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Posted by Michael Coate (Member # 757) on 04-08-2007, 08:12 AM:
Press Release
quote:
IMAX Enters Joint Venture with Regal Cinemas, Inc.
World's Largest Exhibitor Expands Its IMAX(R) Theatre Network With Three New Locations Scheduled to Open in Time for Release of 'Spider-Man 3: The IMAX Experience'
TORONTO, March 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ:IMAX; TSX:IMX) and Regal Cinemas, Inc., a subsidiary of Regal Entertainment Group, the world's largest theatre chain, today announced a joint venture agreement for the installation of two IMAX MPX(R) theatre systems at top-performing multiplexes in California and Oregon in the next two months. The deal marks a significant first step in IMAX's new strategy of partnering with key exhibitors to supplement the growth of the IMAX(R) theatre network. Separately, Regal agreed to install an IMAX theatre at its newly redeveloped Pointe Complex in Orlando, Florida.
Under the terms of the two-system joint venture agreement, which is the first of its kind between IMAX and Regal, IMAX MPX theatre systems will be installed at the Edwards Mira Mesa Stadium 18 in San Diego, California and the Regal Cinemas Bridgeport 18 in Portland, Oregon. Both theatres are scheduled to open in time for the May 4 launch of Spider-Man 3: The IMAX Experience. The third IMAX theatre, at the Pointe Complex in Orlando, Florida, is also expected to open by May 4. This theatre will be operated under the Company's existing lease arrangement with Regal. Regal currently is the largest operator of IMAX theatres worldwide, and today's announcement will bring the total number of IMAX theatres operated by Regal to 15.
"We are very pleased to continue and re-invigorate our long relationship with Regal by entering into this joint venture partnership," said IMAX's Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs, Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "Regal has been a great operator of its existing IMAX network, and we are gratified to participate with its team in additional theatres. Regal is a natural fit for this type of partnership, and we are confident that its experience in the IMAX theatre business will contribute to the success of these new theatres."
"We look forward to working with IMAX as it further develops and grows the IMAX DMR(R) film slate. We believe that IMAX theatres offer a high quality experience that is attractive to our customers," stated Mike Campbell, CEO of Regal Entertainment Group.
The two new theatre sites will utilize IMAX MPX technology, designed specifically to enable multiplex operators to more cost effectively enter into the IMAX theatre business, either by retrofitting an existing stadium seating auditorium or via an economical new build. The new IMAX theatres will be capable of playing Hollywood event films that have been digitally re-mastered into IMAX's format, as well as original IMAX productions in 2D and IMAX(R) 3D. The Pointe Orlando system will feature an IMAX GT system.
IMAX's 2007 film slate already includes three of the year's most anticipated releases, with 300 which, opened March 9; Spider-Man 3, which opens May 4; and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which opens July 3.
It's about time San Diego got a commercial IMAX theatre considering the area's 1 million+ population (2 million+ when including the suburbs and North County, and 3 million+ when including the illegal aliens).
Posted by Mike Olpin (Member # 1115) on 04-08-2007, 11:23 AM:
Guess who's going to be running the projector at Mira Mesa...
Posted by Michael Coate (Member # 757) on 04-09-2007, 01:27 AM:
What markets do you think need an IMAX theatre? What large markets could justify another IMAX screen or two?
Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 04-09-2007, 10:11 AM:
Oklahoma City could use a IMAX-branded theater capable of 3D. The closest thing to that currently in OKC is the Iwerks 15/70-based dome screen theater at the Omniplex Science Museum.
I have heard rumors about Dickinson Theaters making a deal with IMAX and plans to build a new IMAX theater somewhere in OKC. There was even a mention of it on the company's website. Staffers at IMAX say there are currently no plans of IMAX going into Oklahoma City. Not to intentionally insult Dickinson Theaters, but I'm a little concerned about how they're going to implement IMAX in the theaters they actually build. They're reportedly going with the MPX system and likely putting in significantly smaller, less costly auditoriums. The auditoriums would also be equipped with standard audio systems instead of the more powerful audio systems typically found in full size IMAX theaters.
My own feeling is IMAX needs to at least be shown big. If the format is run on a screen not really any bigger than some larger standard movie screens then the result is going to be very underwhelming. Combine that with all the low-rez IMAX DMR blow-ups we're seeing and many will just be asking, "why freaking bother in the first place?"
Why would I want to pay anything extra at all to see something like a 2K resolution movie shown on a kinda big screen? The IMAX logo isn't going to be enough to sell that stuff. I might not mind the more modest screen size if actual 15/70 photographed material was still being shown on it. But if it's merely 2K blow up shit, I might as well watch the show in 35mm or 2K digital on a normal sized movie screen. And if I want the image to be "big" I'll just move a few rows closer to the screen.
The folks at IMAX really need to consider just how their brand and their product is being negatively affected in all of this. True 15/70 material on gigantic screens is the only real IMAX format. Anything less is a compromise. Not enough people know that at this point, but I think more will figure out the difference.
I also think this is the same sort of thing that eventually killed off 5-perf 70mm for standard movie theaters. Once the 35/70 blow ups were deemed "good enough" we saw nearly all the native 65/70 work disappear. IMAX seems to be heading in the same direction.
Anyway, those are my concerns with movie theater chains trying to adopt IMAX on the cheap.
Posted by Michael Coate (Member # 757) on 04-09-2007, 04:41 PM:
Dickinson's IMAX plans
quote:
Dickinson Theatres is 'Thinking BIG'
Dickinson Theatres Enters IMAX(R) Theatre Business on Heels of Strong Performing Hollywood IMAX Releases
"Moviegoers are paying a premium to see Hollywood movies in IMAX's format, and with more major studio releases coming each year, we felt now was the right time to enter the IMAX theatre business," said John Hartley, CEO of Dickinson Theatres, Inc. "The installation of IMAX theatres in our new locations will help us earn incremental revenue and differentiate ourselves from competitors. Moreover, the IMAX theatres will help ensure that our multiplexes offer the world's most powerful and immersive cinematic experience."
Dickinson Theatres will open its IMAX theatres in Mesa, Arizona; Little Rock, Arkansas; Springfield, Missouri; and Wichita, Kansas; with the fifth location to be determined. The first theatre is scheduled to be installed in 2007, with the next three in 2008 and the fifth to be installed in 2009. All of the theatres will utilize IMAX MPX(R) technology, designed specifically to enable multiplex operators to more cost effectively enter into the IMAX theatre business, either by retrofitting an existing stadium-seating auditorium or via an economical new build. The new IMAX theatres will be capable of playing Hollywood event films that have been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R), as well as original IMAX productions in 2D and IMAX(R) 3D.
quote:
DICKINSON THEATRES TO BUILD “IMAX” THEATRE IN OKLAHOMA CITY
Dickinson Theatres and the Oklahoma City community have shared many a laugh and a few tears through the years at the Penn Square Mall 10 Cinemas. Our theatres have brought Oklahoma City movie fans the finest in Hollywood film fare through the years. Today we are proud to announce our newest venture with the Oklahoma City community and This time we ‘THINK BIG!’
Dickinson Theatres in 2009 ‘EVENT-IZES’ the Movies in Oklahoma City at our fabulous new ‘IMAX’ Motion Picture Complex located in Oklahoma City.
Today’s most popular movies presented Bigger than Life on Dickinson’s Giant, 5-story tall ‘IMAX’ Screen! Dickinson Theatres will also feature the full “IMAX” Library of films shown at museums and cultural centers all across the country – “Fins, Fur and Fish” as described by “IMAX” in 2D or 3D. An Audio and Visual entertainment experience of 70 feet wide proportions! We are thrilled to be able to bring the total ‘IMAX’ Experience to Oklahoma City in 2009.
We are Dickinson Theatres, Purveyors Of The Motion Picture Experience since 1920. Rich in tradition. Excited about our future. YOU are part of it!
[ 04-11-2007, 04:46 AM: Message edited by: Michael Coate ]
Posted by Sam King (Member # 4029) on 04-09-2007, 07:31 PM:
Am I the only one dissapointed with all these NEW MPX theatres? When is someone going to build a REAL new IMAX.
Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 04-10-2007, 03:31 PM:
I think the time where formats like IMAX were done right may fading into history. I also think many of these low cost MPX builds going into service will not last very long and eventually be converted over to 35mm or 2K digital projection.
These days lots of bean counters are eaten up with the "digital" buzzword and stupidly think it can be used for any purpose. When I see what is happening it makes me think of similar abominations taking place in print graphics. You pick up a certain magazine or newspaper and the cover photo is so low in resolution the pixels are big enough to make the image look like it was put together with Lego bricks. But, hey, as long as the artwork as "digital" it's perfectly acceptable!
Posted by Michael Coate (Member # 757) on 04-10-2007, 11:22 PM:
Santikos Enters Houston Market
quote:
Legendary South Texas Movie Theater Owner Announces Plans for A 19-Screen, 200,000-Square-Foot Theater, Retail and Restaurant Project On Highway 249 Near Tomball Development Will Include a New IMAX Theater
SAN ANTONIO, April 11, 2006–John Santikos, the legendary South Texas entrepreneur who has built a movie theater empire in the Alamo City, announces his first foray into the Houston market with the groundbreaking of Silverado Station, a 200,000 square-foot retail development located at the northwest corner of Highway 249 and Northpoint near the proposed Grand Parkway and the city of Tomball.
Silverado Station will feature a 5,000-seat, state-of-the-art, 19-screen, 100,000 square-foot movie megaplex with an additional 100,000 square feet of entertainment, retail and restaurant space. Site Though site work actually started a few weeks ago, construction began this week and is slated for completion by the end of the year.
“The Silverado is destined to be the most unique theater in the Houston metroplex,” Santikos said. “We are thrilled to be entering this exciting and growing market.”
Designed by Hodges and Associates, Architects, the Silverado will feature a western theme for both the interior and exterior designs. It will include the latest digital projection and sound, as well as an IMAX theater, which will be only the second IMAX in the Houston metropolitan area. The theater will offer the best in seating comfort and many luxurious appointments.
Based in San Antonio, Santikos Theatres was founded in 1914 and is one of the state’s oldest theater companies. At the dawn of the silent movie era, John Santikos’ father, Louis Santikos, a Greek immigrant and entrepreneur, began his career building and operating nickelodeons throughout the state. In 1924 he built the Palace Theatre, San Antonio’s first opulent movie house, which was located across from the Alamo.
Since then, Santikos Theatres has grown a veritable movie theater dynasty in the San Antonio market. Throughout its history, the company has earned a reputation for innovation. For instance, in 1947 Santikos introduced San Antonio’s first drive-in theater (the Santikos Mission 4 Drive-In, located near the historic Spanish colonial missions on the city’s Southside) and in the 1970s it built the city’s first multi-screen cinema.
Most recently, Santikos introduced San Antonio’s first “cinema bistro” experiences with the opening of The Bijou and The Rialto Cinema Bar & Grill/Piccolo. These multi-screen theaters feature full-service cafes and in-theater dining, as well as a winning combination of popular new releases and cutting-edge specialty and independent films.
In addition, Santikos recently broke ground on several new real estate developments in the San Antonio area, including a 100-acre mixed-use retail and residential project called The Legacy.
For more information regarding Silverado Theatre, call 210-483-4002. For information about the Silverado Station retail and restaurant complex, call 210-483-4019.
I think what they meant to write was that this new Santikos theatre will be the second commercial IMAX theatre in the Houston area. (Currently, Houston has one commercial and one museum, plus another if you count NASA and yet another if you count Moody Gardens in nearby Galveston.)
Posted by Dick Vaughan (Member # 540) on 04-11-2007, 02:48 AM:
quote: Michael Coate
I think what they meant to write was that this new Santikos theatre will be the second commercial IMAX theatre in the Houston area. (Currently, Houston has one commercial and one museum, plus another if you count NASA and yet another if you count Moody Gardens in nearby Galveston.)
I may be wrong but my understanding is that the large format theatre at Johnson Space Centre runs only IWERKS 8/70 now.
It used to have both IMAX 1570 and IWERKS 870 projectors installed .
Posted by Michael Coate (Member # 757) on 04-11-2007, 04:30 AM:
quote: Dick Vaughan
I may be wrong but my understanding is that the large format theatre at Johnson Space Centre runs only IWERKS 8/70 now.
Perhaps you are correct. If so, then the NASA entry should be removed or ammended on imax.com. Whatever the case, the Santikos statement was misleading and I believe my clarification was appropriate.
Actually, is the NASA theatre in Houston called the Johnson Space Centre/er, or is this being confused with a Johnson IMAX theatre in Washington, DC?
quote: Sam King
Am I the only one dissapointed with all these NEW MPX theatres? When is someone going to build a REAL new IMAX.
Portland Mercury news item
quote:
New IMAX Theater! Yes! Oh… Wait. It’s in McMinnville?
Posted by Erik Henriksen at 07:53 AM
The good news: Portland’s getting a new IMAX theater—and this one, unlike the one at OMSI, is going to have 3D capabilities. Sweet, right? Right! The bad news? Well, it’s not really in Portland. That was a lie. It’s in McMinnville, an hour away from here, at the Evergreen Aviation Museum, a place you will never, ever go in your entire life.
Anyway, the theater opens today, and is playing Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon, Cirque Du Soleil: Journey of Man, and Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag. Showtimes—for both this week and in the future—can be found here.
Could be cool, yeah—but as of now, the stuff there looks a lot like the “OPB… BUT BIGGER!” type of docs that OMSI plays. If they were to line up some of the big summer blockbusters that’re getting the IMAX treatment—300, Spider-Man 3, Harry Potter—maybe they’d have some luck drawing Portlanders out there, but as of now, I don’t really see that happening.
quote:
The IMAX Experience® Coming to Evergreen Aviation Museum
The Ultimate Moviegoing Experience to Debut in McMinnville, Ore. on Mar. 23
MCMINNVILLE, Ore – Fri., Mar. 23, 2007— For the first time ever, moviegoers in Oregon will be able to experience 3D movies in the most powerful and unique way possible: The IMAX® Experience. The Evergreen IMAX® Theater is scheduled to open Fri., Mar. 23, 2007 in coordination with a series of Spring Break festivities at the home of the famous Spruce Goose, the Evergreen Aviation Museum.
The long-awaited Evergreen IMAX Theater, one of the largest movie screens in the Pacific Northwest, will showcase educational and entertaining documentaries as well as Hollywood blockbusters converted into the unparalleled image and sound quality of the IMAX Experience®, offering visitors a moviegoing experience unlike any they’ve had before.
The Evergreen IMAX Theater utilizes IMAX’s 15/70 film format – ten times larger than conventional 35mm film – and delivers the clearest, brightest and steadiest images in the world. At the new Evergreen IMAX theater, these breathtaking, larger than life images will be projected onto a specially designed screen that stretches beyond the audience’s peripheral view. The images are complemented by IMAX’s state-of-the-art digital surround sound system.
The Evergreen IMAX theater will be the first to offer The IMAX 3D Experience® in Oregon. In IMAX® 3D, images virtually jump off of the screen and float around the theater, giving people the sensation they are IN the movie. This is made possible by a combination of IMAX’s powerful 3D projector – which projects images onto the theater’s specially designed IMAX 3D screen – and the comfortable polarized IMAX 3D glasses that audience members wear to get the three-dimensional effect. The result is an amazing immersive cinematic experience where the screen disappears and the film becomes a virtual reality.
In addition to Hollywood movies in IMAX’s format, there are also more than 200 traditional documentary-style films in the large format library. IMAX films are known for their ability to take people to places they otherwise couldn’t go – to the top of Mt. Everest, aboard the International Space Station and to the ocean depths – and both for their entertainment and educational value.
"The Evergreen Aviation Museum is thrilled to offer this state-of-the-art theater,” said Phil Jaeger, Director of Operations. “The new facility is the only 3D IMAX theater in Oregon and is five times larger than a conventional movie screen, it offers a 12,000 watt digital surround sound system and the lobby features 10 miles of old growth fir. It will be an amazing experience for viewers of all ages.”
The Evergreen IMAX Theater will open with three feature presentations: “Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon”, “Cirque Du Soleil: Journey of Man”, and “Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag”. The theater’s hours from March through May are: Sunday –Thursday 10:30 a.m. -5 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Each movie is approximately one hour.
Combo prices to visit the museum and the IMAX theater are: $18/adult (ages 18-65),$16/senior (ages 65+), $14/youth (ages 3-18). Prices for just the IMAX theater are: $10/adult, $9/senior (ages 65+), $8/youth (ages 3-18). Museum members receive $1 off the movie ticket price.
Posted by Joseph L. Kleiman (Member # 3097) on 04-11-2007, 01:00 PM:
quote: Michael Coate
Actually, is the NASA theatre in Houston called the Johnson Space Centre/er, or is this being confused with a Johnson IMAX theatre in Washington, DC?
The JSC theater is called Space Center Theater and is located inside Space Center Houston, the visitors center for JSC. At one time it had both an Iwerks 8/70 and an IMAX 15/70 projector, but the IMAX has since been removed. The Iwerks projector is used to show their signature film, To Be An Astronaut.
As for Evergreen, which has had substantial delays in opening, the theater is a traditional IMAX theater using an SR projection system.
Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 04-11-2007, 01:03 PM:
From the Evergreen Aviation Museum's website:
quote:
POSTED MARCH 23, 2007: IMAX OPENING POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
What gives?
Posted by Joseph L. Kleiman (Member # 3097) on 04-11-2007, 01:33 PM:
The fire marshall will not give them an occupancy permit while work is still goint on in the lobby. Because of all the construction dust, the museum is having to keep the smoke detectors turned off.
Posted by Mike Olpin (Member # 1115) on 04-12-2007, 04:28 AM:
From what I hear, ours is ahead of schedule. I think they start work on the screen itself tomorrow!
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 04-13-2007, 10:53 AM:
quote: Bobby Henderson
I also think this is the same sort of thing that eventually killed off 5-perf 70mm for standard movie theaters.
The sad thing really is that these could all be easily done with the 5 perf 70mm format. Called something like Super Todd-AO and it would be something just as special, alot more practical, and alot less waste involved overall.
quote: Bobby Henderson
Anyway, those are my concerns with movie theater chains trying to adopt IMAX on the cheap.
I can't think of any chain that has HAD Imax involvement in the past that hasn't learned the hard way that its meaningless.
Mark
Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 04-13-2007, 11:14 AM:
I would agree the format is pretty meaningless if those 15/70 projectors aren't getting fed regularly with ultra high-res imagery actually shot on 15/65mm film.
5/70 is certainly good enough for any Hollywood feature shot in 35mm in need of projection on a very large screen.
Movies shot with lower resolution digital cameras just don't need to be blown up to gigantic sizes in the first place. Any kind of 70mm is wasted trying to adapt that stuff.
Posted by Joseph L. Kleiman (Member # 3097) on 04-17-2007, 02:46 PM:
quote:
IMAX Corporation and Muvico Theaters, Inc. today announced a joint venture agreement for the installation of three IMAX® theatre systems at multiplexes in Florida and New Jersey, including the high profile Xanadu project at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ, across the river from New York City. The announcement marks the second multiple IMAX theatre joint venture commitment this year, advancing IMAX's joint venture strategy, which was put in place to supplement the growth of its theatre network through partnerships with key commercial exhibitors.
Under the terms of the agreement, the first IMAX theatre is expected to open at the Baywalk 20 in St. Petersburg, Florida, in time for the May 4th release of Spider-Man 3. The second system will be installed at the Parisian 20 multiplex in West Palm Beach, Florida and is expected to open in time for the July 13 release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The third IMAX theatre is scheduled to be installed in 2008 as part of a new multiplex in the highly-anticipated Xanadu complex in East Rutherford, NJ.
"Muvico Theaters operates some of the top performing multiplex locations in North America and we are delighted with their decision to get into the IMAX theatre business," said IMAX's Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs, Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "Our joint venture strategy is gaining traction in North America, as IMAX DMR® releases such as 300 continue to deliver strong box office performances and leading exhibitors continue to realize the potential of the IMAX theatre business."
"A big part of our strategy is to offer a premium movie experience that people can't get at home or in any other type of theatre and IMAX furthers that objective," said Michael Whalen, President and CEO of Muvico Theaters. "With major event movies like Spider-Man 3 and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix coming out in IMAX's immersive format in the coming months, we feel strongly that now is the right time to enter the IMAX theatre business."
The new IMAX theatres will be capable of playing Hollywood event films that have been digitally re-mastered into IMAX's format, as well as original IMAX productions in 2D and IMAX® 3D. IMAX's 2007 film slate already includes three of the year's most anticipated releases, with 300, which opened to sellout shows at IMAX theatres worldwide starting on March 9; Spider-Man 3, which opens May 4; and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which opens July 13.
The Meadowlands Xanadu (also known as the Xanadu Project) will be a retail and entertainment complex in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in New Jersey. It will be the largest retail and entertainment complex in New Jersey, and will include 4.8 million square feet of entertainment, sports, retail, office, and hotel space.
Posted by Michael Coate (Member # 757) on 04-18-2007, 02:58 AM:
Looks like it has finally opened for business.
Evergreen Aviation Museum website:
quote:
Urgent News: IMAX OPENING SATURDAY, APRIL 14
Posted by Michael Coate (Member # 757) on 04-22-2007, 10:33 PM:
Zyacorp's Cinemagic IMAX plans
quote:
IMAX Signs Two-Theatre Deal With New Hampshire-Based Exhibitor
North American Exhibitor Interest In The IMAX (R) Theatre Business Continues to Grow
TORONTO, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - On the heels of a blockbuster holiday season in IMAX(R) theatres, IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX; TSX: IMX) and Zyacorp Entertainment's Cinemagic, the fastest growing theatre chain in Maine and New Hampshire, today announced an agreement to install two IMAX theatres as part of new multiplexes. Zyacorp Entertainment's first IMAX theatre is scheduled to open in Hooksett, New Hampshire, in 2007. A second location in Southern Maine is expected to install in 2008. The new IMAX theatres will utilize IMAX MPX(R) technology. This is the second North American theatre deal announced in as many weeks. Last week's announcement was with Kerasotes Showplace Theatres, North America's sixth largest exhibitor.
"More consumers are making trips to the multiplex to experience Hollywood movies in IMAX's immersive format," said Mark T. Adam, President of the Zyacorp Companies. "This trend, combined with the attractive economics of the IMAX MPX theatre system, gives us a compelling reason to enter into the IMAX theatre business - especially when increasingly sophisticated home theatre systems are keeping people at home more often. With a cinematic experience that cannot be replicated at home or in any other type of theatre, IMAX theatres give multiplexes a point of differentiation - and that is part of what keeps the turnstiles moving in the right direction."
"The strong IMAX box office performance this holiday season has generated exhibitor interest in North America," said IMAX co-Chairmen and co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "Our new partnership with Zyacorp, the fastest growing exhibitor in Northern New England, increases the momentum of our domestic expansion, which is fueled by exhibitors' desire to deliver a unique moviegoing experience."
"Zyacorp Entertainment's Cinemagic is the only exhibitor in Maine and New Hampshire to have entered the IMAX theatre business," added Larry T. O'Reilly, IMAX's Executive Vice President, Theatre Development. "We look forward to working with them to captivate a whole new market with The IMAX Experience(R)."
The new IMAX theatres will feature an IMAX MPX system. The IMAX MPX theatre system was designed specifically to enable multiplex operators to more cost effectively enter into the IMAX theatre business, either by retrofitting an existing stadium-seating auditorium or via an economical new build. The new IMAX theatres will be capable of playing Hollywood event films that have been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience, as well as original IMAX productions in 2D and IMAX(R) 3D.
Kerasotes' IMAX plans...
quote:
IMAX signs multiplex theatre deal with leading exhibitor
North America's 6th Largest Exhibitor Enters IMAX(R) Theatre Business in Indianapolis
TORONTO, Jan 10, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX; TSX: IMX) and Kerasotes ShowPlace Theatres, North America's sixth largest exhibitor, today announced an agreement to install an IMAX(R) theatre in the exhibitor's flagship location, the ShowPlace 16 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Expected to open in 2007, the new IMAX theatre will utilize IMAX MPX(R) technology and take advantage of Hollywood movies that have been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R). Kerasotes ShowPlace Theatres currently operates 81 theatres with 685 screens in the USA. With this agreement, IMAX now has partnerships with seven of the top ten exhibitors in North America.
"IMAX theatres offer a unique and immersive cinematic experience that cannot be replicated at home or in any other type of theatre," said Tony Kerasotes, Chairman and CEO of Kerasotes ShowPlace Theatres. "The attractive economics of IMAX's MPX theatre system will enable us to cost-effectively enter the IMAX theatre business and offer our customers Hollywood's biggest titles in an exciting, premium format. We look forward to opening our first IMAX theatre in 2007 and hope to expand with more locations in the future."
"We are delighted to enter into a new partnership with one of North America's leading, well-respected and innovative exhibitors," said IMAX co-Chairmen and co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "Kerasotes ShowPlace Theatres is a welcome addition to the family of IMAX exhibitors, and we are excited to build on this relationship as we continue to implement our domestic growth strategy."
The new IMAX theatre will feature IMAX MPX technology. The IMAX MPX theatre system was designed specifically to enable multiplex operators to more cost effectively enter into the IMAX theatre business, either by retrofitting an existing stadium-seating auditorium or via an economical new build. The new IMAX theatre will be capable of playing Hollywood event films that have been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience, as well as original IMAX productions in 2D and IMAX(R) 3D.
Posted by Mark Strube (Member # 4190) on 04-22-2007, 11:43 PM:
Do these MPX systems have no subwoofers? Because 300 on the IMAX in Fitchburg, WI had basically no low end. It was sad.
Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 04-23-2007, 12:11 AM:
My understanding is the "MPX" systems are allowed to go into smaller and more conventional movie theater auditoriums, which also includes far less powerful sound systems like one typically finds in so many newer movie theaters.
Posted by Mark Strube (Member # 4190) on 04-23-2007, 12:17 AM:
I've heard more low-end on one of the small screens at a local theater that was built in 1983 (and isn't exactly known for their presentation quality). When I saw 300 on a Marcus UltraScreen the next week, that sound blew it out of the water. The IMAX name should not be associated with incomplete sound systems. Some crazy people like me will travel to see something on IMAX.
They had the setup with only 2 rear channels, giant towering speakers hanging from the ceiling in the corners of the room, couldn't see the front channels... but I'm 99% positive it had either no subwoofer(s), or the volume on it/them was barely up.
For example... the scene where that giant rhino falls, but you can't actually see it fall because the camera is behind the cape... we couldn't hear it fall. We had no idea what happened until the angle showed it sliding across the ground. I've got fuller sound in my basement.
Yet they had the nerve to advertise their tens of thousands of watts of "state of the art" sound before the movie (with the annoying local news team touring the theater, in bad quality video)... riiiiight. Real impressive. Maybe I should start advertising the 1,070 watts I've got in my basement... maybe I'll shoot it in HD!
Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 04-23-2007, 02:49 AM:
quote: Mark Strube
They had the setup with only 2 rear channels, giant towering speakers hanging from the ceiling in the corners of the room
Only 2 surrounds???? IMAX(r) blows
Posted by Mark Strube (Member # 4190) on 04-23-2007, 01:38 PM:
quote:
Only 2 surrounds???? IMAX(r) blows [Razz]
Is that standard for IMAX? I honestly have no idea, since the only other time I've been to one was when I was a lot younger, and wasn't exactly paying attention to these things.
The surround effects sounded fine, and the way they had the speakers angled seemed like they would cover the auditorium pretty nicely (except for people sitting very far to the front, possibly)... it's just the non-existent low-end that really annoyed me.
Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 04-23-2007, 04:13 PM:
quote: Mark Strube
They had the setup with only 2 rear channels, giant towering speakers hanging from the ceiling in the corners of the room...
Those are commonly referred to as "Point Source" surrounds. Common in the 870/1570 large format venues. The audio mix is specific to that speaker arrangement and is capable of making the sound appear to be located anywhere in the theatre.
Many of those theatres also have a "High Center" screen speaker or Overhead (usually a dome) speaker array to further enhance the sound illusion.
While some large format theatres have a discrete subwoofer playback source/channel with a separate subwoofer speaker array, it's more common that a "summed" LCR signal is filtered to produce the subwoofer and is part of the main speaker (quad-amplifer) arrays.
Perhaps Dave Macaulay and/or Gordon McLeod will post here since they are more familiar than me specifically with IMAX from an engineering POV.
Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 04-24-2007, 03:45 AM:
The Imax DTAC audio system has a discrete sub track as well as summed LCR all sent to the sub array.
Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 04-24-2007, 10:13 AM:
I think in all likelihood the theater may have turned down some volume settings due to customer complaints.
Most people like a pretty dynamic audio presentation. But all it takes is one jerk with a giant stick up his ass to complain and then everyone else will get watered down wimpy audio as a result. Sometimes the complainers will make all sorts of unsubstantiated claims about how their hearing is going to be damaged and how they're going to sue over it, etc. I think there should be signs posted for these kinds of people. Something like, "if you don't like it loud, then leave," would probably be a little too negative. But something to tell them the surround audio is supposed to be dynamic and most prefer it that way would suffice.
Then you have the factor of theaters just turning down the fader to lower the risk of damaging any speaker drivers. When movies are played at the proper "reference level," you are going to lose drivers more often. However, I think the blown drivers pay for themselves because a properly dynamic audio presentation is going to have audiences coming back to the theater more often.
Posted by Mark Strube (Member # 4190) on 04-24-2007, 05:33 PM:
If that was the case that's really too bad. The levels on all the rest of the speakers were pretty loud (except for the center, in a few scenes it was almost hard to discern what people were saying), I guess either something was screwed up, or their method of fixing the audio for a complainer was getting rid of the bass. Granted, the picture was very nice, clear, and giant... but without the sound being full, it wasn't too much worth the 1 1/2 hour drive me & my friends made. Should've just driven 30 minutes to the closest UltraScreen. (Which will now be 10 minutes again thanks to the Majestic.)
Posted by Cameron Glendinning (Member # 3516) on 04-25-2007, 03:20 AM:
Post the IMAX theatre a complaint, tell them that you were once willing to drive all that way, but not if my local megaplex sounds better, ask them why.
It sounds like you have a stick up your ass, rightfully so, so make sure they know & get them to tell you why!.
Anything could have happened! Subs may have blown up first session? perhaps they have already been fixed, or the staff havn't even noticed yet!
Posted by Michael Coate (Member # 757) on 04-30-2007, 01:38 AM:
Star Cinema's Plans
quote:
Star Cinema Adds IMAX(R) Theatre Following Success of First IMAX Location
TORONTO, April 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX; TSX: IMX) and Wisconsin-based Star Cinema (AGT Enterprises, Inc/Star Iowa LLC) today announced an agreement to open an IMAX(R) theatre in Star Cinema's multiplex located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, a suburb of Omaha, Nebraska, complimenting the current 16-screen movie theatre. The IMAX theatre will be the second for Star Cinema, following a very successful launch of the exhibitor's first IMAX theatre in Fitchburg/Madison, Wisconsin. The agreement is subject to the exhibitor obtaining local building permits and approvals, and the theatre is scheduled to be open in early 2008.
"Our first IMAX theatre near Madison performed very well and helped increase the overall attendance for the entire multiplex," said Bill Adamany, Jr. of Star Cinema. "We believe we'll see similar results at the Council Bluffs location as our customers have responded extremely well to Hollywood movies presented in IMAX's format, a superior cinematic experience that moviegoers can't get anywhere else."
The new theatre will utilize IMAX MPX(R) technology, designed specifically to enable multiplex operators to more cost effectively enter into the IMAX theatre business, either by retrofitting an existing stadium-seating auditorium or via an economical new build. The new IMAX theatre will be capable of playing Hollywood event films that have been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R), as well as original IMAX productions in 2D and IMAX(R) 3D.
"Following the strong success of the Fitchburg location - which drew audiences from beyond its city limits - we couldn't be more pleased to expand our relationship with Star Cinema and its talented team of operators," added Larry T. O'Reilly, IMAX's Executive Vice President, Theatre Development. "It is especially gratifying when an exhibitor expands its IMAX presence, because it provides another example of how entering the IMAX theatre business is a profitable way to drive attendance and differentiate from the competition."
Posted by Andres Briano (Member # 4621) on 03-03-2008, 12:53 PM:
IMAX DICTIONARY:
GT= Grand Theatre
SR= Small Rotor*
MPX= Multiplex**
*4 frames per complete turn instead of 8 as in the GT @24fps.
**Allegedly, the MPX system was designed to be installed on an average medium sized multiplex screen.
The GT 3D uses 2 15Kw lamps. The GT 2D uses 1 15Kw lamp. Both water cooled. The SR uses 7Kw lamps air cooled. 1 for 2D and 2 for 3D.
I am not familiar with the MPX system, though I believe they use 4.5Kw lamps.
Andrés
Posted by Tristan Lane (Member # 1169) on 03-05-2008, 02:26 AM:
[QUOTE]Looks like it has finally opened for business.
Evergreen Aviation Museum website:
[QUOTE]
'Bout Time this place opened. I think this is Oregon's first flat screen 3D IMAX theater. It's a great museum for any aeronautical buffs out there. The Spruce Goose is amazing to see in person.
Don't forget about the classic 2D RLP projector! It's like a GT, minus one rotor. This was IMAX's first model. I believe that Gordon worked with the first or second commercially available IMAX projector at Ontario Place.
I was a projectionist at the publicly owned Spokane IMAX ,where the original projector was Serial #3, but when the theater was re-built it was replaced with projector Serial #9. It is still in operation. Much of the theater equipment has been replaced, but the Projector remains almost original with the exception of a new lens block (to make way for the automatic field flattener) and a new clutch-brake. I believe that the shaft encoder had to be replaced at one time as well.
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 03-05-2008, 04:33 PM:
quote: Tristan Lane
The Spruce Goose is amazing to see in person.
Do they still let you walk through the Spruce Goose? They used to when it was down in Long Beach. The flight deck is as big as some multiplex's lobbys! The APU and its back ups is actually inside the flight deck engineering area itself, the inside of the fusalage is like being in Mammoth Cave! A 6 foot tall perspon can walk through the inside of the wings to inspect each engines controllers... etc... Mammoth indeed. If they still let you go through I'm definately making a trip up there... Now all they need to do is move the Queen Mary up there
Mark
Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 03-08-2008, 11:31 AM:
The new Santikos Silverado 19 + IMAX is open in Houston, Texas. This multiplex features a 400+ seat IMAX Auditorium.
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