IMAX or DLP

GhandiInstinct

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Mar 1, 2004
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I couldn't find anything on the web comparing the two or any issues regarding IMAX. But from what I hear IMAX supposedly cuts footage from a movie to fit the real and isn't true 6000x4000 resolution. Also, DLP is some how better quality? But DLP sound doesn't compare.

Discuss.
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
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I thought IMAX was film?

If so that means its resolution is much higher than digital.

-edit- found specs on DLP theater. no way can this compare to IMAX...

http://www.dlp.com/dlp_cinema/dlp_cinema_technical_specifications.asp
"The DLP Cinema? projector uses three TI Digital Micromirror Devices (DMD), each with an array of 2048x1080 microscopic aluminum mirrors for a total of over 6 million mirrors. For comparison, the imaging mirror array is within 1 mm of the size of a Cinemascope© film print image. The movie is projected through a normal lens for flat aspect ratio movies and an anamorphic projection lens for scope movies. "
 

Amused

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Apr 14, 2001
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If the IMAX film keeps the original aspect ratio of the film, IMAX wins hands down. You feel like you're IN the movie, not just watching it.
 

nigel5000

Junior Member
Mar 11, 2005
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You guys sound like the people who say 128 kbs mp3's sound the same as 320 kbs

Does anyone know the actual resolution of IMAX video stream before it's projected? If the actual source video is lower than 6000x5000 we'll be seeing some stretchage and distortion I think.

I thought DLP was 1920x810...it's 2048x1080? thats sweet lol...

Edit:
Originally posted by: Amused
If the IMAX film keeps the original aspect ratio of the film, IMAX wins hands down. You feel like you're IN the movie, not just watching it.

That pretty much nails it I think...if it's not distorted and enlarged then yea IMAX wins hands down...if not DLP gets the cake.
 

GhandiInstinct

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Mar 1, 2004
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"If the IMAX film keeps the original aspect ratio of the film, IMAX wins hands down. You feel like you're IN the movie, not just watching it. "


By keep you mean it already has right, the original aspect ratio?
 

DanTMWTMP

Lifer
Oct 7, 2001
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i saw spiderman in the 70mm version of IMAX. i saw SW EPIII in DLP.


HANDS DOWN, IMAX >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>&gt
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>&gt
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>&gt
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>&gt
>>>>>>>>> dlp (still using 35mm-type screen)
 

Aves

Lifer
Feb 7, 2001
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Originally posted by: Amused
If the IMAX film keeps the original aspect ratio of the film, IMAX wins hands down. You feel like you're IN the movie, not just watching it.

I don't think that they do but I could be mistaken. They also cut out parts of the film to shorten the running time.
 

Amused

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Originally posted by: aves2k
Originally posted by: Amused
If the IMAX film keeps the original aspect ratio of the film, IMAX wins hands down. You feel like you're IN the movie, not just watching it.

I don't think that they do but I could be mistaken.

Yes, they can. The Matrix movies kept their 2.35:1 AR when shown in IMAX
 

Amused

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Originally posted by: GhandiInstinct
"If the IMAX film keeps the original aspect ratio of the film, IMAX wins hands down. You feel like you're IN the movie, not just watching it. "


By keep you mean it already has right, the original aspect ratio?

Um, I mean if a movie is distributed at 2.35:1, it should be shown on the IMAX screen at that AR too.

This means large black areas at the top and bottom of an IMAX screen, but it still fills your field of vision.
 

Aves

Lifer
Feb 7, 2001
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Originally posted by: Amused
Yes, they can. The Matrix movies kept their 2.35:1 AR when shown in IMAX

Yeah I just looked into that, they letterbox it.
 

Amused

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Originally posted by: aves2k
Originally posted by: Amused
Yes, they can. The Matrix movies kept their 2.35:1 AR when shown in IMAX

Yeah I just looked into that, they letterbox it.

I saw the second Matrix in IMAX when I was in LA. The freeway chase scenes made you queasy it was so enveloping.
 

Aves

Lifer
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Originally posted by: Amused
I saw the second Matrix in IMAX when I was in LA. The freeway chase scenes made you queasy it was so enveloping.

I'll bet! :D

I planned to see Star Wars AOTC when it was IMAX but I kept putting it off and then it was too late.
 

bentwookie

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Aug 3, 2002
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Originally posted by: aves2k
Originally posted by: Amused
I saw the second Matrix in IMAX when I was in LA. The freeway chase scenes made you queasy it was so enveloping.

I'll bet! :D

I planned to see Star Wars AOTC when it was IMAX but I kept putting it off and then it was too late.

I saw EP2 at the metreon IMAX..blew me away..amazing presentation..except the sound tracking was out of sync for 2 minutes..Too bad IMAX/Lucasfilm won't be doing it for EP3.
 

Amused

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Originally posted by: aves2k
Originally posted by: Amused
I saw the second Matrix in IMAX when I was in LA. The freeway chase scenes made you queasy it was so enveloping.

I'll bet! :D

I planned to see Star Wars AOTC when it was IMAX but I kept putting it off and then it was too late.

Kinda like Homer Simpson did when Mr T was at the mall? :D
 

Amused

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Originally posted by: GhandiInstinct
In relation to the aspect ratio are DLP films higher res than IMAX?

Aspect ratio has nothing to do with resolution.
 

Amused

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Originally posted by: Kvaerner Masa
The sound does not match the "bigger than life" picture though.

I dunno. The sound at the Valencia IMAX was pretty impressive.
 

sharkeeper

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Jan 13, 2001
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Some sound ok but then again the actual movie mix plays a huge factor here.

If the room doesn't seem to be leaning at times, it isn't working! :p

I remember Blade II there were wavefronts crawling all over the place creating whitecaps in your drinks and making popcorn levitate in the bag, etc. If a movie like Backdraft had that kind of effect, it would have been really whack!

One thing I cannot stand is when the explosions are clipped whether it's the theater system or the soundtrack in the movie. Inexcusable. Of course I'm biased and a freak when it comes to SQ!

I'd rather watch a movie on a 20" telly with knockout sound than a 200" screen with mediocre sound, but that's just me.
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
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Originally posted by: GhandiInstinct
In relation to the aspect ratio are DLP films higher res than IMAX?

That simply cannot be.

IMAX uses film. Meaning the whole thing is shot with special film/cameras.

Plus I've already posted the resolution of DLP theater.

What I'm trying to say here is one is DLP (digital) and the other is film. So for technical terms it is like comparing digital photography to film. So with the very small resolution of DLP theater I can't see how it could offer a more life-like projection than IMAX.