IMAX 70mm is a film format that runs 15-perf 70mm film, the largest, with a taller 1.43:1 image, while standard IMAX digital screens use projectors.
IMAX 70mm
15-perf 70mm film, shown horizontally. Image ratio 1.43:1, taller than standard films. It offers the highest resolution.
IMAX (digital)
Many IMAX theaters use digital projection, with a 1.90:1 ratio (a laser system in newer rooms).
Film vs digital
IMAX 70mm is film. IMAX digital uses a projector.
Examples
Oppenheimer (2023) was shown in IMAX 70mm in a few theaters.
Availability
Fewer than 30 theaters worldwide.
Film versus digital IMAX
IMAX 70mm (15/70) is a film format with 15 perforations per frame running through the projector horizontally. Standard digital IMAX uses 2K or 4K digital projectors, and IMAX with Laser uses dual 4K laser projection with higher brightness and contrast. Resolution comparisons are debated, but 15/70 film has more image information.
- The tallest IMAX screens are 1.43:1 aspect ratio in 70mm and some digital IMAX venues, while many digital screens show 1.90:1.
- Film prints cost thousands of dollars each and weigh about 600 pounds for a 3-hour film.
- Films using 15/70 IMAX cameras include The Dark Knight (2008, selected scenes), Interstellar (2014), Dunkirk, Tenet, Oppenheimer and The Odyssey.
Availability
Only a few theaters have 70mm projection, such as the Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles, the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Lincoln Square in New York. IMAX Corporation lists locations on its website. Most viewers see IMAX digital at over 1,700 screens worldwide. For the full image, check showtimes labeled “IMAX 70mm” or “IMAX Film.”
Film versus digital IMAX
IMAX 70mm refers to film projected from 15 perforation 70mm prints, offering a 1.43:1 aspect ratio and very high resolution. Standard IMAX uses digital laser or xenon projection with aspect ratios 1.90:1 or 1.43:1 in some venues.
Availability
Fewer than about 30 theaters worldwide are equipped for 15/70 film. Check before buying tickets.
Comparing the two formats
IMAX is a format using large film frames or digital systems with a taller screen, usually with an aspect ratio of 1.90 to 1 for digital IMAX (and 1.43 to 1 for the film). IMAX 70mm refers to the film print projected on the 15 perforation 70mm system, which produces a sharper picture than the digital version.
What to choose
IMAX with Laser uses two 4K laser projectors and bright images, while older IMAX digital uses xenon lamps at 2K. IMAX 70mm film has analog grain and deep color with true 1.43 ratio on a few screens in the United States and elsewhere. Films shot with IMAX cameras, such as The Dark Knight and Oppenheimer, show extra image area in these formats. Ticket prices are higher than standard shows. Pick based on availability: for the best image, search for 70mm showings on the IMAX website or the film’s site.
Based on data from IMAX Corporation and Kodak
