Totally agree, Jeff. I've invested a lot of money in my home theater and 4K discs. Standard theater screens don't always compete with that, or at least not enough to put up with the drawbacks that accompany going to the theater. But Dolby Cinema and IMAX? That's still special.
To your point, in Chicago, Sinners only played for 7 days on AMC's Dolby Cinema screen. (Currently, there's only one in the city proper.) So, this past Wednesday was my last chance, just after opening weekend, to still see Sinners on that screen. I made the sacrifice and did so on a weeknight. But it sucked to only have a 7-day window. (It got bumped last Thursday for The Accountant 2.)
I would love more Dolby Cinema and IMAX screens. That's a great idea. And had Revenge of the Sith been playing on one of those, I would've gone.
Great article! I couldn't agree more that people have taken the standard theatrical experience for granted. Having a 5.1 surround sound system at home (or better) does compare, so yes, theatres need more. And because of sound bars, it's easier and cheaper to have a surround sound setup than it ever was before!
I am lucky enough to live about 20 miles from NY City in Bergen County NJ. There are 4 AMC multiplexes within 10 miles of my home with 4 Imax and 3 Dolby Cinema theaters available to me. The ticket price is high though anywhere between $22 and $26 depending on the time of day. I have an A-list membership that makes it well worth the monthly fee. If I see just 2 Imax or Dolby Cinema films a month I am getting more than my subscription worth. The AMC theaters in my area have also upgraded all there non premium theaters with Laser projectors and upgraded sound systems, making the much better than a year ago. I see as many films in either IMAX or Dolby Cinema as I can. It makes the movie going experience better and more enjoyable. Now if I didn't have to pay $20 for a small popcorn and a large soda I would be much happier.
I feel when Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning came out two years ago, it didn’t too as well as hoped, and one of those factors I believe was because Oppenheimer and Barbie took the premium screens during its second weekend.
This is timely for me as my friends and I finally found a date this weekend we can see Sinners, and sure enough, no IMAX anymore. My friends still go to far more screenings than I do while I often buy the 4K or Blu-ray at a similar first run ticket price and watch with my partner at home. They’re not doing themselves any favors with physical media on a nice home system being a valid alternative at a similar price, with more watchability and special features as well. On top of that, even a theatrical screening isn’t a slam dunk “premium” experience. I just paid $50 to see Dogma with Kevin Smith doing a Q&A, which was heartwarming and hilarious. But the audio presentation had the worst dynamics with center channel dialog that was echoey and quiet for a mostly dialogue film, and then ear bleeding side speakers when action scenes or score was playing. This never happens at home. Maybe they shouldn’t have removed skilled and dedicated projectionists, switched to automation, and set-it-and-forget-it A/V systems. $30-$40 for 2 tickets, it doesn’t always workout in your favor.
you wrote this excellent piece on IMAX, but you never mentioned that there are actually only like six authentic IMAX screens in America, and the rest are phonies?? (Or have they fixed this?)
I've been screaming to the rafters about this for YEARS!!! And the "argument" is more prevalent now as Studios release Epics/Blockbusters year-round instead of just Summer.
I've been an IMAX "patron" for almost 40 years when it was initially a Museum thing here in New York City (Museum of Natural History). It's transition to broadcast major movies some years later was pretty monumental to say the least. When I moved to the Pacific Northwest during the early 90s, The Seattle Science Center began to show some Hollywood fare on its IMAX screen. But it was pretty much seen as a "one off" event thing.
Theater Chains had various opportunities to catch up in regard to Premium Audio/Visual Presentation. Especially during The Pandemic when it was revealed that many of them received PPE Funds. Instead of using those funds to build newer theaters or renovate old ones, the chains either sat on those funds for survival. Or used them to upkeep empty theaters. With many single-screen theaters being dissolved during the 90s for the Multi-Plex model, it's like Studios and Theater chains totally forgot the things that made going to The Movies special. Especially in regard to Presentation.
I've faced tons of criticism over the decades for choosing to see films ONLY on IMAX (along with Dolby Cinema, RPX, etc). Being called "Bougie" to wasting extra money for a ticket. Now everyone and their dog (Okay. Exaggeration) wants in on the IMAX experience depending on the film.
When I finally got to see "SINNERS" yesterday at a 10am showing at the AMC Lincoln Square 13 here in NYC, it was practically SOLD OUT! Except for a few seats in the very front. I actually ran into a Co-Worker after the film who was one of those brave souls who sat three rows from the screen. She was desperate to see the film again after seeing it on a "standard" screen. It was her first IMAX experience. She told Me that she found out through some other Co-Workers that I was going to see "SINNERS" in IMAX. And that it was a running joke. Now She understands. So, we're going to see "THUNDERBOLTS*" next week. And the new "MISSION IMPOSSIBLE" film in a few weeks.
In IMAX!
Sorry to be longwinded. But this has been a very personal pet peeve of mine for decades. Glad folks like you are bringing this issue out full throttle.
Thanks Again Jeff for your great and incisive article.
Only one of the three AMC's around me have IMAX or Dolby Cinema, and it's the furthest at 30 min away. I don't really understand the love for IMAX--I usually avoid it and would choose the Dolby Cinema experience over it any day. Don't know if they're all like this but the IMAX around me has the most uncomfortable seats--they're hard, crammed together and recline less than an inch. The regular theaters and especially the Dolby Cinema with their leather recliners are so much more comfortable, especially if seeing a long movie. Also, I have found that almost always if there's someone in front of me in the IMAX theater, their heads usually block some of the screen--a problem I never have in the regular theaters. Everyone makes a big deal about the filmed for IMAX ratio--what is to prevent them from just showing at this same ratio in a regular theater, so that you see everything that was filmed--it would just be closer to a 4:3 TV rather than widescreen. I mean Nosferatu was recently a 1.66:1 ratio as well as several other artsy releases over the years.
Totally agree, Jeff. I've invested a lot of money in my home theater and 4K discs. Standard theater screens don't always compete with that, or at least not enough to put up with the drawbacks that accompany going to the theater. But Dolby Cinema and IMAX? That's still special.
To your point, in Chicago, Sinners only played for 7 days on AMC's Dolby Cinema screen. (Currently, there's only one in the city proper.) So, this past Wednesday was my last chance, just after opening weekend, to still see Sinners on that screen. I made the sacrifice and did so on a weeknight. But it sucked to only have a 7-day window. (It got bumped last Thursday for The Accountant 2.)
I would love more Dolby Cinema and IMAX screens. That's a great idea. And had Revenge of the Sith been playing on one of those, I would've gone.
Great article! I couldn't agree more that people have taken the standard theatrical experience for granted. Having a 5.1 surround sound system at home (or better) does compare, so yes, theatres need more. And because of sound bars, it's easier and cheaper to have a surround sound setup than it ever was before!
I am lucky enough to live about 20 miles from NY City in Bergen County NJ. There are 4 AMC multiplexes within 10 miles of my home with 4 Imax and 3 Dolby Cinema theaters available to me. The ticket price is high though anywhere between $22 and $26 depending on the time of day. I have an A-list membership that makes it well worth the monthly fee. If I see just 2 Imax or Dolby Cinema films a month I am getting more than my subscription worth. The AMC theaters in my area have also upgraded all there non premium theaters with Laser projectors and upgraded sound systems, making the much better than a year ago. I see as many films in either IMAX or Dolby Cinema as I can. It makes the movie going experience better and more enjoyable. Now if I didn't have to pay $20 for a small popcorn and a large soda I would be much happier.
I feel when Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning came out two years ago, it didn’t too as well as hoped, and one of those factors I believe was because Oppenheimer and Barbie took the premium screens during its second weekend.
This is timely for me as my friends and I finally found a date this weekend we can see Sinners, and sure enough, no IMAX anymore. My friends still go to far more screenings than I do while I often buy the 4K or Blu-ray at a similar first run ticket price and watch with my partner at home. They’re not doing themselves any favors with physical media on a nice home system being a valid alternative at a similar price, with more watchability and special features as well. On top of that, even a theatrical screening isn’t a slam dunk “premium” experience. I just paid $50 to see Dogma with Kevin Smith doing a Q&A, which was heartwarming and hilarious. But the audio presentation had the worst dynamics with center channel dialog that was echoey and quiet for a mostly dialogue film, and then ear bleeding side speakers when action scenes or score was playing. This never happens at home. Maybe they shouldn’t have removed skilled and dedicated projectionists, switched to automation, and set-it-and-forget-it A/V systems. $30-$40 for 2 tickets, it doesn’t always workout in your favor.
But wait, hol' up...
you wrote this excellent piece on IMAX, but you never mentioned that there are actually only like six authentic IMAX screens in America, and the rest are phonies?? (Or have they fixed this?)
Fromtheyardtothearthouse.substack.com
THANK YOU JEFF!!!
I've been screaming to the rafters about this for YEARS!!! And the "argument" is more prevalent now as Studios release Epics/Blockbusters year-round instead of just Summer.
I've been an IMAX "patron" for almost 40 years when it was initially a Museum thing here in New York City (Museum of Natural History). It's transition to broadcast major movies some years later was pretty monumental to say the least. When I moved to the Pacific Northwest during the early 90s, The Seattle Science Center began to show some Hollywood fare on its IMAX screen. But it was pretty much seen as a "one off" event thing.
Theater Chains had various opportunities to catch up in regard to Premium Audio/Visual Presentation. Especially during The Pandemic when it was revealed that many of them received PPE Funds. Instead of using those funds to build newer theaters or renovate old ones, the chains either sat on those funds for survival. Or used them to upkeep empty theaters. With many single-screen theaters being dissolved during the 90s for the Multi-Plex model, it's like Studios and Theater chains totally forgot the things that made going to The Movies special. Especially in regard to Presentation.
I've faced tons of criticism over the decades for choosing to see films ONLY on IMAX (along with Dolby Cinema, RPX, etc). Being called "Bougie" to wasting extra money for a ticket. Now everyone and their dog (Okay. Exaggeration) wants in on the IMAX experience depending on the film.
When I finally got to see "SINNERS" yesterday at a 10am showing at the AMC Lincoln Square 13 here in NYC, it was practically SOLD OUT! Except for a few seats in the very front. I actually ran into a Co-Worker after the film who was one of those brave souls who sat three rows from the screen. She was desperate to see the film again after seeing it on a "standard" screen. It was her first IMAX experience. She told Me that she found out through some other Co-Workers that I was going to see "SINNERS" in IMAX. And that it was a running joke. Now She understands. So, we're going to see "THUNDERBOLTS*" next week. And the new "MISSION IMPOSSIBLE" film in a few weeks.
In IMAX!
Sorry to be longwinded. But this has been a very personal pet peeve of mine for decades. Glad folks like you are bringing this issue out full throttle.
Thanks Again Jeff for your great and incisive article.
Only one of the three AMC's around me have IMAX or Dolby Cinema, and it's the furthest at 30 min away. I don't really understand the love for IMAX--I usually avoid it and would choose the Dolby Cinema experience over it any day. Don't know if they're all like this but the IMAX around me has the most uncomfortable seats--they're hard, crammed together and recline less than an inch. The regular theaters and especially the Dolby Cinema with their leather recliners are so much more comfortable, especially if seeing a long movie. Also, I have found that almost always if there's someone in front of me in the IMAX theater, their heads usually block some of the screen--a problem I never have in the regular theaters. Everyone makes a big deal about the filmed for IMAX ratio--what is to prevent them from just showing at this same ratio in a regular theater, so that you see everything that was filmed--it would just be closer to a 4:3 TV rather than widescreen. I mean Nosferatu was recently a 1.66:1 ratio as well as several other artsy releases over the years.