IMAX - why isn't it popular here?

T

Todd K

New member
I have just found out that Bristol Imax has closed (I'm a little late on that one) and Bournemouth Imax doesn't look like it is going to reopen. Why is this? I love Imax, I have been to Futuroscope in France a few times, a theme-park dedicated to Imax and cinema.

The experience with a 3D film is amazing, and some mainstream films are available in Imax format - I know Harry Potter is. So why not more success for the cinemas?
 
I've only ever been to see a couple of Imax films..Deep Sea and one about a little boy (both in London).

These films were both quite short I personally don't know if I would enjoy a full length feature film in one sitting as I do feel a bit light headed after.

I would really like to see a full length scary one but I would need a break in the middle:)

Don't think I would go (and assume others don't go) often enough either which must be the reason there aren't that many about
 
I went to Imax at the Science Musuem and it was a great experience. I can't actually remember the film I saw (something about fish and robots :o) but the 3D effect and the huge screen was amazing.
 
I've never been to an Imax cinema - could somebody explain it to me?

How can they show a film like Harry Potter on an Imax screen if it's only meant for films made in 3D?
 
The main feature of IMAX is the screen size. It is huge!!!! The idea is to cover your entire field of vision, rather than just looking at a rectangle screen.

This can be added too by using 2 projectors for 3D presentations. So not all films are 3D.
 
Right, so they can show regular films there too.

I saw Jaws 3D at the cinema years ago and that was really good so I imagine with today's 3D film-making technology plus an Imax screen, it'll brilliant.

I'll have to find out my nearest screen and try to go.
 
It isn't quite showing normal films, it uses special film, though often they can show regular films - they just don't fill up the whole screen.

For a big film like Harry Potter there will be a special IMAX print.
 
IMAX is rubbish for watching narrative films in my experience. I went to see Superman Returns at the theatre in Waterloo and it was like having your nose pressed against the TV screen. Bewildering.
 
Only been to the Bristol one and loved it. Was about the last moon landing. Tried to look for other IMAX cinema's but non are by me (Merseyside). There used to be one in Bradford but I don't know if it's still there. Either way, I'm glad I got to see at least one IMAX feature as it's way more impressive than the old red/blue cardboard glasses 3D thing.
 
Looks like there is one in Manchester:

Odeon Manchester
6-8 Dantzic St.
Manchester
M4 2AD

And it looks like the Braford one is still there (it is on Imax.com
 
Thats the one I go to at the printworks. Seen Polar Express 3D and some short IMAX film with Elvira. :confused: :D

Even though Ive been before, still overwhelms you when you get in there and see the size of the bloody screen. Its like 3 busses long :D
 
Agreed. and your enjoyment of the 3D appears to depend on where you're sitting. If you're on the edge of the 'sweet spot' you just get double vision. Where's the fun in that?
And Superman flying in 3D just looks like a man superimposed on a background - just like the old films!
There's still work to be done it seems.
I was also annoyed that Happy Feet didn't get a 3D IMAX release in the end as the ickle dancing penguin in the 3D trailer looked cute ;).
 
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