GoKawiilIMAX theaters vary widely in screen size, sparking 'LieMAX' criticism
Interest in true IMAX screenings has surged with Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, but not all theaters bearing the IMAX logo offer the same experience. Some venues feature massive 1.43:1 screens using 70mm film or dual-laser projection, while others are simply converted multiplex auditoriums with smaller, wider screens. This disparity has fueled the derisive nickname 'LieMAX' among moviegoers since 2009.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The inconsistency matters because consumers pay premium prices expecting a specific large-format experience, yet the IMAX brand covers a wide range of screen sizes and technologies without clear differentiation at the point of sale. As blockbuster films increasingly market their IMAX exclusivity, audiences may be misled about what they're actually getting, raising questions about labeling transparency in premium cinema formats.
- IMAX branding covers vastly different screen sizes and projection technologies across theaters.
- The 'LieMAX' nickname emerged in 2009 when digital IMAX screens in multiplexes proved smaller than classic giant screens.
- IMAX's CEO has previously admitted screen size varies but argued it's only one part of the overall experience.
Interstellar 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray — If chasing a true 1.43:1 IMAX screening isn't in the cards, Christopher Nolan's Interstellar on 4K Ultra HD brings his IMAX-shot sequences home in expanded aspect ratio glory. It's a great way to appreciate what large-format photography actually looks like, no LieMAX asterisk required.
See Interstellar 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Husain Parvez, 2026-08-27
Published there as: “IMAX or LieMax? How to tell the difference”
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