When you see the inscription "IMAX" on the movie poster, this is not just a publicity stunt - it guarantees a unique viewing experience. Format IMAX (short for Image Maximum) was created in 1967 by Canadian engineers to display films on giant screens with unprecedented picture and sound quality. Today it is not just a technology, but an entire brand that symbolizes the highest level of cinematic immersion.
But what is really hidden behind this name? Why tickets to IMAX halls Are they more expensive, and is it worth paying more? In this article we will look at technical features of the IMAX format, its history, comparison with traditional cinemas and answer the main questions of film lovers. You will learn how projectors work, which films are best watched in IMAX, and why some directors specifically shoot films for this format.
The history of IMAX: from exhibitions to Hollywood
Idea IMAX born at the World's Fair Expo-67 in Montreal, where engineers Graeme Ferguson, Roman Kroitor And Robert Kerr introduced a revolutionary projection system. Their goal was simple: to create a movie that would completely immerse the viewer in what is happening on the screen. The first films in the format IMAX were documentary and were shown in museums and exhibitions - for example, the famous «Tiger Child» (1970), filmed for the Japan Pavilion on Expo-70.
A turning point occurred in the 1980s, when the technology moved beyond educational institutions and began to be used in commercial cinemas. And in the 2000s IMAX Corporation entered into a partnership with Hollywood, adapting the format for feature films. The first blockbuster filmed partially on IMAX cameras, became "The Dark Knight" (2008) by Christopher Nolan. Since then, directors such as James Cameron (“Avatar”) and Michael Bay (“Transformers”), are actively used IMAX for filming key scenes.
- 🎬 1967 - first demonstration at Expo-67 in Montreal.
- 📽️ 1970s — distribution in museums and planetariums.
- 🎥 2002 - release of the first Hollywood film in IMAX 3D (“Apollo 13: Special Edition”).
- 💥 2008 — “The Dark Knight” was the first blockbuster with scenes filmed on IMAX cameras.
- Often, once a month
- Sometimes, several times a year
- Rarely, only for blockbusters
- Never been
Technical features of IMAX: why it's not just a big screen
Many people mistakenly think that IMAX - it's just a bigger screen and louder sound. In fact, it is a complex of technologies, each of which affects the final viewing quality. Here are the key differences:
1. Film size and resolution. Traditional cinemas use 35mm film, whereas IMAX works with 70 mm film, which gives 10 times the frame area. Digital IMAX-projectors have resolution 4K (and in some halls - 8K or even 12K for laser systems), while standard cinemas are limited 2K.
2. Aspect Ratio. B IMAX format used 1.43:1 (almost square), which is 26% morethan classic 1.85:1 or widescreen 2.39:1. This means that the picture occupies the entire screen without black bars at the top and bottom.
3. Sound system. IMAX uses its own technology IMAX 12.0, where the speakers are located not only around the perimeter of the hall, but also over the heads of the spectators, creating surround sound with millimeter precision.
| Parameter | Standard cinema | IMAX (film) | IMAX (digital) | IMAX with laser |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Film size | 35 mm | 70 mm | Digital (no film) | Digital + laser |
| Resolution | 2K (2048×1080) | 18K (equivalent) | 4K (4096×2160) | 8K–12K |
| Aspect Ratio | 1.85:1 or 2.39:1 | 1.43:1 | 1.90:1 (digital) | 1.43:1 (full screen) |
| Sound | Dolby 5.1/7.1 | IMAX 6 channel | IMAX 12.0 | IMAX 12.0 + subwoofers |
| Screen brightness | 14 fL | 22 fL | 30 fL | up to 60 fL |
⚠️ Attention: Not all IMAX theaters are created equal! Some cinemas install IMAX Digital with a smaller screen (eg20×12 minstead of26x20 min classical IMAX). Check the technical specifications of the hall before purchasing a ticket.
Types of IMAX halls: how not to overpay for a “fake”
Today under the brand IMAX There are three types of halls, and their capabilities differ greatly. Here's how to recognize them:
1. Classic IMAX (15/70 mm) - original format with 70 mm film and screen height up to 30 meters. Such halls are rare (for example, in Moscow this is Cinema center "October" or Planetarium). Films here are shown from physical film, which gives a unique quality.
2. IMAX Digital — digital version with projectors 2K or 4K. Screens are smaller (usually 20×12 m), and the sound is IMAX 12.0. Most modern IMAX-halls belong precisely to this type.
3. IMAX with Laser — top version with laser projectors 4K/8K, contrast 5000:1 and brightness up to 60 fL. The screens here are almost as big as in the classic one. IMAX, and the picture is as close as possible to the original film.
- 🎞️ Classic IMAX - for purists who are willing to pay for authenticity.
- 💻 Digital IMAX is the gold standard for most viewers.
- 🔦 Laser IMAX — the future of cinema (but also the most expensive).
Specify the screen size (must be at least 22×16 m)
Ask about projector type (laser or digital)
Check if the cinema website says “IMAX with Laser”
Pay attention to the sound system (must be IMAX 12.0) -->
What films are best to watch in IMAX?
Not every film benefits from the format IMAX. Here are the criteria to choose from:
1. Films shot with IMAX cameras. Directors like Christopher Nolan (“Dunkirk”, “Interstellar”) or James Cameron (“Avatar: The Way of Water”) specially filmed key scenes on IMAX cameras, and in the hall these shots occupy full height of the screen (without black stripes). For example, in Dunkirk the battles on the beach are shown exactly like this.
2. Epic blockbusters with large-scale scenes. Superhero movies ("The Avengers"), space ("Gravity") or nature ("Planet Earth 2") are revealed in IMAX 100% Sound and picture create the effect of presence.
3. Documentaries about nature and space. Format IMAX was originally created for educational purposes, so tapes such as "Walking with Dinosaurs" or "Space Mission", look amazing here.
⚠️ Attention: If the film was not made on IMAX cameras, but simply adapted to the format, you will receive enlarged picture with black stripes (letterboxing). This doesn't mean the film is bad, but it won't be completely immersive.
How do you know if a film was shot with IMAX cameras?
Check the information on the website IMAX.com in the "Filmed in IMAX" section.
Pay attention to the trailers - if they have the words “Shot in IMAX” or “For IMAX”, it means that some of the scenes were filmed with special cameras.
Ask the theater if they will be showing the full screen version (1.43:1) or the adapted version (1.90:1).
IMAX vs Dolby Cinema vs 4DX: what to choose?
Modern cinemas offer many “premium” formats. Here's how they differ from IMAX:
Dolby Cinema focuses on contrast (technology Dolby Vision) and surround sound (Dolby Atmos). The screens here are not as large as in IMAX, but the picture is more saturated, and the sound is more accurate. Suitable for movies with dark scenes (such as "Batman").
4DX adds physical effects: chairs move, wind blows, water splashes. It's fun, but it distracts from the movie itself. B IMAX Immersion is achieved through the screen and sound, without unnecessary “tricks”.
ScreenX expands the picture to side walls, creating a panorama effect. However, this does not work for all films and may look artificial.
| Format | Main advantage | Cons | Better for |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMAX | Giant screen, powerful sound | Expensive, not all films are optimized | Blockbusters, documentaries |
| Dolby Cinema | Perfect color and sound | The screen is smaller than IMAX | Dramas, thrillers |
| 4DX | Physical immersion | Distracts from the plot | Action, fantasy |
| ScreenX | Panoramic view | Not all scenes are adapted | Racing, space |
If you are choosing between IMAX and Dolby Cinema, focus on the genre of the film: for action and special effects, take IMAX, for drama with deep colors, take Dolby.
How much does IMAX cost and is it worth paying extra?
Tickets to IMAX on average by 30–50% more expensivethan in a regular room. For example, if a standard ticket costs 500 rubles, then IMAX will cost 700–900 rubles. But is this overpayment justified?
When IMAX is worth the money:
- 🎥 The film was shot on IMAX cameras (for example, "Avatar 2", "Top Gun: Maverick").
- 🌌 This is a blockbuster with large-scale scenes (space, battles, natural landscapes).
- 🎧 Sound is important to you - IMAX 12.0 not comparable to normal Dolby 5.1.
When you can save:
- 💬 The film is a comedy or drama without special effects.
- 📺 The show is on IMAX Digital with a small screen.
- 😴 You are sitting on the front row - in IMAX This is inconvenient due to the curvature of the screen.
IMAX is only justified for films where scale and detail are important. For simple films, overpaying does not make sense.
The future of IMAX: what awaits us?
Company IMAX does not stand still. Several revolutionary innovations were announced in 2023:
1. IMAX Enhanced for streaming services. Now some films (eg. "Dune" on HBO Max) are available in a version with improved sound and color close to the hall IMAX.
2. IMAX Private Theatre — home theaters with certified projectors and acoustics. The cost of this kit starts from $500 000, but it replicates the experience of commercial halls.
3. Virtual reality. IMAX is testing VR rooms where viewers can “visit” inside the film (for example, in space or at the bottom of the ocean).
4. Eco-friendly laser projectors. New models consume 30% less energy, but give in 2 times brighterthan the old xenon ones.
⚠️ Attention: In 2026 IMAX plans to release the first films in the format16K- this is in 8 times morethan4K. Such resolution will require new screens and projectors, so for now the technology will only be available in a few halls around the world.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about IMAX
🔍 Is IMAX harmful to eyesight?
Not if you are sitting at the optimal distance (approximately in the middle of the room). However first rows in IMAX may cause discomfort due to the large viewing angle - the eyes have to constantly move to take in the entire screen. Also, the brightness of laser projectors (up to 60 fL) is safe, but if you have sensitive eyes, it is better to choose a hall with a classic projection.
🎟️ Why are tickets cheaper in some IMAX halls?
The price depends on the type of hall:
- Classic IMAX (70 mm) - the most expensive due to rarity and quality.
- IMAX Digital - cheaper, since digital projection is used.
- IMAX in multiplexes - sometimes cheaper due to a smaller screen (for example,
18x10 minstead of26x20 m).
Check the technical specifications of the hall before purchasing.
🎬 Is it possible to shoot home video with IMAX cameras?
Theoretically yes, but practically it is impossible. Cameras IMAX weigh up to 40 kg, are standing $16,000 per day rental, and the film costs $2,000 for 3 minutes of filming. Even Hollywood studios only use them for key scenes. There are alternatives for amateur photography - for example, cameras RED or ARRI with permission 8K.
🍿 Is it possible to eat popcorn in IMAX?
Yes, but with reservations:
- In the halls with laser projectors Bright light may reflect off packages, disturbing other spectators.
- B Classic IMAX (with film) are sometimes asked not to eat - due to the risk of damage to expensive equipment from crumbs.
- Sound IMAX 12.0 so loud that the popcorn crunch can be distracting.
It is better to choose silent snacks (such as chocolate) or eat before the session.
📱 Why do IMAX ask you to turn off your phones?
B IMAX it is stricter than in regular gyms for three reasons:
- A bright phone screen is more distracting to other viewers due to the contrast with the dark room.
- Sound interference (even vibration) can disrupt the speaker system IMAX 12.0.
- Some halls use infrared cameras to track violators.
B Classic IMAX For using the phone you can be kicked out without a refund.