IMAX is a motion picture film format and a set of proprietary cinema projection standards created by the Canadian company IMAX Corporation. IMAX has the capacity to record and display images of far greater size and resolution than conventional film systems. Since 2002, some feature films have been converted (or upgraded) into IMAX format for display in IMAX theatres and some have also been partial
ly shot in IMAX. As of 31st December 2013, there were 837 IMAX theatres in 57 countries.
*What are the features of IMAX 3D? To create the illusion of depth, the IMAX 3D process uses separate camera lenses to represent the left and right eyes. The two lenses are separated by a distance of 64 mm (2.5 in), the average distance between a human's eyes. Each lens feeds a separate roll of film. By projecting the two films simultaneously, viewers experience seeing a 3D image on 2D screen. The IMAX 3D camera weighs over 113 kg (250 lb). One method of creating the 3D illusion involves polarizing the light from the two images. During projection, the left and right eye images are linearly polarized as they are projected. Eyeglasses with right and left lenses polarized to match the projection present each eye with just the image intended for that eye since the polarization cancels out the other eye's image. Alternatively the two projectors take turns displaying each frame (while one projector's image is displayed, the other is blocked) at an effective rate of 48 frames per second. The viewer dons LCD shutter glasses that contain LCD panels that block or transmit light in each eye in sync with the projector, such that each eye only sees the image intended for it. Several films produced in a smaller-format 3D process for release in conventional theatres have also been presented in IMAX 3D, including Toy Story 3, Tron: Legacy, Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Avatar.
*What makes IMAX so special as compared to a normal theatre? Both the screen and the actual film reel is larger than your normal theater. A film produced specifically in IMAX will use film stock that is twice as big as 35mm, and a frame size four times as big. This captures far more detail than traditional photography. IMAX's primary application today is presenting 35mm productions on their large screens. They use a special Digital process to blow the 35mm negative up to their IMAX stock sizes without blowing up the flaws and grain so you get a larger, more impressive experience. They also utilize a far more powerful sound system with some 12,000 watts driving it. You get a much more powerful, rich and detailed sound experience. For large event pictures, an IMAX showing can really add to the experience.
