The popular 3D format, which recently triumphantly returned to the cinema, is gradually starting to lose ground, giving way to a new trend - IMAX technology. Have you thought about IMAX - what is this technology and what are its differences from a conventional movie theater? It is becoming increasingly popular around the world and includes 3D itself, which, of course, the viewer will not have to refuse. This is great news for moviegoers who prefer a more complete immersion in what is happening on the screen. In addition, the difference in ticket prices is usually either minimal or not at all.
IMAX format - what is it?
The first difference from an ordinary movie theater is the halls designed in a special way. They are built to maximize visible space. All screen action takes place literally in front of the viewer and provides an indescribable viewing experience. Thus, the IMAX room creates the most complete 3D effect. The differences between the formats are really noticeable and are noted by many viewers who have tested them on themselves.
To capture images of this format, special cameras with two lenses are used. Their feature is the presence of two lenses located at a distance of 64 mm from each other. Such is the average distance between the pupils of a person. When playing an image, two projectors are also used, simultaneously overlapping the right and left parts of the image. Needless to say, all the equipment used in such cinemas is much more advanced than what is in conventional? If you were wondering: “IMAX 3D - what is it?”, Now it should disappear on its own. This is an innovative technology, the understanding of which is not so difficult.
But how is the stereo image obtained in such a cinema? Everything is very simple. For this, the so-called polarization method is used. Using special filters installed on the movie projector, the image is adjusted separately for the right and left eye, and special glasses allow you to extract it from the light flux. This creates the most advanced three-dimensional image at the moment.
IMAX Benefits
The first thing you need to know about IMAX is that it is a system that represents a whole range of the latest technologies, the calling of which is to provide a previously unseen level of immersion in the cinema. This statement has been proven more than once by such blockbusters as, for example, Avatar or The Hobbit, which demonstrate a huge gap between IMAX and a regular movie theater.
The main advantages of this technology:
1. Filming is carried out by two unique cameras, providing a completely new level of three-dimensional image.
2. For playback, appropriate dual projectors and special stereo glasses are used.
3. In the halls, a laser system is used to level the sound, which does not stun the viewer and supports the soundtrack of any film at the optimal level.
4. Special geometry of the hall, the purpose of which is to maximize the area of visibility.
We can say with confidence about IMAX 3D that this is the technology of the future, which is the starting point for the development of a new history of cinema. All these components lead to a picture of the highest quality. Incredible image clarity and perfect digital sound allow viewers to truly believe what is happening.
Format history
Even at the dawn of cinema, filmmakers had a desire to increase the effect of viewing. The first messenger of innovations was the Fox Grandeur format, which appeared back in 1929. He was the prototype of widescreen cinema, but then he did not become popular. After 20 years, the film industry is experiencing a period of growth, and new experiments with the introduction of wide screens begin. More and more viewers break away from their TVs and return to the cinema.
The prototype of the modern widescreen image was Multiscreen technology, developed by craftsmen from Canada. It was first demonstrated in 1967 at the high-tech exhibition, but a number of shortcomings were revealed in it. After many additions and changes, the creators of the technology came to the name IMAX and its main difference from the usual format - shooting on film, which had a significantly larger frame area and, accordingly, a wide screen. The first movie theater of the new format was launched in Toronto in 1971 and still exists.
IMAX Projectors
The projection system is an essential component of modern cinemas in this format. It is integrated into every IMAX cinema. What is this technology?
- It uses unique dual projectors and a patented image enhancement system called Image Enhancer.
- Allows you to maintain the brightness and contrast of the image at a constant level, without strong jumps.
- Automatically calibrates the image.
- Provides more light in 2D and 3D films, outperforming other systems.
- It is compatible with JPEG 2000 files.
Halls features in IMAX cinemas
The halls in the latest IMAX cinema complexes are also significantly different. What are these innovations? There are three main differences from a regular room:
- special design that increases visible space;
- special patented layout of viewers and screen;
- a significantly expanded screen covering an entire wall.
Of course, the creators did not pass by comfort, having improved seats and introduced dressing rooms in similar cinemas.
Sound in IMAX
The sound quality is an integral component of any blockbuster, allowing you to survive all the emotions laid down by the creators of a movie. The main features of the audio system in these cinemas are:
- Deliver powerful digital sound without flaws.
- Its high accuracy and widest range.
- Excellent distribution of the columns, creating the effect of the environment.
- Excellent sound quality at any point in the room.
IMAX 2D - is it worth it?
It's time to answer the question about IMAX 2D. What is it and what are its main differences from going to a regular movie theater? Despite the picture in two dimensions, a trip to IMAX will still surprise the viewer. Even 2D for this cinema is shot on a unique film in width, which allows you to capture an image 10 times larger than usual. Due to this, when projecting onto a huge screen, an image of the highest quality is created, completely devoid of interference or grain. An ordinary movie theater simply cannot transmit such realism. The second component of a unique cinema experience is the sound that was mentioned earlier. It is recorded separately from the image in the highest digital quality. This means that it does not take up space on the film and is not subjected to compression, which allows us to preserve its clarity and realism. IMAX 2D - what is it? These are all the same unique technologies, but without a three-dimensional effect. Despite this, such new-generation cinemas significantly outperform their cousins.
Pepsi IMAX - what's the difference?
The appearance of the Coca-Cola and Pepsi IMAX halls is due to the competition between the two companies. Pepsi IMAX Hall is distinguished by its blue color, corresponding to the color of this brand, and some changes. Of course, all the advantages of cinemas of this type are preserved in it. The main difference is the increased comfort of the seats. Armchairs are made by special order and guarantee that the time spent in them will fly by simply. Often the room is equipped with additional soaring screens, which significantly increase the impression of the film. A cinema café and a bar, in which, of course, you can find sponsor products, most often serve as an “attachment” to such a hall. In addition, they offer a special menu and an expanded selection of popcorn.
Chargers B6
IMAX B6 is a name that can be heard quite often. What does it have to do with the cinemas of this famous chain? In fact, nothing, except that it is also a new generation technology, but intended for slightly different purposes. This is a new generation of chargers, which are called "smart." First of all, it is useful for people who are versed in technology and want to experiment. Do not think that the process of its use is overcomplicated - everyone will be able to deal with it. IMAX B6 allows not only charging batteries, balancing batteries and discharging devices with capacity control, but also monitoring the entire process right on your computer screen. With the help of convenient graphs, the whole process is reflected and many interesting details are shown, such as, for example, the actual capacity of a battery. This is another technology close to the future.
Go to IMAX or an ordinary movie theater - the choice remains with the movie fan. But, having considered the main features of IMAX, that this is really worthy of technology, it’s worth visiting such a movie show at least out of curiosity. According to many eminent directors and film critics, the future of cinema lies precisely with 3D technology, developing at a frantic pace. It is not at all possible that the high-tech future has prepared many surprises, and not far off the emergence of new technology that surpasses even IMAX.