Let me tell you right away that, for the most part, I’m not a fan of 3D. Sure, there was a time, back in the day, that I actually enjoyed screaming when Jaws swam out of the screen with teeth snapping hungrily. Those times are over or so I thought. Korea’s IMAX 3D laser project system has reinvigorated my enthusiasm for all things 3D. Watching Star Wars The Last Jedi in all its laser glory brought tears to my eyes.
Millions upon millions of dollars poured into the IMAX 3D laser system. It’s the largest investment to date made by the company. Screens boasting 100-by-80 feet showcase a picture at a 1.43:1 ratio, producing crisp images upon a huge sprawling space. Now that’s a canvas any director would envy to work upon. You have to see it to believe it and when you do you may never want to go back to the old way of watching a movie. Of course, this cornucopia of visual delights comes at a cost. Expect your ticket prices to double at least.
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Representing the largest R&D investment in its history, IMAX with laser draws on the company’s 47 years of intellectual property, the exclusive laser-related patents that IMAX licensed from Kodak, and laser innovations from its projection partner, Barco.
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IMAX with laser delivers audiences unparalleled levels of brightness, contrast, color and sound.
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It is designed for IMAX’s largest screens (75 feet or greater in width) and can present an aspect ratio of up to 1:43:1.
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IMAX with laser features two 4K projectors running simultaneously with sub-pixel alignment in both 2D and 3D to deliver a perceived resolution greater than 4K.
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A new 12 channel with sub-bass sound system, featuring ceiling loudspeakers and additional side wall speakers, that delivers a new kind of visceral sound experience.
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In addition to built-in image calibration and audio tuning features, the system is linked to IMAX’s 24/7/365 Network Operations Center, which is constantly monitoring thousands of system components to ensure optimum performance, show after show.
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The Cineplex ScotiaBank Theater in Toronto was the first theater to debut IMAX with laser. The TCL Chinese Theater was the first in the U.S. to debut the technology and it was done in conjunction with the first worldwide film premiere to be presented in laser for Furious 7 in April 2015.
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IMAX has signed more than 71 laser deals around the world including the most prestigious and iconic commercial theaters, museums and science centers.
All of this may seem like nonsense and gobbledygook to a layman’s eyes but once a 3D laser film starts you will immediately realize how all those data points translate into a fully realized experience. Once those glasses slid onto my face I opened eyes to a clear, bright, and brilliant spectacle. Gone were the old blurry and headache inducing images of foregone 3D. The colors shone with a drenched crayola aspect and the black spaces were inky delights. Overall the effect transforms the movie into an extravaganza for the eye to behold.
Don’t take my word for it. Go, now, to a theater and experience the 3D laser system for yourself!
