When four Canadian innovators developed a new projection system for Expo ’67 in Montreal, they couldn’t have known they were about to revolutionize cinema forever. IMAX technology would go on to become the gold standard for theatrical experiences, fundamentally changing how audiences engage with films.
The technical achievement of IMAX begins with its massive film format – running 70mm film horizontally instead of vertically, creating an image area nearly ten times larger than traditional 35mm film. This innovation, combined with custom-designed theaters featuring giant screens and optimized viewing angles, created an unprecedented level of immersion.
IMAX’s journey from documentary showcase to mainstream entertainment medium is fascinating. Initially confined to museums and science centers, the format gained widespread recognition when filmmakers like Christopher Nolan began incorporating IMAX cameras into major productions. ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008) marked a turning point, with six sequences filmed in IMAX, while ‘Dunkirk’ (2017) pushed boundaries further with 75% of the film shot in the format.
Despite the challenges of working with bulky IMAX cameras (weighing 238 pounds) and limited recording times (just 3 minutes per magazine), directors continue embracing the format for its unparalleled visual impact. The results speak for themselves – films like ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ have generated over $250 million from IMAX screenings alone.
Perhaps most importantly, IMAX has helped ensure cinema’s survival in the streaming era by offering an experience that simply can’t be replicated at home. Its success has spawned numerous competitors in the premium large format space, but IMAX maintains its position through continuous innovation, including the introduction of IMAX with Laser projection systems.
From its humble beginnings at Ontario Place’s Cinesphere in 1971 to today’s network of over 1,500 theaters across 80+ countries, IMAX has redefined what it means to watch a movie. It doesn’t just show you a story – it surrounds you with it, creating an experience that’s less about watching and more about being there. As traditional theaters face increasing competition from home entertainment, IMAX continues to prove that some experiences are worth leaving home for.