How is watching a movie on IMAX better than a regular screen? (2024)

Filmmaking

Movie goers swear by the audio-visual quality that IMAX provides. The movie watching experience is enhanced. As a result the ticket prices for IMAX shows are much higher than the regular movies. Even though IMAX theatres were introduced in 1971, they gained popularity much later in the 2000s.

Ever wondered what is it that sets IMAX apart from the regular theatre? We got a list of differences for you.

Screen sizes

IMAX theatres have a dome circular and huge plain screens that almost cover the entire theatre and makes you feel like a part of the film. Whereas normal theatres have plain and regular screen of limited pixel resolution. The screen size difference is so much that IMAX screens are six times larger than regular theatre screens.

How is watching a movie on IMAX better than a regular screen? (1)

Film Formats

Regular film formats are either 35 mm or 70 mm. Whereas IMAX film formats are 15/70 mm. This means that each frame is 70 mm high and 15 perforations wide. This also means that the film size is about 10 times bigger than the standard 35 mm film, giving the visuals in incredible clarity.

How is watching a movie on IMAX better than a regular screen? (2)

Sound

IMAX has a patented fully immersive 12.1 channel 15,000-watt digital speaker with a wider frequency response. There are special sound engineers or audio engineers who specialise in creating speakers with a more powerful output in addition to crystal quality sound.The theatre geometry adds to the experience and the sound travels through the auditorium making the movie an enriching experience.

Projection Technique

Most IMAX movie theatres use a high-powered laser light engine. Unlike the traditional xenon lamps, IMAX lasers have a twin 4K proprietary digital projectors to light the huge screen, thereby giving the sharpest, brightest, clearest and the most vivid screen images ever.

Aesthetics

Legendary IMAX director MacGillivray Freeman claims that the audience experience created in terms of imagery in an IMAX is far detailed than a regular format. The shots in regular films don’t last long because the director controls what the audience looks at. In these cases, the audience is directed to look at a specific thing whereas in IMAX the shot is too descriptive and is naturally longer.

How is watching a movie on IMAX better than a regular screen? (3)

Digital Remastering

Most IMAX movies go through a Digital Re-mastering or DMR which turns an already powerful film into an incredible IMAX film with enhanced images and sounds to create a sensational experience.

Impressed by the IMAX experience? You get to be a part of such impressive filmmaking world by learning the right software and techniques, and joining either a big production house or film studio. Know where to start by check out these job oriented courses.

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How is watching a movie on IMAX better than a regular screen? (2024)

FAQs

How is watching a movie on IMAX better than a regular screen? ›

IMAX theatres create a more immersive viewing experience with the massive screen, which delivers up to 40 per cent more imagery due to its high-resolution 3D technology. The IMAX theatre itself is also designed with steep seating to allow for an unobstructed view of the screen from any place.

What is the benefit of watching in IMAX? ›

IMAX is designed to fill one's field of vision and engulf one in cinematic surround sound so powerful it is almost tangible. The screen is several times larger than a standard theater screen and is slightly curved with seats angled, allowing audience to have an unobstructed view of the movie screening.

What is the difference between IMAX and normal screen? ›

The screen is massive and specifically tall, built to fit the unique way the movie is shot. It can be up to 40% larger than a standard movie screen. The seats are angled to open your field of view an average to 70 degrees, while speakers are positioned to immerse you in sound.

What is the difference between IMAX and normal screen Quora? ›

A: The screen at an IMAX is wider then usual. It is also MUCH taller then usual. The seating is much steeper, resulting in the viewer being much closer to the huge screen. The result is a gigantic image that fills the entire field of vision.

What is the difference between IMAX and normal screen reddit? ›

IMAX is bigger. That's the main difference, but many IMAX screens aren't film projection and even many of the lesser digital ones are "LieMAX" screens, meaning the screen is smaller than IMAX but they push the seats closer to simulate the effect.

What are the benefits of IMAX enhanced? ›

IMAX Enhanced uses a proprietary version of DTS:X to deliver a soundstage beyond anything you've experienced at home before. It uses the original IMAX mix to deliver deeper bass and a wider dynamic range compared to regular soundtracks.

Does IMAX give you glasses? ›

IMAX 3D movies, come with special IMAX 3D glasses that will be loan to you before you enter the hall and are to be returned after the movie. All other 3D movies, you'll need to bring your own RealD 3D glasses.

Is IMAX a lot better? ›

IMAX screens have a richer volume output, which means everything from soft dialogue to hard-hitting soundtracks are heard and felt better. Yes, it's louder than regular movie screens, but also crisper and bassy when it needs to be. In a nutshell, IMAX screens offer higher-resolution video and richer, better sound.

How much difference does IMAX make? ›

The IMAX cinema process increases the image resolution by using a larger film frame; in relative terms, a frame of IMAX format film has three times the theoretical horizontal resolution of a frame of 35 mm film.

Do I need glasses in IMAX? ›

Some IMAX theaters do use traditional 3D with smaller glasses, so you'll want to contact your local IMAX theaters to see whether they use the larger glasses or not. For many people who wear glasses, bigger truly is better. Forget about those cheap plastic glasses the theater provides you.

Is IMAX louder than normal? ›

On the other hand, IMAX claims that their sound system can produce up to 120 decibels of sound. While this is slightly lower than Dolby, it is still incredibly loud and can cause hearing damage if listened to for extended periods of time.

Does IMAX really make a difference? ›

Visual Grandeur: IMAX and 70mm film formats offer larger and higher-resolution images compared to standard 35mm film or digital formats.

Is IMAX worth the extra cost? ›

3D Movies: IMAX often shows 3D movies with enhanced 3D effects. If you are a fan of 3D cinema and want to experience movies with a greater sense of depth and realism, IMAX can be a compelling choice. High Ticket Price: IMAX tickets generally cost more than regular movie tickets due to the premium experience it offers.

Is IMAX better than normal cinema? ›

The average IMAX screen size is approximately 72' x 50' (22m x 16m), which is significantly larger than traditional movie screens of approximately 50' x 20' (16m x 6.1m). Is IMAX worth it? Yes, it is absolutely worth the price of admission. It's the biggest screen with the best quality.

What are the cons of IMAX? ›

Another negative is that because the 15 perfs of film need to run through the camera so much quicker than regular 4 perf 35mm, Imax cameras are incredibly noisy when shooting. This makes it difficult if not impossible to record clean sync sound audio without hearing the whir of the film running.

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