Thanks for the links, Roloff. The articles are insightful if a bit technobabblish. Its great that the film’s director, Chris Nolan, has an appreciation for the wide screen process making much of it in IMAX. One comment post article that I agree with states that with all the talk of wide screen moviemaking, why not just film the whole thing in 65mm? You’ve still got the distribution network out there, albeit a much, much smaller one of 70mm capable film houses and more that could be brought up to date for less than an IMAX or DC Cinema install ($100K plus?).
All should know by now that event films such as this demand you buy your tix way ahead, days ahead if you want the showtime, sound and picture format you prefer. Our only IMAX venue showing Batman is sold out this weekend, so I’ll probably see Mama Mia and catch Batman next weekend.
Its good news for theaters that traffic is built up for this movie. Even better for the independents that were lucky to secure a print in spite of the competition from the chains.
Giles, how large of a screen do you think #5 has? Is it as large as the Air & Space installs? I kind of doubt it. What would you estimate audience capacity to be and what was the attendance like? It seems more of an IMAX-lite theater than true IMAX. Also, I thought the installs were digital projection as opposed to film. As happy as I am for the new installs, I don’t want to pay another $15 to see Kung Fu Panda, again. I already saw that at the Chantilly VA IMAX.
As of this writing, the DC Market has plenty of midnight showings in some of the larger plexes in the area (AMC and Regal). The largest single screen DC theater, the Uptown has many tickets left and has no AM Friday shows. I suspect the sold out screenings is more of a random regional phenomenon then a national trend. The single IMAX screenings are probably another matter even here, as the Chantilly VA Air & Space IMAX theater has many sold out showings but its not completely sold out for the weekend, as of yet.
I’m sure classic films can be converted to the format. Its just a matter of if a studio is willing to go to the expense of the cleaning and conversion process, probably making a digital interpositive and then going with the appropriate format.
As of today, there are no advance tix sales for the DC/Balto area AMC IMAX theaters. Perhaps, they aren’t ready yet. The only relatively close IMAX theater for Batman Returns is the Air & Space theater in Chantilly, VA.
None of the AMC theaters supposedly getting the IMAX Digital treatment in the DC area are booking anything as of today. Maybe this may change by next week, but AMC’s website is not selling advance IMAX tickets at the aforementioned theaters. Maybe they just aren’t technically show ready. As for now, its the Air & Space Museum’s IMAX in Chantilly VA that has it, but many of their shows are already sold out. Better buy now!
The next event movie will probably be the next Mummy installment. Judging by the previews, its quite FX and action laden and should make for some great popcorn entertainment. If AMC opens with that on their IMAX Digital screens, I’ll be content.
My friend and I caught the 7:30pm (Sun 7/6) showing of “Hancock” showing in DP. There was an article circulating that indicated that Sony was debuting this movie in 4K DP across the country. I don’t know if this venue had it and if it did, it didn’t seem noticeably better than 2K. The ticket taker didn’t know either. He just said to enjoy the movie as its is “crystal clear.” Okay fine.
There was a sparse audience that seemed to enjoy the movie in spite of the fact that there was no curtains drawn or opened at any time prior to the movie or at the close of it. And no Dolby Cinema trailer or any DP trailer to denote the system used to project the movie either. As far as the movie is concerned, I’d give it two snores and several yawns. For those who were in attendance at this showing, it was me snoring in row 5 during parts of the movie. Sorry.
That’s no where near us, Giles. LOL. I’m hoping to catch it at the Ziegfeld this Sun. They’ve got an excellent Dolby Digital Cinema set up there. I’m curious about the resolution of IMAX DP. Is it 12K? :)
The Reuters article doesn’t say.
The so-called IMAX screenings at the Smithsonian’s Udvar Hazy Air & Space are masked screenings. When we saw Panda there in IMAX, it was liked watching a letterboxed movie. The top and bottom of the screen was not utilized. Had I known, I would have just gone to a DP screening and saved money, time and gas going all the way to Sterling VA.
But back to the AMC installs, I hope their IMAX presentations utilize the whole screen otherwise it will be no different than any other movie in their larger auditoriums. Actually, the idea of DP on a IMAX-sized screen.. 70' or larger is exciting; no flicker, better contrast, no fading or scratched prints…less than three weeks away. :)
All right, I’m confused. The new IMAX installations are 35mm IMAX installs or is it IMAX Digital Projection, or something else? If its IMAX 35mm, it sounds like 70mm blow up to me, which isn’t true 70mm to begin with. So to bellyache complain now before we even get a chance to see how good or bad this format is isn’t fair. I doubt AMC and Regal would spend money on a format that will yield only a marginal improvement in the moviegoing experience.
There were 70mm releases of “The Goonies” (I saw that a the then newly renovated Avalon in ‘85 with my little cousins in glorious HPS 4000 stereo), “The Dark Crystal” (in '83 at the then newly renovated and triplexed MacArthur), Poltergeist ('82..the Embassy had it in 70mm but that was in a bad area of town), “Aliens” (in '86 at the KB Fine Arts..closed now).
In70mm.com reported that there was a 70mm print out for “Poltergeist” out there. It would be great if the AFI could track it down for the showing. Not sure of the other movies. As for “Aliens,” I want to see the extended cut as it fleshes out the Ripley character in greater depth that gives her relationship to Newt more resonance. If its 35mm, I doubt its going to have that same impact as my memories of the KB Fine Arts 70mm showing that sticks in my mind so vividly.
“Flashdance” would be cool to see again in theaters. I loved the soundtrack and if the print is a decent one, or newly struck one, it should be great to experience in theaters the Giorgio Moroder score and many top 10 songs that were in the movie. Also, the cool strobe light effect during the ‘Imagination’ dance number would be good to see onscreen again.
You raise some interesting questions, Terry. What of the IMAX film installs around the country? I suspect they will be supported. I can’t imagine spending more millions to convert the older places to digital. On the other hand, as you’ve said, how is it all going to look? We’ll know in about three weeks when these venues open..
Giles, you’re right. I forgot about Columbia. I don’t like that place too much as its a teen hangout. In any case, either the Columbia or Hoffman are relatively close to me, but if the White Marsh auditorium is THX certified, it may be the better of the three installations.
The article is an interesting read. I never knew there was such a wide cost difference between IMAX Digital ($800) and IMAX film (3D @$44,000). Its great to here my market gets the first installs, presumably at the AMC Tysons Corner, the newest plex installation and the AMC Hoffman 22. The Baltimore install is presumably at the AMC White Marsh, which has the distinction of being an all THX cert plex of the three. The presumed movie debut at these new IMAX installs will be the new Batman.
This is like the argument the industry had over VCRs back in the 70s and 80s. And we all know how that ended out. As far as the “destruction of neighborhood movie theaters”…they’re mostly gone now.
I saw Day After Tomorrow here when this megaplex opened in 2004. Back then, one was greeted as upon entrance to the theater. You take an escalator that ascends to the top floor where the theaters are. There is a nice view of downtown Silver Spring from the top. The presentation was disappointing from a sound perspective. The picture was large and there is stadium seating. I have not been here since, nor have plans to come back. The opening of this place doomed the AMC City Place 10 next door, which closed shortly after. Now that Regal has taken over, I’m sure things will probably get worse.
MovieTix, were you able to see where the construction actually is? Are they converting the exiting ones or is it a built-on addition? I’m curious as to how they are going to accomplish it at that venue since its more or less closed in.
I wouldn’t say Winston was one of the “fathers of pre-CGI spfx” but that he was one of the masters of animatronic and mechanical fx. He will be missed. I wonder what his passing will do to the production of the current Terminator movie.
i blogged on CT, about watching Jurassic Park 1 in DTS, /THX at the Universal movie plex, in LA back in ‘93. The auditorium had a balcony from what I recalled, which I thought was unusual for a multiplex. It was super loud and my cousin’s long fingernails left their marks on my arm because of the tenseness of the movie.
On another first, my first DLP movie was in ‘01 watching JP3 at the same venue but a smaller auditorium.
i blogged on CT, about watching Jurassic Park 1 in DTS, /THX at the Universal movie plex, in LA back in ‘93. The auditorium had a balcony from what I recalled, which I thought was unusual for a multiplex. It was super loud and my cousin’s long fingernails left their marks on my arm because of the tenseness of the movie.
On another first, my first DLP movie was in ‘01 watching JP3 at the same venue but a smaller auditorium.
Oh good. It may be worth a visit. I imagine it will be shown in the Historic Theater or #2. Hulk was a decent flick, better than the Ang Lee version. The crowd loved it as well. :)
Thanks for the links, Roloff. The articles are insightful if a bit technobabblish. Its great that the film’s director, Chris Nolan, has an appreciation for the wide screen process making much of it in IMAX. One comment post article that I agree with states that with all the talk of wide screen moviemaking, why not just film the whole thing in 65mm? You’ve still got the distribution network out there, albeit a much, much smaller one of 70mm capable film houses and more that could be brought up to date for less than an IMAX or DC Cinema install ($100K plus?).
Howard and the rest,
All should know by now that event films such as this demand you buy your tix way ahead, days ahead if you want the showtime, sound and picture format you prefer. Our only IMAX venue showing Batman is sold out this weekend, so I’ll probably see Mama Mia and catch Batman next weekend.
Its good news for theaters that traffic is built up for this movie. Even better for the independents that were lucky to secure a print in spite of the competition from the chains.
Giles, how large of a screen do you think #5 has? Is it as large as the Air & Space installs? I kind of doubt it. What would you estimate audience capacity to be and what was the attendance like? It seems more of an IMAX-lite theater than true IMAX. Also, I thought the installs were digital projection as opposed to film. As happy as I am for the new installs, I don’t want to pay another $15 to see Kung Fu Panda, again. I already saw that at the Chantilly VA IMAX.
MovieTix86,
It sucks :) Thanks for the update. No Batman.
Jack, your last link takes one back to this page.
As of this writing, the DC Market has plenty of midnight showings in some of the larger plexes in the area (AMC and Regal). The largest single screen DC theater, the Uptown has many tickets left and has no AM Friday shows. I suspect the sold out screenings is more of a random regional phenomenon then a national trend. The single IMAX screenings are probably another matter even here, as the Chantilly VA Air & Space IMAX theater has many sold out showings but its not completely sold out for the weekend, as of yet.
I’m sure classic films can be converted to the format. Its just a matter of if a studio is willing to go to the expense of the cleaning and conversion process, probably making a digital interpositive and then going with the appropriate format.
As of today, there are no advance tix sales for the DC/Balto area AMC IMAX theaters. Perhaps, they aren’t ready yet. The only relatively close IMAX theater for Batman Returns is the Air & Space theater in Chantilly, VA.
None of the AMC theaters supposedly getting the IMAX Digital treatment in the DC area are booking anything as of today. Maybe this may change by next week, but AMC’s website is not selling advance IMAX tickets at the aforementioned theaters. Maybe they just aren’t technically show ready. As for now, its the Air & Space Museum’s IMAX in Chantilly VA that has it, but many of their shows are already sold out. Better buy now!
The next event movie will probably be the next Mummy installment. Judging by the previews, its quite FX and action laden and should make for some great popcorn entertainment. If AMC opens with that on their IMAX Digital screens, I’ll be content.
My friend and I caught the 7:30pm (Sun 7/6) showing of “Hancock” showing in DP. There was an article circulating that indicated that Sony was debuting this movie in 4K DP across the country. I don’t know if this venue had it and if it did, it didn’t seem noticeably better than 2K. The ticket taker didn’t know either. He just said to enjoy the movie as its is “crystal clear.” Okay fine.
There was a sparse audience that seemed to enjoy the movie in spite of the fact that there was no curtains drawn or opened at any time prior to the movie or at the close of it. And no Dolby Cinema trailer or any DP trailer to denote the system used to project the movie either. As far as the movie is concerned, I’d give it two snores and several yawns. For those who were in attendance at this showing, it was me snoring in row 5 during parts of the movie. Sorry.
That’s no where near us, Giles. LOL. I’m hoping to catch it at the Ziegfeld this Sun. They’ve got an excellent Dolby Digital Cinema set up there. I’m curious about the resolution of IMAX DP. Is it 12K? :)
The Reuters article doesn’t say.
The so-called IMAX screenings at the Smithsonian’s Udvar Hazy Air & Space are masked screenings. When we saw Panda there in IMAX, it was liked watching a letterboxed movie. The top and bottom of the screen was not utilized. Had I known, I would have just gone to a DP screening and saved money, time and gas going all the way to Sterling VA.
But back to the AMC installs, I hope their IMAX presentations utilize the whole screen otherwise it will be no different than any other movie in their larger auditoriums. Actually, the idea of DP on a IMAX-sized screen.. 70' or larger is exciting; no flicker, better contrast, no fading or scratched prints…less than three weeks away. :)
All right, I’m confused. The new IMAX installations are 35mm IMAX installs or is it IMAX Digital Projection, or something else? If its IMAX 35mm, it sounds like 70mm blow up to me, which isn’t true 70mm to begin with. So to bellyache complain now before we even get a chance to see how good or bad this format is isn’t fair. I doubt AMC and Regal would spend money on a format that will yield only a marginal improvement in the moviegoing experience.
Go see it at BowTie Annapolis. Their #10 is Dolby Digital Cinema and is THX cert.
There were 70mm releases of “The Goonies” (I saw that a the then newly renovated Avalon in ‘85 with my little cousins in glorious HPS 4000 stereo), “The Dark Crystal” (in '83 at the then newly renovated and triplexed MacArthur), Poltergeist ('82..the Embassy had it in 70mm but that was in a bad area of town), “Aliens” (in '86 at the KB Fine Arts..closed now).
In70mm.com reported that there was a 70mm print out for “Poltergeist” out there. It would be great if the AFI could track it down for the showing. Not sure of the other movies. As for “Aliens,” I want to see the extended cut as it fleshes out the Ripley character in greater depth that gives her relationship to Newt more resonance. If its 35mm, I doubt its going to have that same impact as my memories of the KB Fine Arts 70mm showing that sticks in my mind so vividly.
“Flashdance” would be cool to see again in theaters. I loved the soundtrack and if the print is a decent one, or newly struck one, it should be great to experience in theaters the Giorgio Moroder score and many top 10 songs that were in the movie. Also, the cool strobe light effect during the ‘Imagination’ dance number would be good to see onscreen again.
You raise some interesting questions, Terry. What of the IMAX film installs around the country? I suspect they will be supported. I can’t imagine spending more millions to convert the older places to digital. On the other hand, as you’ve said, how is it all going to look? We’ll know in about three weeks when these venues open..
Giles, you’re right. I forgot about Columbia. I don’t like that place too much as its a teen hangout. In any case, either the Columbia or Hoffman are relatively close to me, but if the White Marsh auditorium is THX certified, it may be the better of the three installations.
Price go down? Don’t be facetious. They charge MORE for IMAX presentations, even more so with IMAX 3D.
The article is an interesting read. I never knew there was such a wide cost difference between IMAX Digital ($800) and IMAX film (3D @$44,000). Its great to here my market gets the first installs, presumably at the AMC Tysons Corner, the newest plex installation and the AMC Hoffman 22. The Baltimore install is presumably at the AMC White Marsh, which has the distinction of being an all THX cert plex of the three. The presumed movie debut at these new IMAX installs will be the new Batman.
This is like the argument the industry had over VCRs back in the 70s and 80s. And we all know how that ended out. As far as the “destruction of neighborhood movie theaters”…they’re mostly gone now.
I saw Day After Tomorrow here when this megaplex opened in 2004. Back then, one was greeted as upon entrance to the theater. You take an escalator that ascends to the top floor where the theaters are. There is a nice view of downtown Silver Spring from the top. The presentation was disappointing from a sound perspective. The picture was large and there is stadium seating. I have not been here since, nor have plans to come back. The opening of this place doomed the AMC City Place 10 next door, which closed shortly after. Now that Regal has taken over, I’m sure things will probably get worse.
MovieTix, were you able to see where the construction actually is? Are they converting the exiting ones or is it a built-on addition? I’m curious as to how they are going to accomplish it at that venue since its more or less closed in.
I wouldn’t say Winston was one of the “fathers of pre-CGI spfx” but that he was one of the masters of animatronic and mechanical fx. He will be missed. I wonder what his passing will do to the production of the current Terminator movie.
i blogged on CT, about watching Jurassic Park 1 in DTS, /THX at the Universal movie plex, in LA back in ‘93. The auditorium had a balcony from what I recalled, which I thought was unusual for a multiplex. It was super loud and my cousin’s long fingernails left their marks on my arm because of the tenseness of the movie.
On another first, my first DLP movie was in ‘01 watching JP3 at the same venue but a smaller auditorium.
i blogged on CT, about watching Jurassic Park 1 in DTS, /THX at the Universal movie plex, in LA back in ‘93. The auditorium had a balcony from what I recalled, which I thought was unusual for a multiplex. It was super loud and my cousin’s long fingernails left their marks on my arm because of the tenseness of the movie.
On another first, my first DLP movie was in ‘01 watching JP3 at the same venue but a smaller auditorium.
Oh good. It may be worth a visit. I imagine it will be shown in the Historic Theater or #2. Hulk was a decent flick, better than the Ang Lee version. The crowd loved it as well. :)