Go Behind the Scenes of IMAX Movies

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From epic landscapes to heart-pumping action scenes, every filmmaker wants to transport their audience into their story. But to do that, they need to create an immersive experience that engages all the senses.

That’s where IMAX comes in. The IMAX format offers a larger-than-life movie experience with unmatched image clarity and precision sound.

It was the brainchild of a group of Canadian filmmakers who pushed the limits of what was possible with film. Their goal was to create a ‘maximum image,’ and they did just that by using larger formatting to produce a more detailed and intense picture.

How is filming in IMAX different from regular filming?

IMAX filming sets itself apart from traditional film production in several ways to achieve a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience for movie enthusiasts. Here are a few things that make IMAX filming unique.

Specialised cameras and film format

Shooting movies in IMAX requires specialist cameras and film formats to capture the highest quality images possible. The cameras used in regular films are 35mm or 70mm, weighing about 18kg. IMAX cameras, on the other hand, are larger and weigh about 109kg. They need rigging and supports to move them around.

The film size is also larger and the cameras can only hold a three-minute spool. Plus, it takes about 20 minutes to reload the spool so it is time consuming during a shoot.

Attention to detail

Perfection and careful setup are also needed for each shot because the audience will see every flaw and detail in the film. The dinosaurs in T-REX, for example, needed five times the detail for IMAX than those in the Jurassic Park movies.

Remastering movies

You can still get the IMAX experience even if a movie wasn’t originally shot using IMAX cameras. Select frames or sections of the film are remastered into IMAX with Digital Media Remastering (DMR).

Filmed for IMAX

Movies ‘filmed for’ IMAX means that sections of the movie will fill an IMAX screen but haven’t been filmed using IMAX cameras. These movies, shot with certified high-quality digital cameras, can still meet the theatre’s projection requirements, giving an excellent viewing experience.

What makes the IMAX theatre experience so great?

When it comes to an unforgettable cinematic experience, nothing quite compares to the magic of IMAX theatres because of the following.

A screen that draws you right into the action

An IMAX movie theatre screen is larger than a regular cinema screen with a width of up to four times its height, instead of the standard 2.5 times. This fills your field of vision, giving a more interactive experience.

Eye-catching visuals

More projectors are used to create large enough images to fill the increased screen size – generally, two or three projectors, but this can be up to six depending on the venue. The extra light created by these powerful projectors gives you brighter, more vivid images.

Rich audio that wraps around you

The Sonics IMAX sound system produces a high-quality and full-bodied sound, so immersive you can literally feel it. With multiple speakers and more powerful output, the audio quality of IMAX is superb.

Perfect view and sound experience in every seat

The seating arrangement in IMAX theatres is designed to enhance the overall experience. With a steeper incline compared to traditional theatres, every seat in the auditorium offers a perfect view of the massive screen and an excellent sound experience. This layout also minimises obstructions and distractions so you can fully enjoy the movie.

Who’s making IMAX movies?

IMAX has become increasingly popular among directors who want to take their films to the next level. One such director is Christopher Nolan who is a huge IMAX fan and has released seven movies in this format, including The Dark Knight and Tenet.

But Nolan isn’t the only one who’s enamoured with the IMAX experience. Denis Villeneuve, the director of the sci-fi epic Dune, specifically shot the movie for IMAX. And he’s not stopping there – Villeneuve has plans for more IMAX movies in the future.

It’s easy to see why the IMAX format is so popular. We all want to be part of the action, to feel like we’re in the middle of the movie. And that’s exactly what IMAX delivers. As more directors embrace this technology, we can look forward to even more epic movie experiences in the future.

And the good news is, you don’t have to wait for the latest blockbuster to hit IMAX theatres. With the growing popularity of the format, many older movies are being remastered for IMAX.

What are the upcoming IMAX movies this year?

If you haven’t tried watching in an IMAX theatre and want to give it a go this year, here are some of the upcoming 2023 films you might want to watch:

• Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
• Equalizer 3
• The Super Mario Bros. Movie