IMAX auditoriums use distinct 1.90:1 or 1.43:1 aspect ratios for digital and film projection, resulting in screens that are notably taller and squarer than standard cinemas, some reaching nearly 60 feet tall for 70mm showings. Filmmakers like Christopher Nolan note that shooting for IMAX means capturing more visual information and carefully planning framing so movies translate across different screen shapes, rather than simply blowing up existing footage.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-05
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.
engadget.com
· 2026-08-27
Despite IMAX existing since 1970, few films are shot using true IMAX cameras due to their massive size, weight, and noise. The cameras require expensive 65-70mm film that runs out quickly, forcing frequent stoppages that slow production and raise costs, as Tom Holland experienced on The Odyssey set. Even newer, quieter IMAX cameras like the one used on that film still weigh nearly 400 pounds, making them impractical for many scenes.
engadget.com
· 2026-08-24
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