There Are Really Two IMAXes
When people argue about IMAX, they are usually talking about two very different things: analog 15/70mm IMAX film and the much more common digital IMAX. They look different, cost different amounts to run, and exist in very different numbers.
IMAX 70mm Film (the “true” IMAX)
IMAX film runs 70mm stock horizontally with 15 perforations per frame. Each frame is enormous - the digital equivalent of roughly 18K resolution - and it projects in the tall 1.43:1 aspect ratio that fills the screen top to bottom. Only a few dozen venues worldwide can still project it. Read the deeper mechanics in our IMAX guide.
Digital IMAX (Xenon and Laser)
Digital IMAX uses dual projectors. The older xenon systems are dual-2K; modern IMAX with Laseris dual-4K with far higher brightness, contrast and a wider colour gamut. Digital IMAX typically projects 1.90:1 - taller than standard widescreen, but not as tall as film's 1.43:1.
| Property | IMAX 70mm Film | Digital IMAX (Laser) |
|---|---|---|
| Aspect ratio | 1.43:1 | 1.90:1 |
| Resolution | ~18K equivalent | Dual 4K |
| Brightness | Very high (lamp) | Highest (laser) |
| Availability | Rare (dozens of sites) | Common |
| Best for | Nolan film epics | Most blockbusters |
🎞️ How to tell which you're buying
So Which Is Better?
For films shot on 15/70mm, true IMAX film is unmatched in resolution and frame height. For everything else - and for brightness, color and consistency - IMAX with Laser is superb and far easier to find. Either way, your seat decides how much of that quality reaches your eyes: check the best seat in IMAX and the viewing distance calculator.
Further reading: IMAX (Wikipedia) · 70mm film (Wikipedia)