or any cinematic aficionado, the immersive experience of viewing a movie in an IMAX theatre is unrivaled. However, not all IMAX theatres are created equal, and it’s crucial to understand the difference between ‘True IMAX’ and ‘Digital IMAX’ or what is often colloquially referred to as ‘Fake IMAX.’ The distinction lies primarily in their size, technology, image quality, and viewing experience, often leaving the audience with disparate experiences of the same movie.
IMAX (Image Maximum) is a proprietary system of high-resolution cameras, film formats, film projectors, and theaters known for having massive screens and a unique immersive feel. The classic or ‘True IMAX’ uses a 70mm film format, the largest in practical use, projected onto enormous screens, sometimes up to eight stories tall, resulting in an immersive, enveloping experience.
True IMAX theaters have a distinctive design featuring a dome-shaped screen that extends to the edges of your peripheral vision, creating an immersive experience unlike any other. The seating arrangement is steep to ensure that all viewers have an unobstructed view of the screen. These screens can reach a size of up to 72 feet high and 98 feet wide, which is almost like watching a film on the side of a seven-story building.
The aspect ratio of True IMAX is 1.43:1, nearly square in format, which is unique and differs from standard cinema formats. This shape and size enable directors to use the space creatively and in a way that cannot be replicated in a regular theater or home viewing context. It also allows films shot in the IMAX format to be displayed with significantly higher resolution than standard projection systems.
On the other hand, Digital IMAX, or what some have taken to calling ‘Fake IMAX,’ was introduced as a more cost-effective alternative to the traditional 70mm projection system. These theaters use two 2K resolution digital projectors with proprietary IMAX post-production techniques to enhance the image quality. The screens are smaller, typically 28 feet high and 58 feet wide, which is much smaller than a True IMAX screen but still larger than a standard theater screen.
The aspect ratio of Digital IMAX is 1.90:1, which, while it offers more height than standard theaters, does not quite match up to the traditional IMAX ratio. Digital IMAX systems also utilize a different sound system and can offer a great auditory experience but fall short of True IMAX’s patented sound technology which delivers laser-aligned digital sound.
Digital IMAX theaters were introduced primarily due to the lower installation and operation costs compared to True IMAX. They can fit into traditional multiplex theaters without major structural modifications, making them an attractive option for many theater owners. While they don’t deliver the same level of immersion as True IMAX, they still provide a superior viewing experience compared to regular screens, making it a ‘better than standard’ option for many viewers.
In conclusion, True IMAX and Digital IMAX offer distinctly different viewing experiences. The ‘True’ version provides the ultimate movie-going experience with larger screens, better image quality, and a more immersive feel due to its unique architectural design. In contrast, ‘Digital’ or ‘Fake IMAX’ is a step up from the standard theater experience, but it does not match the larger-than-life feel of True IMAX. For cinephiles, the choice between the two might boil down to what’s playing, the movie’s format, the proximity of the theater, and of course, personal preference. However, for a fully immersive, unparalleled cinematic experience, True IMAX has the upper hand.
