TDK in IMAX . . . See it!

Lee Stewart · 07-27-2008, 05:27 PM

Unbelievable

Incredible

Mind Boggling

The Dark Knight HAS to be seen in IMAX. This is truly the way to watch a Hollywood movie.

Nolan's use of filming in IMAX is revolutionary. The opening sequence just forces you back in your seat - it is breath taking to say the least. You know you are in for a special treat.

No cell phones - no crying kids - no talking - just 300 people watching an incredible experience and they all knew it.

The second the movie was over - the theater erupted in conversation all saying the same thing; "What a movie . . . what a way to show a movie."

The IMAX sequences are dispersed throughout the entire movie. The cityscapes will send chills down your spine while the action sequences move you forward in your seat than throw you right back into it.

The sound? Stupendous. Clear as a bell and forceful as a locomotive. The bass goes right through you - your knees shake yet it is not overpowering. No ringing of ears when the movie is over.

I am not steering anyone wrong here. Make whatever sacrifice you have to make - be it time or money.

Go see TDK in IMAX. Even if you have seen this movie at a regular theater. See it again - to see it at it's very best.

**kamspy** · 07-27-2008, 06:21 PM

I agree. What a presentation.

But I do have a question that you may have the answer to:

Do all IMAX theaters have a uniform speaker layout and manufacturer?

I saw Hancock in a Dolby Digital Presentation (any info on those? I know it's not just the audio because the theater lists all the regular rooms having DD EX) and it sounder much tighter than TDK in IMAX. The bass and mids were punchier and much more firm.

Nothing against the audio in the IMAX showing, just some of the low end felt a bit hollow at my theater. I'm wondering if there is an "IMAX Standard" of some sort for audio calibration and hardware.

Lee Stewart · 07-27-2008, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamspy

I agree. What a presentation.

But I do have a question that you may have the answer to:

Do all IMAX theaters have a uniform speaker layout and manufacturer?

Yes - same speaker layout for all IMAX theaters.

Here is an article on IMAX sound you will enjoy:

http://digitalcontentproducer.com/ma...nough_everest/

Quote:

IMAX SOUND
Unlike conventional theatre sound systems, IMAX digital surround sound systems deliver multi-channel, uncompressed, full fidelity sound that is simply unsurpassed in depth and clarity. IMAX's amplifiers generate up to 14,000 watts of power, not volume, to provide the audience with life-like sound. IMAX's proprietary loudspeaker system delivers exacting volume and quality at every seat throughout the theatre. From a small drop of rain to an enormous clap of thunder, you'll hear every shade and subtlety, regardless of where you are sitting.

http://www.imax.com/ImaxWeb/imaxExpe...atreTechSelect

Other articles on IMAX sound:

http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/filmnotes/imax.html

http://www.in70mm.com/newsletter/199...ound/index.htm

Quote:

I saw Hancock in a Dolby Digital Presentation (any info on those? I know it's not just the audio because the theater lists all the regular rooms having DD EX) and it sounder much tighter than TDK in IMAX. The bass and mids were punchier and much more firm.

The Digital theaters can and do use Dolby TrueHD

Quote:

Nothing against the audio in the IMAX showing, just some of the low end felt a bit hollow at my theater. I'm wondering if there is an "IMAX Standard" of some sort for audio calibration and hardware.

Maybe you are so used to hearing; "thump thump" instead of clarity at the low end.

That is what the 12,000 to 15,000 watts of power is for - clarity - not sound volume.

ah802 · 07-27-2008, 06:55 PM

Saw this yesterday at the local Imax, and as usual was impressed.. this theater has been sold out.. days in-advance. This local Imax has a laser intro with an introduction to Imax including an audio presentation which didn't seem lacking. As I'm a bit picky when it comes to PQ, I was was looking for the tell tale signs of artifact compression or some abnormalities.. and I thought I spotted some; but very untypical.. more like spotting snow than moving jelly cubes. The effect was almost an enhanced sharpness. It'll be interesting to see how this translates into HD.

**kamspy** · 07-27-2008, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

Maybe you are so used to hearing; "thump thump" instead of clarity at the low end.

That is what the 12,000 to 15,000 watts of power is for - clarity - not sound volume.

Likely.

Come to think of it, it did sound more 'realistic' compared to usually audio tracks accompanying movies. The part where Wayne is doing the 'bullet fingerprint' bit with the large chain gun on the rail really sounded intense.

Here's a link to my theater. They have IMAX, Dobly Digital Projection, 'Regual' Digital, something called RWC/DVS and DigitalDine.

Know any differences about these different projection types?

Lee Stewart · 07-27-2008, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamspy

Likely.

Come to think of it, it did sound more 'realistic' compared to usually audio tracks accompanying movies. The part where Wayne is doing the 'bullet fingerprint' bit with the large chain gun on the rail really sounded intense.

Here's a link to my theater. They have IMAX, Dobly Digital Projection, 'Regual' Digital, something called RWC/DVS and DigitalDine.

Know any differences about these different projection types?

Dolby Digital Projection (not the projector - the support rack equipement):

http://www.dolby.com/professional/mo...alcinemas.html

RWC and DVS are two types of aide for hearing impaired people.

'Regual' Digital - is that a typo? Should it be Regal Digital?

Regal Digital Cinema's use DLP PJ's by Christie and Barco. They also are backing RealD - the 3D digital format. Dolby has a competing 3D format.

DigitalDine - I suspect that is dinner and a movie in a digital cinema.

Lee Stewart · 07-27-2008, 08:03 PM

Another benefit to seeing TDK in an IMAX theater:

You will be seeing a 35mm camera negative blown up to IMAX 15/70.

The clarity of the 35mm sequences is MUCH better than the prints you see in a commerical theater.

The old problem of the large falloff from the resolution of the CN to the print you see at the theater doesn't happen because IMAX starts with so much resolution.

mytime · 07-27-2008, 08:19 PM

Saw TDK today. But alas not Imax. I don't have an IMAX theater here in the sticks.

gossamer · 07-27-2008, 08:41 PM

I unfortunately did not have the experience you guys had. I saw it at City Center in White Plains' so-called IMAX theater. IT IS NOT! They charge a premium for a bigger-than-normal screen and call it an IMAX. I've been to plenty of IMAX movies, and this was not one of them. In fact I was surprise to find that they had an IMAX screen. I've been there plenty of times. This is the first I've heard of it, and said...hmmm, they built an IMAX there? Wow, gotta go check it out. Boy was I pissed. Needless to say I let the management have it. All they said was that it was certified by IMAX...yeah right! And of course apologize that I felt unsatisfied.

Lee Stewart · 07-27-2008, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gossamer

I unfortunately did not have the experience you guys had. I saw it at City Center in White Plains' so-called IMAX theater. IT IS NOT! They charge a premium for a bigger-than-normal screen and call it an IMAX. I've been to plenty of IMAX movies, and this was not one of them. In fact I was surprise to find that they had an IMAX screen. I've been there plenty of times. This is the first I've heard of it, and said...hmmm, they built an IMAX there? Wow, gotta go check it out. Boy was I pissed. Needless to say I let the management have it. All they said was that it was certified by IMAX...yeah right! And of course apologize that I felt unsatisfied.

What about the IMAX theater in that big mall off the NYS Truway?

gossamer · 07-27-2008, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

What about the IMAX theater in that big mall off the NYS Truway?

West Nyack, NY? I believe it was not playing there. Besides I was looking forward to going to one I had never been to.

Lee Stewart · 07-27-2008, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gossamer

West Nyack, NY? I believe it was not playing there.

It is:

http://www.imax.com/palisades/

Quote:

Besides I was looking forward to going to one I had never been to.

My IMAX theater is considered a small one - 300 seats - 5 story tall screen - (Ft. lauderdale)

The Sony IMAX in NYC is a big one - 900 seats and an 8 story tall screen

Did you get suspicious when you went to the theater you went to and didn't see a large building?

**kamspy** · 07-27-2008, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

Dolby Digital Projection (not the projector - the support rack equipement):

http://www.dolby.com/professional/mo...alcinemas.html

RWC and DVS are two types of aide for hearing impaired people.

'Regual' Digital - is that a typo? Should it be Regal Digital?

Regal Digital Cinema's use DLP PJ's by Christie and Barco. They also are backing RealD - the 3D digital format. Dolby has a competing 3D format.

DigitalDine - I suspect that is dinner and a movie in a digital cinema.

Thanks for the clarification.

Yes, it is Regal. I'm especially dense tonight.

And yes they do have a theater dining experience. But I hear the food is bad and expensive. That's likely what the DigitalDine bit was. Happy I didn't go to see one thinking it was a different tech.

I only print the tickets online and walk straight into the theater hall. I like to skip the lobby bit, so I wouldn't have known until I got there.

I'll pass on listening to people order drinks and chew during my movie.

Thanks for the tip.

But I wonder why the hearing impaired bit is only available on one screen there.

brant · 07-28-2008, 01:12 AM

after initially not being on the schedule, the nearest imax reported:

Quote:

Due to the high volume of phone calls inquiring about when we will be showing the film, we want you to know that we WILL BE showing the film, but it may be a few weeks after the intial studio release. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions for an explination as to why it will not appear on our schedule on the release date.

I checked the FAQ's:

Quote:

Q. I saw an ad on TV that said a movie was coming soon in IMAX®. Why isn't it at the Challenger Learning Center IMAX® Theatre?
A. The short answer is that we will eventually play some movies that you may see advertised on TV, but not all of them. Some of the movie distributors have determined that the Tallahassee market is too small to warrant the release of a major film on the same day that it opens in regular movie theatres. We can usually get the film after it has completed its run in major markets, but it will likely be 6-8 weeks after the date mentioned in the commercials you may have seen.

So it looks like it may be two months before I get to see it. I think I'm going to skip seeing it right now at the regular theater and just wait for the imax.

gossamer · 07-28-2008, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

Did you get suspicious when you went to the theater you went to and didn't see a large building?

The Theater sits on the 3rd floor of an 11-story building.

07-27-2008, 05:27 PM	#1
Lee Stewart Behold - the future! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Age: 58 Posts: 25,193	TDK in IMAX . . . See it! Unbelievable Incredible Mind Boggling The Dark Knight HAS to be seen in IMAX. This is truly the way to watch a Hollywood movie. Nolan's use of filming in IMAX is revolutionary. The opening sequence just forces you back in your seat - it is breath taking to say the least. You know you are in for a special treat. No cell phones - no crying kids - no talking - just 300 people watching an incredible experience and they all knew it. The second the movie was over - the theater erupted in conversation all saying the same thing; "What a movie . . . what a way to show a movie." The IMAX sequences are dispersed throughout the entire movie. The cityscapes will send chills down your spine while the action sequences move you forward in your seat than throw you right back into it. The sound? Stupendous. Clear as a bell and forceful as a locomotive. The bass goes right through you - your knees shake yet it is not overpowering. No ringing of ears when the movie is over. I am not steering anyone wrong here. Make whatever sacrifice you have to make - be it time or money. Go see TDK in IMAX. Even if you have seen this movie at a regular theater. See it again - to see it at it's very best.

07-27-2008, 08:41 PM	#9
gossamer 50 is the new 42 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Da Boogie-down Bronx Posts: 538	I unfortunately did not have the experience you guys had. I saw it at City Center in White Plains' so-called IMAX theater. IT IS NOT! They charge a premium for a bigger-than-normal screen and call it an IMAX. I've been to plenty of IMAX movies, and this was not one of them. In fact I was surprise to find that they had an IMAX screen. I've been there plenty of times. This is the first I've heard of it, and said...hmmm, they built an IMAX there? Wow, gotta go check it out. Boy was I pissed. Needless to say I let the management have it. All they said was that it was certified by IMAX...yeah right! And of course apologize that I felt unsatisfied. __________________ Living Room: Panasonic TH-50PZ700U Plasma Scientific-Atlanta SA8300HD DVR Sony PlayStation 3 80GB Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD Toshiba SD-4700 SD DVD Apple Mac mini, 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo Onkyo TX-SR706 Receiver Paradigm Cinema 110 Speaker System Pioneer CLD-3070 LaserDisc Player Quasar VHQ760 VCR Bedroom: Panasonic TC26LX50 26-inch LCD Scientific-Atlanta SA8300HD DVR Panasonic DMP-BD30K Blu-ray Panasonic DMRES15 DVD Recorder JVC HR-S8000U S-VHS

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07-27-2008, 06:21 PM	#2
kamspy Esteban Moderatoro Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cincinnati,OH Good Posts: 12 Posts: 13,051	I agree. What a presentation. But I do have a question that you may have the answer to: Do all IMAX theaters have a uniform speaker layout and manufacturer? I saw Hancock in a Dolby Digital Presentation (any info on those? I know it's not just the audio because the theater lists all the regular rooms having DD EX) and it sounder much tighter than TDK in IMAX. The bass and mids were punchier and much more firm. Nothing against the audio in the IMAX showing, just some of the low end felt a bit hollow at my theater. I'm wondering if there is an "IMAX Standard" of some sort for audio calibration and hardware.

07-27-2008, 06:55 PM	#4
ah802 Visual Arts Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,241	Saw this yesterday at the local Imax, and as usual was impressed.. this theater has been sold out.. days in-advance. This local Imax has a laser intro with an introduction to Imax including an audio presentation which didn't seem lacking. As I'm a bit picky when it comes to PQ, I was was looking for the tell tale signs of artifact compression or some abnormalities.. and I thought I spotted some; but very untypical.. more like spotting snow than moving jelly cubes. The effect was almost an enhanced sharpness. It'll be interesting to see how this translates into HD.

07-27-2008, 08:03 PM	#7
Lee Stewart Behold - the future! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Age: 58 Posts: 25,193	Another benefit to seeing TDK in an IMAX theater: You will be seeing a 35mm camera negative blown up to IMAX 15/70. The clarity of the 35mm sequences is MUCH better than the prints you see in a commerical theater. The old problem of the large falloff from the resolution of the CN to the print you see at the theater doesn't happen because IMAX starts with so much resolution.

07-27-2008, 08:19 PM	#8
mytime Nanerpuss Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Jackson, Missouri Posts: 5,063	Saw TDK today. But alas not Imax. I don't have an IMAX theater here in the sticks.