IMAX for the MAXI Cinematic Experience

IMAX technology has brought a whole new dimension to the cinematic experience. With the film travelling through the projector at 24 frames per second, at a rate of 334 feet per minute, this means for the average IMAX film there is nearly 2 miles of film. Although the more traditional 35mm projector projects 24 frames per second, it doesn’t travel at nearly as fast and only manages to run at a rate of 90 feet per minute. So the IMAX is more than 3 ½ times quicker.

Another difference is found with the direction the film moves. 35mm film moves vertically through a projector whereas IMAX moves horizontally. IMAX film also moves in a continuous wave like motion known as Rolling Loop, which is once again different to conventional projectors that use an intermittent transport system.

IMAX Cameras

Because the IMAX film format is so huge, it is only possible for the film canisters to hold 3 minutes of film at a time. After a scene has been filmed for three minutes the camera has to be reloaded and this takes about half an hour!

IMAX 3D Camera

A 3D film is essentially 2 films being shown at the same time. The 3D camera operates just like a set of eyes. It has two lenses set the same distance apart as eyes and films images for both the left and right eye simultaneously.

These 2 images then have to be projected through polarised glass, but of course each eye is polarised differently to make sure the left eye does not see the image of the right eye and vice versa. A pair of polarised glasses is then worn by the viewer to keep the 2 images separate and these are then merged by your brain so that the picture is complete.