IMAX

IMAX is a motion picture film format and projection standard created by the Canadian IMAX Corporation. The Company’s activities include the design, leasing, marketing, maintenance and operation of IMAX film and digital theatre systems as well as the development, production, post production and distribution of IMAX motion pictures.^[1]

IMAX has the capacity to record and display images of far greater size and resolution than most conventional film systems. A standard IMAX screen is 22 × 16.1 m (72 × 52.8 ft) and they are generally the same everywhere. IMAX theatres are described as either "Classic Design," (Purpose-built structures designed to house an IMAX theatre) or "Multiplex Design." (Existing multiplex auditoriums that have been retrofitted with IMAX technology).^[2] The world's largest cinema screen (and IMAX screen) is in the LG IMAX theatre in Sydney, New South Wales. It is approximately 8 stories high, with dimensions of 35.73 × 29.42 m (117.2 × 96.5 ft) and covers an area of more than 1,015 m² (10,930 sq ft).^[3]

IMAX is the most widely used system for special-venue film presentations. As of December 2009^[update], there were more than 400 IMAX theatres in over 40 countries.^[4] Imax Corporation has released four projector types that use its 15-perforation, 70mm film format: GT (Grand Theatre), GT 3D (dual rotor), SR (Small Rotor), and MPX, which was designed to be retrofitted in existing multiplex theatres.^[5] In July 2008, the company introduced a digital projection system, which it has not given a distinct name or brand, designed for multiplex theatres with screens no wider than 21.3 m (70 ft). A presentation that is digitally projected is nonetheless represented to be IMAX, contrary to the extent of trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

All IMAX projectors, except the standard GT system, can project 3D images.

Most IMAX theatres have flat, rectangular screens, but IMAX Dome theatres, formerly branded as OMNIMAX, use a GT projector with a fish-eye lens to project an image on a tilted hemispheric dome screen. Imax also has a special simulator technique which uses seat movement/vibration at specific points in the film.

Contents 1 History 2 Technical aspects 3 IMAX variations 3.1 IMAX Dome / OMNIMAX 3.2 IMAX 3D 3.3 IMAX HD (48 fps) 3.3.1 History 3.3.2 Production issues 4 IMAX DMR 5 Feature films partially shot on IMAX cameras 6 IMAX Digital Theatre System 7 IMAX 3D digital camera 8 IMAX, Discovery, Sony 3D Television Network 9 Awards 9.1 Technical Achievement 10 Other uses 10.1 Concerts and Gaming Tournaments 10.2 Motion Simulator Rides 11 Technical specifications 12 IMAX venues 13 See also 14 References 15 External links

History

The desire to increase the visual impact of film has a long history. In 1929, Fox introduced Fox Grandeur, the first 70 mm movie format, but it quickly fell from use.^[6] In the 1950s, CinemaScope (introduced in 1953) and VistaVision (1954) widened the image projected from 35 mm film, and there were multi-projector systems such as Cinerama (1952) for even wider presentations. While impressive, Cinerama was difficult to set up, and the seams between adjacent projected images were difficult to hide.

The IMAX system was developed by Graeme Ferguson, Roman Kroitor, Robert Kerr, and William C. Shaw.^[7]

During Expo 67 in Montreal, Kroitor's In the Labyrinth and Ferguson's Man and the Polar Regions both used multi-projector, multi-screen systems. Each encountered a number of technical difficulties that led them to found a company, initially called "Multiscreen", with a primary goal of designing and developing a simpler approach. The single-projector/single-camera system they eventually settled upon was designed and built by Shaw, based upon a novel "Rolling Loop" film-transport technology purchased from the Australian inventor Ronald Jones. Later, when it became clear that a single, large-screen image had far more impact than multiple smaller ones, Multiscreen changed its name to IMAX.

Tiger Child, the first IMAX film, was demonstrated at Expo '70 in Osaka, Japan.^[8] The first permanent IMAX system was set up in Toronto at Ontario Place in 1971, and is still in operation.^[9] During Expo '74 in Spokane, Washington, a very large IMAX screen that measured 90 × 65 m (300 × 213 ft) was featured in the US Pavilion (the largest structure in the expo). About 5 million visitors viewed the screen, which covered a person's total field of vision when looking directly forward. This easily created a sensation of motion for nearly everyone, and motion sickness in a few viewers. However, it was only a temporary screen for the six-month duration of the Expo. Today, an IMAX 3D theatre is in operation at the nearby "Montreal Science Centre" in the Port of Old Montreal.

The first permanent IMAX Dome installation, the Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Dome Theater at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, opened in San Diego's Balboa Park in 1973. It doubles as a planetarium. The first permanent IMAX 3D theatre was built in Vancouver, British Columbia for Transitions at Expo '86, and was in use until 30 September 2009.^[10] It was located at the tip of Canada Place, a Vancouver landmark.

IMAX Entertainment Format

The use of the IMAX format in the U.S. has traditionally been limited to specialty applications. The expense and logistics of producing and presenting IMAX films has dictated a shorter running time compared to conventional movies for most presentations (typically shorter by about 40 minutes). The majority of films in this format tend to be documentaries ideally suited for institutional venues such as museums and science centers. IMAX cameras have been taken into space aboard the Space Shuttle, to Mount Everest, to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, and to the Antarctic to film such documentaries. An IMAX documentary about the success of the Mars Exploration Rovers was released in 2006, titled Roving Mars and used exclusive data from the Rovers.^[2]

One of the first attempts at presenting an entertainment film in the IMAX format was The Rolling Stones: Live at the Max (1991), an 85-minute compilation of concert footage filmed in IMAX during the band's 1990 Steel Wheels tour, edited to give the impression of a single concert.

Later in the 1990s, there was increasing interest in broadening the use of IMAX as an entertainment format. More entertainment IMAX short films were created, notably T-Rex: Back to the Cretaceous (directed by Brett Leonard), which had a successful run in 1998 and Haunted Castle, released in 2001 (both of these were IMAX 3D films). In 1999, The Old Man and the Sea became the first fully-animated film to be released on IMAX screens and proceeded to win an Oscar. The same year, Disney produced Fantasia 2000, the first full-length animated feature released exclusively in the IMAX format (the film would later have a conventional theatrical release). Disney would also release the first 2D live action native IMAX entertainment film, Young Black Stallion, in late 2003.

Technical aspects

The intent of IMAX is to dramatically increase the resolution of the image by using a much larger film frame. To achieve this, 65 mm film stock is run horizontally through the cameras. While traditional 65 mm film has an image area that is 48.5 × 22.1 mm (1.91 × 0.87 in) (for Todd-AO), in IMAX the image is 69.6 × 48.5 mm (2.74 × 1.91 in) tall. In order to expose at standard film speed of 24 frames per second, three times as much film needs to move through the camera each second.

Drawing the large format 70mm print film through the projector was a difficult technical problem to solve; conventional 70 mm systems were not steady enough for the 586× magnification. IMAX projection involved a number of innovations. William Shaw of IMAX adapted an Australian patent for film transport called the "rolling loop" by adding a compressed air "puffer" to accelerate the film, and put a cylindrical lens in the projector's "aperture block" for the film to be vacuumed up against during projection (called the "field flattener" because it served to flatten the image field), because the film actually touches the "field flattener" lens. The lens itself is twice the height of the film and is connected to a pneumatic piston so it can be moved up or down while the projector is running. This way, if a piece of dust comes off the film and sticks to the lens, the projectionist can switch to the clean side of the lens at the push of a button. The lens also has "wiper bars" made of a felt or brush-like material which can wipe the dust off the lens as it moves up or down to keep the show clean. IMAX projectors are pin stabilized, meaning four registration pins engage the perforations at the corners of the projected frame to ensure perfect alignment. Shaw added cam-controlled arms to decelerate each frame to eliminate the microscopic shaking as the frame "settled" onto the registration pins. The projector's shutter is also open for around 20% longer than in conventional equipment and the light source is brighter. An IMAX projector is therefore a substantial piece of equipment, weighing up to 1.8 t (2.0 short tons) and towering at over 178 cm (70 in) tall and 195 cm (77 in) long. The xenon short-arc lamps are made of a thin layer of fused quartz and contain xenon gas at a pressure of about 25 atmospheres (367 PSI); because of this, projectionists are required to wear protective body armor when changing or handling these in case the lamp breaks (e.g., due to a drop to the floor) because the flying quartz shards could be deadly when combined with the high pressure of the Xenon gas within.^[11]

IMAX uses a stronger "ESTAR" (Kodak's trade name for PET film) base. The reason is not for strength, but precision. Developing chemicals do not change the size or shape of Estar, and IMAX's pin registration (especially the cam mechanism) is intolerant of either sprocket-hole or film-thickness variations. The IMAX format is generically called "15/70" film, the name referring to the 15 sprocket holes per frame of 70 mm stock. The bulk of the film requires large platters rather than conventional film reels.^[12] IMAX platters range from 1.2m diameter to 1.83m diameter to accommodate 1 to 2.75 hrs of film. Platters with a 2.5 hour feature film will weigh 250 kg.

In order to use more of the image area, IMAX film does not include an embedded soundtrack. Instead, the IMAX system specifies a separate six-channel 35 mm magnetic film synchronized to the film. (This original "mag-stripe" system was commonly used to "dub" or insert studio sound into the mixed soundtrack of conventional films.) By the early 1990s, a separate digital 6-track source was synchronized using a more precise pulse generator as a source for a conventional SMPTE time code synchronization system. This development presaged conventional software. The software works in a similar style as the DDP except that instead of the audio file being based on discs, it is instead played directly off a hard disk drive in the form of a single uncompressed audio file containing the 6 channels which are distributed directly to the amplifiers rather than using a decoding method such as Dolby Digital. Many IMAX theatres place speakers directly behind the screen, as well as distributing the speakers around the theatre to create a three-dimensional effect.^[13]

IMAX theatre construction also differs significantly from conventional theaters. The increased resolution allows the audience to be much closer to the screen; typically all rows are within one screen height; conventional theatre seating runs 8 to 12 screen heights. Also, the rows of seats are set at a steep angle (up to 30° in some domed theatres) so that the audience is facing the screen directly.^[14]

IMAX variations

IMAX Dome / OMNIMAX

In the late 1960s the San Diego Hall of Science (now known as the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center) began searching North America for a large-format film system to project on the dome of their planned 76 ft (23 m) tilted dome planetarium. One of the front-running formats was a double-frame 35 mm system, until they saw IMAX. The IMAX projector was unsuitable for use inside a dome because it had a 12 ft (3.7 m) tall lamp house on top. However, IMAX Corporation was quick to cooperate and was willing to redesign its system. IMAX designed an elevator to lift the projector to the center of the dome from the projection booth below. Spectra Physics designed a suitable lamphouse that took smaller lamps (about 18 inches long) and placed the bulb behind the lens instead of above the projector. In 1970,^[15] Ernst Leitz Canada, Ltd. (now ELCAN Optical Technologies) won a contract to develop and manufacture a fisheye lens projection system optimized to project an image onto a dome instead of a flat screen.

[[File:Omnimax_projector-BTTF.jpg|right|thumb|200px|One of two Omnimax film projectors used at the former Back To The Future ride at [[Universal_Studios_Hollywood|Universal Studios, Hollywood]
This file is a candidate for speedy deletion. It may be deleted after seven days from the date of nomination. ]]

The dome system, which the San Diego Hall of Science called OMNIMAX, uses films shot with a camera equipped with a fisheye lens on the camera that squeezes a highly distorted 180° field of view onto the 65 mm IMAX film. The lens is aligned below the center of the frame and most of the bottom half of the circular field falls beyond the edge of the film. The part of the field that would fall below the edge of the dome is masked off. When filming, the camera is aimed upward at an angle that matches the tilt of the dome. When projected through a matching fisheye lens onto a dome, the original panoramic view is recreated. OMNIMAX wraps 180° horizontally, 100° above the horizon and 22° below the horizon for a viewer at the center of the dome. OMNIMAX premiered in 1973 at the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center showing two OMNIMAX features, Voyage to the Outer Planets (produced by Graphic Films) and Garden Isle (by Roger Tilton Films) on a double bill.

IMAX has since renamed the system IMAX Dome. However, some theaters may continue to call it OMNIMAX.

OMNIMAX theatres are now in place at a number of major North American museums, particularly those with a scientific focus, where the technical aspects of the system may be highlighted as part of the theme interest. The projection room is often windowed to allow public viewing and accompanied by informational placards like any exhibit. Inside the theatre, the screen may be a permanent fixture, such as at the St. Louis Science Center (which also plays a short educational video about the OMNIMAX system just before the feature film) and Boston's Museum of Science; or lowered and raised as needed, such as at the Science Museum of Minnesota (where it shares an auditorium with a standard IMAX screen). Before the feature begins, the screen is backlit to show the speakers and girders behind the screen. IMAX Dome screens may also be found at several major theme parks.^[16] While the majority of OMNIMAX theatres in museums focus on educational and documentary films, on special occasions, as with the release of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, major studio releases are also shown. The largest IMAX Dome Theatres in North America are at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ and the Telus World of Science in Vancouver, BC, both of which have dome screens that are 88 feet in diameter.

IMAX 3D

To create the illusion of three-dimensional depth, the IMAX 3D process uses two camera lenses to represent the left and right eyes. The two lenses are separated by an interocular distance of 64 mm (2.5 in), the average distance between a human's eyes. By recording on two separate rolls of film for the left and right eyes, and then projecting them simultaneously, viewers experience seeing a 3D image on a 2D screen. The IMAX 3D camera is cumbersome, weighing over 113 kg (250 lb). This makes it difficult to film on-location documentaries.

There are two methods to creating the 3D illusion in the theatre. The first involves polarization. During projection, the left and right eye images are linearly polarized as they are projected onto the IMAX screen.^[17] By wearing special eyeglasses with lenses polarized in their respective directions to match the projection, each eye can only see the image intended for that eye since the lens's polarization will cancel out the other eye's image.

The other method for 3D projection involves the use of LCD shutter glasses. The projectors display each frame of film alternately for each eye (while one projector's image is displayed, the other is blocked), at an effective rate of 48 frames per second. The glasses contain LCD panels that alternately block the light in one eye while allowing the other to see the image. The shutters flash back and forth in sync with the projector, such that each eye only sees the image intended for it.

Several films produced in the RealD 3D process for release in conventional theatres have also been presented in IMAX 3D, including DreamWorks' Monsters vs. Aliens, U2 3D, Avatar, and Toy Story 3.

Some IMAX theaters further enhance the illusion of immersion in the movie by using seat movements and vibration at specific points in the film.

IMAX HD (48 fps)

Variations on IMAX included the 48 frames per second IMAX HD process, which sought to reduce strobing and offer a more high definition image by filming and projecting at twice the normal film rate.

History

The IMAX HD system was tested in 1992 at the Canada Pavilion of the Seville Expo '92 with the film Momentum. It was deemed too costly and abandoned but not before many theatres were retrofitted to project at 48 frames, especially in Canada, in order to play Momentum.^[18] In the 1990s theme parks in Thailand, Germany, and Las Vegas used IMAX HD for their Motion Simulator rides.^[19] The Disney parks attraction Soarin' Over California features a modification of both IMAX HD and IMAX Dome, projecting in 48 frames per second.

Production issues

The doubled IMAX HD frame rate means that each IMAX HD reel lasts half as long, and the logistical implications of this reach all the way up the film production chain. IMAX production by default is at least 3 to 5 times more expensive against common 35 mm production. The increased production costs make IMAX HD problematic regardless of overall production funding issues, and the format has not seen significant adoption.

IMAX DMR

In the fall of 2002, IMAX and Universal Studios released a new IMAX-format version of the 1995 film Apollo 13, the first application of IMAX's proprietary DMR (Digital Media Remastering) process, which allows conventional films to be upconverted into IMAX format. This special digital intermediate technology was developed for films shot on 35mm for conventional theaters to be shown in IMAX venues. Other theatrically released films would subsequently be reissued at IMAX venues in versions created using the DMR process. Because of a technical limitation on the size of the film reel, several early DMR releases were edited to conform to a two-hour maximum length. Later releases did not have this limitation; current IMAX platters allow a run time of up to 165 minutes where films could run longer in IMAX Digital venues.

Reviewers have generally praised the results of the DMR blowup process, which are visually and audibly superior to the same films projected in 35mm. But some filmmakers, such as producer Frank Marshall, point out that DMR blowups are not comparable to films created directly in the 70mm 15 perf IMAX format, and that directors Ron Howard and George Lucas expected better.^[20] They note that the decline of Cinerama coincided roughly with the supercession of the original process with a simplified, reduced cost, technically inferior version, and view DMR with alarm. IMAX originally reserved the phrase "the IMAX experience" for true 70mm productions, but now allows its use on DMR productions as well.

Since 2002 many other Hollywood films have been remastered for IMAX. Warner Brothers has especially embraced the format with the two Matrix sequels, and since 2004 has been releasing its Harry Potter film franchise in IMAX to strong financial success. Also in 2004 the company released the animated movie The Polar Express in IMAX 3D. Express became the most successful movie ever to be released in IMAX theatres, making at least a quarter of the film total worldwide gross of $302 million from less than 100 IMAX screens; because of its success, it has been re-released each holiday season since. In 2005 WB also released Batman Begins simultaneously in conventional theatres and IMAX, helping the film it reach $200M at the domestic box office. In summer 2006 WB released the highly anticipated Superman Returns remastered for IMAX, with some effects scenes transformed into 3D. Spider-Man 3 broke the IMAX gross record in 2007 by a huge margin.

In 2008, the Rolling Stones concert film, Shine a Light, directed by Martin Scorsese, was released as an IMAX DMR blowup version.

The July 2008 Batman Begins sequel The Dark Knight (partially shot on IMAX – see below) broke box office records for IMAX, taking in about $6.3 million from 94 theaters in the U.S. and Canada over the opening weekend. The record for an IMAX opening weekend was again broken in May 2009 by Star Trek: The IMAX Experience, which took in $8.3 million.^[21] The current IMAX opening weekend record (as of December 2009) is held by Titanic director James Cameron's Avatar which brought in $9.5 million.^[22]

Feature films partially shot on IMAX cameras

As of 2010, no feature film has been completely shot using 15/70mm IMAX cameras. However, some recent features have utilized IMAX for selected scenes. These films have been released theatrically both in 35mm and in IMAX.

The Dark Knight featured six sequences (a total of 30 minutes) shot using 15/70mm IMAX. According to the movie's press notes, this was the "first time ever that a major feature film has been even partially shot using IMAX cameras".^[23]

Michael Bay's 2009 film Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen also had some scenes shot in IMAX.^[24] The slightly longer version playing in IMAX theatres included about nine minutes of footage shot using IMAX cameras.^[25]

IMAX Digital Theatre System

A digital version of IMAX started rolling out in 2008. The new system is a projection standard only. Digital IMAX systems can show either 2D or 3D content in DCI or IMAX digital format (which in itself is a superset of DCI). The digital system alleviates the need for film reels and facilitates inexpensive distribution of IMAX features.

Despite those advantages, one big disadvantage is the resolution of the picture, which is much lower than the resolution of the normal IMAX film, estimated to be about 12000 × 8700 theoretical pixels or 6120 × 4500 actually discernible pixels.^[26] The screens used by IMAX multiplex locations range in size from 47' x 24' to 74' x 46' and those in classic IMAX locations range from 51' x 37' to 117' x 96'. The digital installations have drawn some confusion based on poor consumer differentiation to the traditional 15/70 IMAX.^[27]

IMAX digital currently uses two 2K-resolution Christie projectors with Texas Instruments Digital Light Processing technology alongside parts of IMAX's proprietary technologies. The two 2K images are projected over each other, producing an image that is potentially of a slightly higher resolution than common 2K digital cinema. Originally, IMAX had been considering using two Sony 4K projectors.^[28] Some reviewers note that this approach may not produce image quality higher than using one 4K projector, which are available for some non-IMAX theaters,^[27] including AMC's own.^[29]

IMAX 3D digital camera

In early January 2010, IMAX announced that it was developing a 3D digital camera and expects its first prototype to be ready by early 2010 with the goal of an official launch in 2011.

Benefits of the IMAX 3D digital camera include proprietary, differentiated content for the IMAX theatre network; increased content for the Company's planned joint venture 3D TV Network; and lower production costs, due to the elimination of expensive film stock.^[30]

IMAX, Discovery, Sony 3D Television Network

On January 5, 2010, IMAX announced it had entered into a joint venture partnership with Sony and Discovery Communications to develop the first 24/7 dedicated 3D television network in the U.S.. Sony, through its U.S. affiliate, Sony Corporation of America, Discovery Communications, and IMAX each will be equal partners in the joint venture. The new 3D network will feature content from genres that are most appealing in 3D, including natural history, space exploration, adventure, engineering, science and technology, and motion pictures. Children's programming from Discovery, Sony Pictures Entertainment, IMAX and other third-party providers will also be shown.^[4]

Awards

Up to 2009, ten native-format IMAX format films have received Academy Awards nomination with one win: the animated short, The Old Man and the Sea. Here is the list of films that were nominated:

• Dolphins, 2000 Documentary (Short Subject)
• More, 1998 Short Film (Animated)
• Alaska: Spirit of the Wild, 1997 Documentary (Short Subject)
• Amazon, 1997 Documentary (Short Subject)
• Cosmic Voyage, 1996 Documentary (Short Subject)
• Special Effects: Anything Can Happen, 1996 Documentary (Short Subject)
• The Living Sea, 1995 Documentary (Short Subject)
• Fires of Kuwait, 1992 Documentary (Feature)
• The Eruption of Mount St. Helens!, 1980 Documentary (Short Subject)

Many IMAX films have been remastered into HDTV format (but cropped in height to fit into 16:9 aspect ratio) for the MOJO HD channel with limited commercial interruption. They can also occasionally be shown commercial free on HDNet and with limited commercials on HD Theater.

Technical Achievement

In 1996 IMAX was awarded the only Oscar given for Scientific and Technical Achievement by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.^[31] The award cites IMAX's innovations in creating and developing a method of filming and exhibiting large-format, wide-angle motion pictures.^[32]

Other uses

Concerts and Gaming Tournaments

In July 2005 the BFI IMAX Cinema in London became the first to host live music concerts, using a digital non-IMAX projector. IMAX theatre owners increasingly look to use the venue at varying times for alternatives to films.

The Science Museum London and BFI IMAX Cinema have also hosted computer game tournaments using digital projectors on the large IMAX screen. Other IMAX Theatres have also followed suit with game tournaments on their screens as well.

Motion Simulator Rides

Due to the immersive experience offered by the IMAX format, several amusement park rides have been developed that include IMAX film segments integral to the ride experience.

• Back to the Future: The Ride at Universal Studios in Florida and California
• Horizons - a former attraction at Epcot
• Soarin' at Disneyland and Epcot

Technical specifications

IMAX (15/70)

• spherical lenses
• 70 mm film, 15 perforations per frame
• horizontal rolling loop movement, from right to left (viewed from base side)
• 24 frames per second
• camera aperture: 70.41 × 52.63 mm (2.772 × 2.072 in)
• projection aperture: at least 20.3 mm (0.80 in) less than camera aperture on the vertical axis and at least 0.016 in (0.41 mm) less on the horizontal axis
• aspect ratio: 1.44:1

IMAX Dome/OMNIMAX
Same as IMAX except:

• special fisheye lenses
• lens optically centered 9.4 mm (0.37 in) above film horizontal center line
• projected elliptically on a dome screen, 20° below and 110° above perfectly centered viewers

IMAX venues

IMAX venues

Cinesphere, the world's first permanent IMAX theatre, at Ontario Place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada	IMAX 3D at "Broadway at the Beach."	Cinepolis IMAX theatre at Galerias Shopping Mall in Guadalajara, Mexico	L'Hemisferic (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) Valencia, Spain	Warsaw, Poland IMAX Theatre.
An IMAX theatre at Niagra Falls in Ontario, Canada.	LG IMAX theatre at Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia	IMAX Cinema in Germany (near Würzburg).	The black structure seen in this photo is the Luxor IMAX Theatre, situated in the Luxor Hotel	Regal Cinemas IMAX theatre.
Prasads IMAX Theatre at Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India	IMAX theatre at the Melbourne Museum complex, Australia	IMAX theatre in downtown Sacramento, California.	Krungsri IMAX, Paragon Cineplex.	AMC IMAX theatre.
BFI London IMAX by night.	BFI London IMAX in the day.	BFI London during the release of Superman Returns.	BFI London for Polar Express.	IMAX BIG cinemas (formerly Adlabs) in Wadala, Mumbai - the world's largest IMAX Dome theatre
SM Mall of Asia IMAX Theatre in Manila, Philippines	IMAX theatre in Vienna-closed in 2005.	VieShow theatre in Taipei, Taiwan.	IMAX Dome theatre in Tampa, Florida.	Mall of Sofia, Sofia Tower and the first IMAX cinema in Southeastern Europe, are located in Sofia, the largest city and the capital of Bulgaria.
IMAX Theatre in Eilat, Israel	An IMAX theatre in Prague.	IMAX Theatre located in Chattanooga, Tennessee.	IMAX theatre in Shanghai Science and Technology Museum.	IMAX in Shanghai, China.

See also

• List of IMAX DMR films
• List of IMAX films
• List of IMAX venues
• List of IMAX-based rides
• RealD Cinema
• VFX Creative Director

References

External links

• IMAX.com, the official Web site
• IMAX iPad App, IMAX iPad App
• Large Formats, Describes the differences between the three different "large-format" or "giant-screen" formats, the IMAX Digital format, and the conventional formats.
• The-Numbers.com, IMAX box office figures
• Bibalex.org, Bibliotheca Alexandrina Planetarium Science Center
• LSC.org, Liberty Science Center: Home of the Nation's Largest IMAX Theater
• IMAX in Russia, Moscow IMAX Web site
• Behind the Scenes Tour of The IMAX at the Maryland Science Center
• Map of theaters that are or aren't actual IMAX formats
• IMAX Soundtracks Database, IMAX Soundtracks Database
• IMAX Films, downloads

Motion picture film formats Film gauges 8 mm · 9.5 mm · 16 mm · 35 mm · 70 mm Film formats 35 mm: CinemaScope (1953) · VistaVision (1954) · Modern anamorphic (1957) · Super 35 (1982) 70 mm: Todd-AO (1953) · IMAX (1970) 35 mm × 3 strips: Cinerama (1952) · Kinopanorama (1958) · Cinemiracle (1958) Video aspect ratio standards 4:3 · 16:9 · 14:9 Video framing issues Widescreen · Anamorphic widescreen · Letterbox · Fullscreen or Pan and scan · Open matte · Shoot and protect Portal:Film