much squarer than the typical widescreen cinema format. This format is renowned for its exceptional resolution and clarity.
Digital IMAX: This format can project 2D and 3D films and typically uses an aspect ratio closer to 1.90:1. Digital IMAX theaters can vary in size but are generally smaller than traditional 70mm IMAX screens.
Notable Movies in Each Format
IMAX 70mm (15/70mm film): Christopher Nolan is a proponent of this format, having shot significant portions of Interstellar, Dunkirk, and Tenet using IMAX 70mm cameras. Interstellar offers scenes with the full 1.43:1 aspect ratio.
Digital IMAX: Many modern blockbusters are released in Digital IMAX, catering to a broader range of theaters. Movies like Avengers: Endgame and Avatar: The Way of Water have been specially formatted for IMAX, offering expanded aspect ratios for certain sequences to enhance the visual experience.
Comparison with Ordinary Cinema Screens
Standard cinema screens usually measure around 10 to 16 meters (30 to 50 feet) in width, with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 for standard flat presentations or 2.39:1 for scope presentations.
This makes even the smaller IMAX screens significantly larger in comparison, not to mention the difference in aspect ratio, which provides a more immersive experience in IMAX theaters.
Here’s a video that compares the screen real-estate of Avatar: The Way of Water in IMAX and standard.
IMAX Theaters Worldwide
IMAX theaters can be found globally, from North America to Asia, Europe, and beyond. They are often situated in multiplexes, museums, and science centers.
The global network of IMAX theaters continues to grow, offering a wide range of content, including Hollywood blockbusters, documentaries, and educational films, each enhanced by the technology’s superior picture and sound quality.
IMAX on TV
When mainstream IMAX movies hit BluRay or streaming, they’re often cropped to fit regular TVs. But sometimes, they also maintain your TV’s original open-matte aspect ratio.
Fx, Avengers: Infinity War was entirely in IMAX (1.90:1) for theaters, but the BluRay version shows a cropped 2.35:1 constant height ratio, meaning you see less of the scene’s top and bottom on your TV. However, the Disney+ streaming version maintains the original aspect ratio, leaving you with black bars on the top and bottom of a regular 16:9 widescreen TV.
Sometimes, the aspect ratio changes (variable aspect ratio) for certain sequences to show more of the screen and fake the IMAX theatrical look.
For example, Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk was shot in IMAX (aspect ratio 1.43:1) and standard (2.20:1), but the BluRay and Ultra HD versions mix these (mainly showing the narrower view.)
A Quick note on IMAX 3D
IMAX movies have also been shot in 3D, combining high-resolution capture and projection technology with 3D visuals, using special cameras and projectors (such as the Duocolor Anaglyph Stereoscope 3D for Omnimax theatres).
Mainstream movies like Avatar, Avengers: Endgame, and The Lion King remake have been released in IMAX 3D versions.
Summing Up
IMAX is a proprietary system of high-resolution cameras, film formats, projectors, and theaters known for their huge screens, taller aspect ratios, and steep stadium seating (in Omnidome theatres, in particular).
It offers an immersive experience with larger images than regular movie theatres and excellent sound positioning.
Up Next: What is Cinemascope?
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