Don't Let FOMO Make You Spend Big on IMAX

IMAX has been the hot ticket item in movie theaters this year, thanks to blockbuster films like Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, but is it really worth the hype? Theaters have seen a surge in demand for IMAX showings since the pandemic, with many fans eager to experience the spectacle and eventization that comes with it. However, not everyone can secure tickets or afford the premium prices.

According to recent data, 26 theaters in the US are equipped to project IMAX 70mm, but this format is often sold out well in advance, creating a resale market that rivals popular sporting events and concerts. Many so-called 'IMAX' theaters actually use digital projection rather than the original film reels, making them little more than 'LieMAX.'

But what's the real difference between IMAX and standard movie theaters? A 2014 study found that while larger screens can be more immersive, the screen size doesn't affect viewers' opinions of the movie itself. Filmmakers like Nolan also acknowledge this, shooting with all formats in mind so that audiences can enjoy their work regardless of how it's displayed.

Christopher Nolan himself stated that he has no issue with people watching his movies on iPads or other devices, saying 'I'm very much in favor of and in awe of the easy access that we have now to films... for people to be able to immerse themselves in film and film history.'