Astonishing World of IMAX!

Imagine the excitement when we talk about an IMAX movie shown in an IMAX cinema – words like “enormous,” “colossal,” and “mind-blowing” immediately pop up. These incredible responses fit right into the creators’ goal of providing an unmatched adventure through movies. But what’s the secret that sets these films apart in such an extraordinary way?

A Tale of Innovation

In the late 1960s, filmmakers dared to experiment with multiple-screen films, capturing vast landscapes using three cameras. Alas, these setups had their share of challenges. Coordinating three cameras simultaneously was a logistical nightmare, and aligning three projectors perfectly was no easy feat. Additionally, the brightness variations at the edges of each projector’s image posed further difficulties.

Recognizing the appeal of multiple-screen films, a group of visionary Canadian filmmakers and entrepreneurs set out to design a single-camera, single-projector system that could replicate the grandeur of multiple screens. After years of dedicated effort, it made its grand debut at the 1970 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, captivating audiences and inspiring the birth of IMAX theatres worldwide.

What makes IMAX so cool is the special equipment they use to make and show these incredible movies. Every piece of the system is designed just for IMAX films, making the experience unlike any other.

Immersive Screens & Sound Systems

Stepping into an IMAX theatre, one cannot ignore the huge screen size. IMAX Melbourne’s screen is one of the largest in the world, spanning a massive 32 meters wide by 23 meters high. Strategically positioned seats allow the screen to envelop the peripheral vision, forging an unparalleled sense of movement. Whether capturing high-speed sequences from a fighter jet cockpit or a roller coaster’s thrill, the sensation of motion is intensified by the vast screen.

While surround sound is familiar to most moviegoers, IMAX theatres boast a sound system that that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. The sound system used immerses the audience in a realm where both images and sounds come alive. Thundering through dozens of speakers, the sound such as a space shuttle taking off becomes so powerful that we can feel it in our bones.

The Magnitude and Cameras

In the world of motion picture film, frame size determines image quality. Standard film measures 35 mm wide with a height of 4 perforations. High-quality film is 70 mm wide with a height of 5 perforations. IMAX film, the grandest of them all, spans 70 mm in width and towers with 15 perforations. What’s more, this film runs horizontally through cameras and projectors, its perforations at the top and bottom, adding to its distinction as the 15/70 film.

IMAX productions are not just ordinary films printed on 15/70 film. The magic commences with filming using exclusive IMAX cameras. Weighing over 50 pounds each, the cameras are loaded with 5-pound cartridges, enabling only 5 to 7 minutes of footage due to the speed of the film. Such meticulous craftsmanship often involves multiple cameras or frequent film reloading.

Read more about Oppenheimer, a film shot with IMAX cameras.

The Monumental Projectors: Bringing it to Life

The projectors, akin to compact cars in size, accept the colossal reels of IMAX film, driven by a unique “rolling loop” mechanism. This ingenious approach steadies each frame on the lens’s rear, guaranteeing exceptional picture clarity. Special xenon bulbs, consuming up to 15,000 watts of power, illuminate the gigantic screens, creating an immersive visual feast. Cooling measures involving air and water are employed to counteract the intense heat generated by these brilliant bulbs.

Given the complexity and cost of filming such movies, most are relatively short, running 40 minutes or less. These films often delve into the realm of documentaries, showcasing extraordinary images that are rarely accessible otherwise. From space exploration and wildlife to untamed wilderness and extreme environments, the impact of these films is truly unforgettable.

The IMAX Experience

The IMAX film system offers a remarkable experience that leaves audiences worldwide in awe. With every aspect supersized, the adage “bigger is better” undoubtedly applies to this film experience. As this cinematic marvel continues to captivate and astonish, the journey through IMAX movies is like taking an unforgettable adventure into the extraordinary.