What's Unique About IMAX?

More than just a giant screen

IMAX is a name that gets thrown around a lot these days, but not all IMAX are created equal. The Dark Knight Rises has 72 minutes of scenes shot in IMAX (and thankfully not 3-D). That's crazy when you consider that most purpose-made IMAX films (those documentaries about wild animals or outer space) are usually only about 45 minutes in length.

The IMAX Difference

 

1. Screen size

IMAX screens are gargantuan. Remember, we're only referring to screens that project IMAX film, not IMAX digital. We're talking 10 times the display size of 35mm film projections. (For the record, the largest IMAX screen in the U.S. is at the AMC Loews Lincoln Square in New York, at 76 x 97 feet).

2. Incredible detail

IMAX film resolution is also 10 times the normal 35mm resolution. This is immediately apparent when a movie switches back and forth between IMAX scenes and letteboxed 35mm images.

3. IMAX scenes are shot differently

IMAX cameras are bulky and heavy, and can only load 3 minutes of film at a time (Christopher Nolan bypassed this for The Dark Knight by having two IMAX cameras on hand). They also have a shallower depth of focus and are therefore harder to shoot with. IMAX isn't just a blown-up image; it's actually shot in a way that you see more on screen.

4. IMAX sound

IMAX sound is incredibly realistic. When you hear a rocket ship launching, a gun firing, or a Lamborghini engine revving, the bass will startle you. You also hear a lot of minor details, no matter where you are sitting in the theater. This is because each row has its own set of speakers along the side walls, and the screen has tiny holes where sound comes through.

5. The seating

IMAX stadium seating ascends at a steep angle. This is possible because the screen is so tall. What this accomplishes is that everyone is closer to the screen and has a full view.

Bottom line

IMAX scenes make you feel like you're there. When you combine the incredible detail, vibrant colors, realistic sound, and the fact that IMAX scenes fill your vision, you should experience true IMAX at least once in your life. The Dark Knight Rises is the perfect opportunity to do so.

List of IMAX theaters displaying (15/70) film

PODCAST: Episode 2

The Bat and the Cat are gearing up for The Dark Knight Rises with tickets to the midnight showing in about less than two weeks! For now, they try and settle down to talk about the various animated incarnations of the Batman, from the 90s and up.


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"The Dark Knight Rises" 13-minute Featurette

This is a cool "behind the scenes" look at The Dark Knight Rises. Notice the heavy use of IMAX cameras and practical effects in favor of CGI. Awesome!

                                                                                        

Batman: The Brave and the Bold

Christopher Nolan really did the Batman mythos justice with his vision of Batman films, aka the "Nolanverse". So when Cartoon Network launched a new animated series of Batman, I was less than thrilled at the approach and brushed it off as "kiddy".

The show subsequently aired for 3 seasons before it was cancelled, and I recently checked out a few episodes on YouTube. To my surprise, I was thoroughly entertained.

Any preconceived idea of how Batman "should be" was thrown out the window. Simply put, B:BatB is fun to watch. Sometimes, that's all you can really ask for. It's not the gritty, brooding and realistic Batman; but it's not trying to be. In fact, the show is more of an homage to the entire Batman universe. It's not as silly as Adam West or George Clooney; it deals with dark subject matter at times, but the subtlety really works here.

Easter eggs abound with caricaturistic references to Batman comics all the way back to 1940, as well as iconic reminders of previous films and TV series. In fact, the design of Batman and the Batmobile is similar to Adam West, and the Joker is more like he was in the 1960's cartoon. Sometimes, the show is so witty that I don't see how young children can possibly understand the references; but all good cartoons are like that.

Batman teams up with obscure characters from the DC universe, "showing some love" to lesser known DC characters. I picked up the entire DVD collection, so I'm looking forward to watching every episode.

The moral of the story is not to relegate every lighthearted or fantastical version of Batman to the category of camp. In fact, I think the show pokes fun at that matter itself. Batman is here to stay, and he can exist (and entertain) in all forms.

A Nod to Anne Hathaway's "Catwoman"

I know that the movie isn't out yet and it might be a little premature to be singing praises to Anne Hathaway in the role of Selina Kyle. I know the camp is divided with a lot of haters to one side. I even heard my co-workers just recently say: "I don't know what it is about her but I can't stand Anne Hathaway!"

Now, I know how they feel. I have an irrational dislike for other actresses... though I think people who can't appreciate Hathaway's talent are just plain missing out. She was adorable in the Princess Diaries movies but she shows off her acting chops in Love and Other Drugs... and what girl didn't enjoy a little bit of The Devil Wears Prada? Come on!

Just like most ass-kicking girls, Hathaway stated that she had always wanted to have a role similar to - if not - Catwoman. As a character, Catwoman was ahead of her time, breaking out of the typical female stereotypes and exploring what it means to be a "bad girl" but be accepted and respected at the same time. Forget wanting to fall in love with the "bad boy" -- become the badass girl! Be Catwoman! 

I am digging the suit. I am digging her curves in the suit. I'm digging the concept of her "cat ears" with the goggles/mask. I love that she is channeling Julie Newmar with the whole look. 

Is she going to do Selina Kyle/Catwoman justice? I would bet she will since she is Nolan's choice for the role. I guess we will always have to see when the movie hits theater later this month. I would make a 'Well, it's better than Halle Barry's Catwoman!' joke but that would be unfair on my part since I have never watched that movie (and I don't know if I want to). 

"The Dark Knight Rises" Midnight Survival Guide

8 things you'll need for opening night

July is here, and for ticket holders of The Dark Knight Rises midnight screening (which sold out within a half hour of going on sale), Thursday July 19 cannot come sooner. It goes without saying that the best, and maybe only way to experience the movie is the way it was intended--on a gigantic, 70mm IMAX screen.

Part of the fun of midnight shows is waiting in line with other fans, long before the movie begins. Some IMAX theaters offer reserved seating, but it's not always an option and it doesn't guarantee a good spot. Plus, you miss out on the fun and anticipation.

Here are some tips to keep your sanity:

Bring your tickets

This is your #1 priority. Don't leave your house without it. You might be so excited that you forget. Consider it your entrance into the party.

Arrive early

Since this is the last installment in the trilogy, expect the line to start forming much sooner than you think. Some die-hard fans might even wait in line overnight. If you're not as extreme, request the day off if you can, and go first thing in the morning. But . . . 

Get enough Zzz's

Being well-rested and alert is crucial, especially because you'll be staying up past midnight. The last thing you want is to become drowsy during important parts of the movie (i.e. all of it). Put everything aside to make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before. Take a nap during the day if you need to.

Bring friends

This allows for bathroom breaks and getting up to walk around to let your legs circulate. Take turns while at least one person holds your spot in line, but make sure your entire party is back in the line at least two hours before showtime. If you don't have the luxury of friends, it shouldn't be too difficult to gain the trust of fellow bat fans.

What to wear

This is the time to show your Dark Knight dedication in the form of a full-on costume; but unless you plan on going that route, think function over fashion. You want something comfortable enough to wear on a long flight, but presentable enough to walk into a casual restaurant. Be sure to fit the theme--whether it's a cool Batman graphic tee, Batman accessories, tattoos, etc. . . .

Get comfy

Since you will be in the same spot for a long time, you'll want something to support your tush. The Bat and The Cat recommend something with adequate support that's easy to carry, such as a picnic cushion or a lawn chair.

Keep yourself entertained

Save deep conversations for when you get in line. Bring a deck of playing cards, a drawing pad, or things to read, in the form of Batman comic books or 'The Dark Knight Rises' magazine issues. Bring a portable DVD player or a laptop to re-watch Batman Begins and The Dark Knight one more time  before Rises, just be careful not to over-stimulate your senses. You can also download and listen to our podcast!

The Dark Knight diet

You want to avoid having to go to the bathroom too frequently. Items that increase urinary frequency are: alcohol, caffeine, too much salt, and high protein foods. You also want to avoid very juicy fruits for today such as melons, but other fruits are fine (e.g. bananas).

Conclusion

Follow these tips, and Rises is sure to be one of the most memorable movie-going experiences in your life. Remember, you only get one chance to attend a midnight showing. If you choose to ignore our advice, it would be extremely painful . . . for you.