Baltimore Sun profiles latest crop of IMAX multiplex screens

The Baltimore Sun takes a look at IMAX’s foray into multiplexes thanks to their digital projection system:

Traditional IMAX theaters, like the one at the Inner Harbor’s science center, use projectors equipped to handle 70mm film, twice the size of the film used in most theaters. It’s the jumbo film size that allows movies shot in IMAX to be projected on such large screens without any loss of image quality.

But the size was also limiting. It was one of the reasons that specialized buildings often were needed; most theaters didn’t have projection facilities big enough to handle the oversize film, not to mention the pumped-up sound. Also, the bulky cameras needed to shoot films in IMAX kept them from being used for most Hollywood films. For years, IMAX was reserved for nature and science documentaries, as well as the occasional concert film.

That has changed, however, with the increasing popularity of digital projection, which eliminates the need for film. Although smaller than traditional IMAX screens, those being installed at AMC theaters are about 25 percent bigger than normal. They’re also curved, to increase the audience’s sense of being immersed in the film. The film also projects about 80 percent brighter than in regular theaters, allowing for brighter colors and higher contrast.

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