Talk:List of IMAX venues

Missing screens?

I was confused by the low number of screens listed in the UK, when I went to edit, I noticed a comment in that section asking for a number of screens to not be shown as they don't have laser projectors.

While a quick cursory check on the IMAX website shows the 2 screens I've been to (so was going to add) don't have laser projection, the top of this page states "This is a list of IMAX venues that feature either 15/70 mm film projectors or IMAX with Laser projectors" as well as "All cinemas feature IMAX with Laser and 3D projection with 1.90:1 screens unless noted otherwise". The second line is in bold & at the end of the section, looking like it's been added subsequently to the majority of the article, I'm not sure if it fits with formatting standards? It also states at the top "Not included are IMAX venues with solely 2K resolution digital xenon projectors", which I'm assunming is the reason a number of screens are omitted.

Whilst it's easy to check if the projector is laser (which is easily found on the offical IMAX site (see https://www.imax.com/theatres/cineworld-leicester-square-imax as opposed to https://www.imax.com/theatres/odeon-milton-keynes-imax). I'm assuming someone somewhere has accurate information on the projecter if it's a 2k digital or 15/70mm & its simply not referenced in the comments? Could this be shared?

On the larger issue, a quick check showed similar comments on a few sections, I wanted to question the reason for omitting them, the number of screens only in comments doesn't seem significantly large (in comparison to the already long length of this page) & it's a messy solution (the Romania comment sits in the Qatar section for example).

Laser projection is clearly not widespread, but to me it doesn't make much sense to omit the newer 2k digital projectors which are fully capable of screening IMAX movies in 2D & 3D, when the older 15/70 mm formats are still included. That said, I don't know if this will multiply the number of screens that can be listed to a crazily large number, but I expect my experience of coming here & not seeing a screen I recently saw an IMAX film would be confusing for many. Chris.beatty (talk) 19:25, 17 January 2023 (UTC)

I don't know if this will multiply the number of screens that can be listed to a crazily large number

That's the main reason. There are nearly 800 IMAX screens in China alone, for instance. By restricting the list to Laser and 15/70 installations we're only including the notable installations (see WP:NOTDIRECTORY).

The second line is in bold & at the end of the section, looking like it's been added subsequently to the majority of the article, I'm not sure if it fits with formatting standards?

I bolded the text in an attempt to attract the attention of editors before they added 2K installations. If you examine the history of the page you'll see it was only partially successful at best. If you think it goes against standards, please go ahead and remove the bolding.

I'm assuming someone somewhere has accurate information on the projecter if it's a 2k digital or 15/70mm & its simply not referenced in the comments?

There's a comprehensive list at this site but as the banner at the top of the page mentions, it's no longer updated frequently. As you've spotted, the IMAX site is the best source for determining whether or not a venue has laser projectors.

I expect my experience of coming here & not seeing a screen I recently saw an IMAX film would be confusing for many

That's a valid point, and I'm not sure what an appropriate solution would be. Renaming the article to "List of notable IMAX venues" maybe? Barry Wom (talk) 10:48, 18 January 2023 (UTC)

@Barry Wom: Thanks for your work maintaining this page. I’m just adding my voice here to agree, if the purpose of this article isn’t to "list (all) IMAX vanues" then the name of the article should be changed. I added the CineStar venue at Arena Centar Zagreb, a few months ago, but my edit was quickly reverted – I assume because IMAX at Arena Centar doesn’t have a laser projector. I expect it’s easy for non-expert users (as I was, at the time) to read the article title, either miss the opening paragraph or not grasp its relevance, scroll down to the list, spot their cinema is missing, and attempt to add it. Looking at the edit history of the article, this appears to happen all the time. Seems like a lot of wasted effort—not least for you!—that might be reduced with a change of title. Zarino (talk) 11:04, 10 October 2023 (UTC)

I've no objections to the renaming of the article to something more suitable. Barry Wom (talk) 15:30, 10 October 2023 (UTC)

Looking at IMAX.com's website, it's much more difficult to navigate than a Wikipedia article. Clicking the "Find a Theatre" link at the bottom and searching, for example, Nashville, doesn't pull up Regal Opry Mills & IMAX but, instead, MI. Looking up Tennessee, it's the second option. I fail to see any indication that it's Laser OR 15/70 until a film such as Oppenheimer pops up, clicked, and happens to be presented in the format.

As it's difficult to "just" find a complete list of IMAX screens with their specifications, personally, I see no harm in letting a complete list such as "List of IMAX Venues" exist to include ALL IMAX (LieMAX included) venues with a proper directory and labeling of such.

Even if it's in addition to the current page, I believe listing them all will be a great resource for the up and coming resurgence of IMAX, 15/70, and PLF screens.

I'd totally be down to contribute :) Pilotpig47 (talk) 22:16, 18 January 2024 (UTC)

There's too many of them - close to 800 theaters in China alone, for instance. Such a list would probably fall foul of WP:NOTDIRECTORY. Barry Wom (talk) 09:47, 19 January 2024 (UTC)

Coming to this article after recent events with Oppenheimer: clearly the article included the 15/70 film format but not the 2K Xenon format because the film format is perceived as "superior" to the 2K Xenon format, which is gradually being phased out. The marketing material typically says that film has a resolution of 18K. Pinkslimo (talk) 18:00, 24 July 2023 (UTC)

Bradford, UK

Hello @Barry Wom:, on this subject, can I ask why you reverted the change to add in Bradford, with the message "rm digital theater"

The first source I cited states:

"This means we’re one of only two screens in Europe to feature the best of digital and analogue cinema"

It also states that the digital version is a "next-generation IMAX Laser 4K projector", and that they also have a "much-loved IMAX 70mm film projector". If you scroll down further on the page, there's an accordion that has a section "About our IMAX cinema" which goes into further detail about their laser and 70mm equipment. Can you explain a little further why this doesn't satisfy the criteria outlined? Chappy^T_C 09:33, 12 July 2023 (UTC)

Hi. Seems you have your cinemas mixed up! The first source you supplied is about the Science Museum in London. Bradford only has digital Xenon projection. Barry Wom (talk) 10:05, 12 July 2023 (UTC)

Ah, apologies for my confusion. My search fu clearly failed me. Thanks for the clarification. Could I suggest a little more info in edit summaries going forward? :) Chappy^T_C 10:22, 12 July 2023 (UTC)

Apologies for the curt edit summary. If you check the edit history you'll note that I have to remove digital-only theaters on an almost daily basis, so "rm digital theater" is my go-to summary. Barry Wom (talk) 10:28, 12 July 2023 (UTC)

Imax with laser locations in UAE ?

Add locations in UAE LRAVITEJA9 (talk) 06:12, 26 August 2023 (UTC)

Done. Barry Wom (talk) 08:42, 26 August 2023 (UTC)

Denver Museum of Nature & Science info is outdated

Denver Museum of Nature & Science no longer uses a film IMAX projector.

https://www.dmns.org/catalyst/8-fun-facts-about-the-new-infinity-theater-at-the-denver-museum-of-nature-science/

"New laser projection system (see D3D Cinema) capable of crystal-clear imaging. The new laser projection system will be able to show both 2D and 3D giant screen films. " 76.130.71.184 (talk) 21:56, 12 November 2023 (UTC)

I've removed the venue from the list. Barry Wom (talk) 23:06, 12 November 2023 (UTC)

IMAX GT Laser 1.43:1 in Portugal?

Currently, there is one listing for Portugal:

Lisbon – Cinemas NOS & IMAX, Cascais Shopping (22 m × 16 m (72 ft × 52 ft)) (GT Laser, 1.43:1)

I would just like to get updated sources on the screen's dimensions, confirmation for the GT Laser system and which venue we're talking about precisely: Cinemas NOS CascaiShopping & IMAX in Alcabideche or Cinema NOS Colombo & IMAX in Lisbon. I suspect the former. If so, city should be changed.

The IMAX website does confirm that Cinemas NOS CascaiShopping & IMAX is equipped with a Laser system, however I could find no sources for the GT Laser. The article cited does not mention it either.

Although LF Examiner is outdated, it lists (21.4 m × 12.0 m (70.2 ft × 39.3 ft)) as having been the screen's dimensions for this venue. We need an updated source for the mentioned 1.43:1 numbers. I suspect either the screen's dimensions are wrong and closer to 1.90:1 or the projector is IMAX CoLa. Given, how this venue is never cited in lists of IMAX GTs, I think it's at least the latter. Beydounteymour (talk) 23:35, 29 January 2024 (UTC)

EDIT: Actually, it looks like the screen is 1.90:1. Not sure if it's GT Laser or not though. If you look at images on Google Maps. Beydounteymour (talk) 23:50, 29 January 2024 (UTC)

I'm looking to find the specs of the 3 IMAX theatres in Portugal because there is conflicting information between the IMAX wiki, the IMAX website, LF Examiner, NOS Forums posts, etc.

• Cinemas NOS CascaiShopping & IMAX – Alcabideche, Portugal
• Cinema NOS Colombo & IMAX – Lisbon, Portugal
• Cinema NOS Marshopping & IMAX – Matosinhos , Portugal

I would like to know for each:

• Screen aspect ratio (1.90:1 or 1.43:1)
• IMAX Digital, IMAX Commercial Laser (CoLa) or IMAX GT Laser

This news article from December 20th, 2023 suggests that Cinema NOS Colombo & IMAX – Lisbon, Portugal upgraded to IMAX with Laser and was the first to do so in Portugal. Images on Google Maps for the venue suggest that before the recent renovation, the screen was 1.90:1. The IMAX website does not mention Laser for this venue but that might be because it upgraded only a month ago. No official information on whether it's a GT Laser or CoLa, although it is mentioned in this forum thread.

An earlier forum thread describes both Cinema NOS Colombo & IMAX – Lisbon, Portugal and Cinemas NOS CascaiShopping & IMAX – Alcabideche, Portugal as being equipped with IMAX GT Laser systems. The IMAX website does show it as a Laser venue although they have made mistakes before with that mention so I'm not sure about it. Especially, with the most recent news reports that the Cinema NOS Colombo & IMAX – Lisbon, Portugal is the first IMAX with Laser venue in Portugal. Here, reports that Cinemas NOS CascaiShopping & IMAX – Alcabideche, Portugal is a 1.43:1 screen, also the list of IMAX venues on Wikipedia mentions both GT Laser and 1.43:1 screen. Here, also mention of IMAX Laser and possibly a 1.43:1 screen? However, images on Google Maps for the venue suggest that 9 months ago, the screen was 1.90:1.

Images on Google Maps for Cinema NOS Marshopping & IMAX – Matosinhos , Portugal confirms that 6 years ago, the screen was 1.90:1.

Also, this wiki lists all 3 venues as being Laser and 1.90:1.

And then there's this thread which I believe corrects previous incorrect statements. However, I'm confused because the person who was working to correct the information seemed to insinuate that they saw Oppenheimer in its full 1.43:1 aspect ratio. I might be misunderstanding, but it seems from the rest of their messages that they were mistaken and that in fact the only venue with Laser is Cinema NOS Colombo & IMAX – Lisbon, Portugal as can be seen on the chain's special formats list, when opening the image subcategory of IMAX. It remains to be seen if it is an IMAX GT Laser or CoLa. When this matter is resolved, we should correct the wiki entry.

In conclusion, I believe only Cinema NOS Colombo & IMAX – Lisbon, Portugal is IMAX with Laser and 1.90:1 screen given how it was a few months ago. I am unsure whether it's IMAX GT Laser or IMAX CoLa. I believe both other venues have a 1.90:1 screen given the images on Google Maps. Beydounteymour (talk) 00:55, 30 January 2024 (UTC)

List of IMAX venues - NEW DESIGN

Hello, as you may have seen I have changed the layout of this list. In the process, I have verified every single venue listed as well as added around 20-30 IMAX Laser venues after thorough verification. I have also linked every venue to its IMAX page. Additionally, it is a better thing to have IMAX with Laser be the default and not IMAX CoLa implicitly. For films like Avatar: The Way of Water and the use of HFR, it is important not to actively provide incorrect information and it is better to simply state what is known.

There may be a time of transition from the list to this format so I have left the old list at the bottom of the page for the time being. I am open to suggestions as I would like to make this resource to one and only for IMAX venues. Beydounteymour (talk) 21:03, 3 February 2024 (UTC)

I've reverted your changes for now as there are a couple of concerns.

We can't have a direct external links to the IMAX site under "Location Name". Provide the location name and supply a reference as per the old list, i.e. Venue Name<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imax.com/theatres/venue-name...}}</ref>.

it is a better thing to have IMAX with Laser be the default and not IMAX CoLa implicitly

I don't understand what you mean by this and you seem to have introduced confusion by listing three different types of laser (IMAX with Laser, CoLa and GT). Are you claiming that "IMAX with Laser" is a different system to CoLa?

The "Maximum AR for film projection" entry is superfluous; every installation projects at 1.43:1. Barry Wom (talk) 08:21, 4 February 2024 (UTC)

I will be changing the external links to citations..

This may have not been know to you before but IMAX with Laser refers to all IMAX technologies with Laser. That includes the GT Laser projector, the Commercial Laser projector, the Laser for Dome projector and more recently the Laser XT projector. See here for the introduction of IMAX with Laser in 2015 It is even explained on the IMAX Wiki.

Now my argument is that we only know for most of these venues that they have the IMAX with Laser technology. It is incorrect to have them be IMAX CoLa as default, even implicitly, as it was before. Although for IMAX with Laser, that has no influence on the potential aspect ratio, it does make a difference for HFR and the resolution limitations as was seen for Avatar: The Way of Water. Same goes for IMAX Laser XT and their different characteristics. I agree that the text above the page should then be modified to give some clarity on this.

Finally, I agree that we could change Maximum AR for film projection to AR for film projection. However, if we're being specific, I believe MPX systems are limited to 1.90:1 AR so that wouldn't be too wrong, but anyway...

I would ask you to please work with this project, that could bring an enormous resource to the IMAX wiki. My revisions were not only aesthetic, I verified every single venue and even added around 20-30 more so I implore you to please work with contribution instead of reversing it. I may not be aware of all rules in writing it but with your help the end result can be great! Beydounteymour (talk) 11:48, 4 February 2024 (UTC)

Now my argument is that we only know for most of these venues that they have the IMAX with Laser technology. It is incorrect to have them be IMAX CoLa as default, even implicitly, as it was before.

Given that "IMAX with Laser" covers all four projector types, it's pointless to specify this. Every entry in the list is either "IMAX with Laser" and/or 15/70. Leave the entry blank if there is no confirmation of the type of projector.

Although for IMAX with Laser [...] it does make a difference for HFR and the resolution limitations as was seen for Avatar: The Way of Water.

I don't understand. Can you explain further?

I agree that we could change Maximum AR for film projection to AR for film projection. However, if we're being specific, I believe MPX systems are limited to 1.90:1 AR so that wouldn't be too wrong

No, I'm saying that the AR for film projection column isn't required at all. They are all 1.43:1 screens. A note in the lede would suffice to cover this. Are there any MPX systems still in operation?

I implore you to please work with contribution instead of reversing it

My advice would be to slow down a bit! There's no rush to get this sorted. Discuss the changes further here before implementing them. Barry Wom (talk) 12:11, 4 February 2024 (UTC)

I guess you decided not to heed my advice. Please resolve the issues I've raised here on the talk page before making any further changes to the article. Barry Wom (talk) 12:55, 4 February 2024 (UTC)

To keep the most up to date page live, I will remove the IMAX with Laser mentions as per your request as well as the film ar column while we discuss this further. Beydounteymour (talk) 13:05, 4 February 2024 (UTC)

There's an issue if you remove the IMAX with Laser mention. You can't differentiate with venues that have film projectors and no digital projector. For that reason and the reasons given above I believe IMAX with Laser should be the default for confirmed Laser venues. Beydounteymour (talk) 13:14, 4 February 2024 (UTC)

Given that "IMAX with Laser" covers all four projector types, it's pointless to specify this. Every entry in the list is either "IMAX with Laser" and/or 15/70. Leave the entry blank if there is no confirmation of the type of projector.

I understand your point, it's a pertinent remark. However, I believe that a person landing on this page might not immediately understand that the venue is Laser even if it's stated on the page that all blank venues are IMAX with Laser. You have this experience with people updating every now and then the page with IMAX Digital venues. I honestly believe that it would convey the information better with no significant inconvenience. What do you think?

I don't understand. Can you explain further?

For Avatar: The Way of Water there were High Frame Rate (HFR) DCPs released. IMAX Digital, IMAX GT Laser and IMAX CoLa have differences in their abilities to deal with HFR. From my understanding, IMAX GT Laser was generally limited to 3D 2K 48 fps while IMAX CoLa could easily do 3D 4K 48 fps. For 4K, IMAX GT Laser had to resort to regular 24 fps. For completeness, there were instances where IMAX GT Laser could do 3D 4K 48 fps but had to resort to windowboxing. And now the IMAX Laser XT system can even go up to 120fps. But I think it's also important to differentiate between IMAX Laser XT and IMAX CoLa because the former is cheaper and seems to potentially be cutting corners in quality, hence why it's being sold almost exclusively to Southeast Asian countries.

No, I'm saying that the AR for film projection column isn't required at all. They are all 1.43:1 screens. A note in the lede would suffice to cover this. Are there any MPX systems still in operation?

I'm not sure if there are MPXs still in operation. It's true that I haven't seen any confirmed. I understand your point but I'm trying to have a solution that will convey the answer to "Will my theater show that film in 1.43:1?" more easily and directly as many people are not well versed in IMAX specifics. I guess we could delete the column but it would be important for the information to be received by the reader. Also TCL might confuse people.

My advice would be to slow down a bit! There's no rush to get this sorted. Discuss the changes further here before implementing them

I hear you. I will take all the suggestions you give and try to implement them. I truly want this page to be the new most accurate and useful hub for IMAX formats.

I'm currently working on trying to restore the screen dimensions unit conversion. Would you know how to do this without doing it all manually? Beydounteymour (talk) 13:03, 4 February 2024 (UTC)

I believe that a person landing on this page might not immediately understand that the venue is Laser even if it's stated on the page that all blank venues are IMAX with Laser.

On the other hand, a person looking at that column might be led to believe that there's a difference between "IMAX with Laser" and specific types of projectors. It's too confusing; leave the column blank if there's no confirmation of projector type.

For Avatar: The Way of Water...

What does any of this have to do with the cinema listings?

a solution that will convey the answer to "Will my theater show that film in 1.43:1?

Easily confirmed by sorting the list by digital aspect ratio or film projector. The table is already quite cluttered and this column really doesn't add any benefit.

Would you know how to do this without doing it all manually?

Sorry, I've no idea. Barry Wom (talk) 13:16, 4 February 2024 (UTC)

On the other hand, a person looking at that column might be led to believe that there's a difference between "IMAX with Laser" and specific types of projectors. It's too confusing; leave the column blank if there's no confirmation of projector type.

Granted but as mentioned above, there is now no distinction between a venue with film and laser projectors and one with only film projection. So I think there should be a clearer way to distinguish those. But you argument also applies to the way it currently is: a person looking at that column might be led to believe that the blank implicit "IMAX with Laser" is a different projector than IMAX GT Laser and IMAX CoLa. So there has to be a clearer way to display the information.

What does any of this have to do with the cinema listings?

The same way this list and the previous iteration tried to give information on the aspect ratio supported for each venue, giving information on the specific projector will give information on the capabilities of that venue with regards to specs other than AR, namely resolution limitation for HFR, which is also important in my opinion and should be information available on this article.

Easily confirmed by sorting the list by digital aspect ratio or film projector. The table is already quite cluttered and this column really doesn't add any benefit.

Ok, fine with me. Beydounteymour (talk) 13:28, 4 February 2024 (UTC)

So there has to be a clearer way to display the information.

Insert "Unknown" into the fields where the type of projector isn't confirmed?

giving information on the specific projector will give information on the capabilities of that venue with regards to specs other than AR, namely resolution limitation for HFR, which is also important in my opinion and should be information available on this article.

Okay, so each of the three laser systems have different HFR capabilities? That information should be added to the lede, there's no need to clutter up the table with this info. Barry Wom (talk) 13:38, 4 February 2024 (UTC)

Insert "Unknown" into the fields where the type of projector isn't confirmed?

Ok, what about I put them as IMAX CoLa by default? Reading lists online it seems every GT Laser venue has been accounted for here. I'm not sure about China though as information is scarce. I know there was one venue listed as GT previously on the list but had an external source listing it as CoLa (not talking about Leonberg). I will do some research into that one. And IMAX Laser XT is quite new and I think it shouldn't be too hard to get them all. I already confirmed all Indian venues. And after all, as we know it doesn't matter for the AR because we're only unsure about 1.90:1 screens. Beydounteymour (talk) 13:52, 4 February 2024 (UTC)

Well, it means that it's possible that we're presenting incorrect information if we assume CoLa. Barry Wom (talk) 17:51, 4 February 2024 (UTC)

Thanks for addressing my concerns! All looking good now. Barry Wom (talk) 13:20, 4 February 2024 (UTC)

Missing Vietnam location?

Hi, I think there are some Vietnam IMAX theater that is Laser. But not on this list 2405:4802:1C8A:7380:2085:BE5C:F5FB:D619 (talk) 22:21, 12 February 2024 (UTC)

IMAX Domes?

There are a number of IMAX Dome theaters that don't show up in this list. For example:

The Science Museum of Virgina in Richmond, VA. 70mm

Tuttleman IMAX in Philadelphia, PA. 70mm

Why aren't these listed? Megarect (talk) 14:23, 23 February 2024 (UTC)

The Science Museum is no longer IMAX - they now have an LED system called DomeX.

The Tuttleman IMAX appears to be closed. Barry Wom (talk) 14:38, 23 February 2024 (UTC)

Yeah, the latter is not reopening [1]. Barry Wom (talk) 14:42, 23 February 2024 (UTC)

Oh. Sorry about that. It appears the SMV now has 5 4k projectors with an effective 8K resolution that is a completely different system. I'll post a suggestion to update the SMV page with more info. Megarect (talk) 14:47, 23 February 2024 (UTC)

Yes, sorry, you're right. DomeX was another Evans & Sutherland system, it seems they changed their minds at some point. Barry Wom (talk) 15:14, 23 February 2024 (UTC)

Theater Names

Should theaters be listed with their true names, or by their name on the IMAX website? There are discrepancies at times, like "AMC Puente 20 & IMAX" (AMC Puente Hills 20) and "AMC 30 at the Block & IMAX" (AMC Orange 30; formerly AMC Block 30) Nothing But Cinema (talk) 06:49, 6 March 2024 (UTC)

They should be listed by their name on the IMAX website. If you find a venue that is not correctly named, kindly correct it. Thanks.

AMC Puente 20 & IMAX and AMC 30 at the Block & IMAX is therefore correct. Beydounteymour (talk) 15:24, 18 March 2024 (UTC)

This is not a list of IMAX venues

This is not a list of IMAX venues. This article's name should be changed to "List of IMAX with Laser and 15/70 mm film projector venues". A.new.way (talk) 22:38, 18 March 2024 (UTC)

I'd support that. Barry Wom (talk) 00:20, 19 March 2024 (UTC)

For more clarity, I'd add IMAX again before 15/70 mm, so "List of IMAX with laser and IMAX 15/70 mm film venues", maybe dropping the "projector"? Beydounteymour (talk) 19:44, 19 March 2024 (UTC)

Bit clunky. How about "List of IMAX venues with laser or 15/70 film projectors"? Barry Wom (talk) 12:21, 20 March 2024 (UTC)

Yep, that's better. So "List of IMAX venues with Laser or 15/70 mm film projectors". How does one change the article's name? Beydounteymour (talk) 19:54, 21 March 2024 (UTC)

15/70 obviously refers to the perforations per frame and the width. So it should be either "15/70 film projectors" or "70 mm film projectors". I've no preference as to which we use. Barry Wom (talk) 12:36, 22 March 2024 (UTC)

I believe "15/70 film projectors" would be best, as it's more easily differentiated from non-IMAX 70 mm projectors Nothing But Cinema (talk) 23:38, 31 March 2024 (UTC)

Greece IMAX

There is a missing IMAX venue on the list which is located in Thessaloniki, Greece. However, I haven't yet added it as I am unable to find information on screen dimensions. Could someone perhaps give me a hand here? Tamberlox (talk) 12:13, 20 March 2024 (UTC)

It's not listed as laser equipped. Barry Wom (talk) 12:19, 20 March 2024 (UTC)

Ah I see, in that case I do agree with the above comment of changing the article's title. Tamberlox (talk) 12:22, 20 March 2024 (UTC)

References