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