3D VS IMAX: What are the differences？

When it comes to immersive movie experience, we usually think of 3D and IMAX. The former provides audiences with stunning images, while the latter provides audiences with an immersive viewing experience. This article will compare 3D and IMAX in detail to help you make a better choice.

What is a 3D movie?

At present, there is no clear definition of 3D movies in the industry. Generally speaking, as long as it can provide a more three-dimensional image, it can be called a 3D movie. Therefore, in the cinema, it is usually divided into normal 3D, RealD 3D and IMAX 3D. We will explain in detail in the following comparison.

What is IMAX?

IMAX is actually an imaging technology launched by IMAX. It is also a proprietary format developed by IMAX and used through its supporting laser projection system. It can play 2D or 3D movies.

Normal 3D VS IMAX

Due to limited funds, normal 3D cinemas not only have rough 3D image effects, but also must wear 3D glasses to use together, otherwise the image cannot be viewed normally, and the experience is very poor.

Technical principle of normal 3D

Ordinary 3D uses red and blue 3D technology, which converts the picture into red and blue (or cyan) superposition. In this way, under the filtering of the lenses of 3D glasses, the left eye will see the red part of the film and the right eye will see the blue (or cyan) part of the film. Under the processing of the brain, a three-dimensional visual effect is produced.

Disadvantages of normal 3D

The theater using red and blue 3D technology needs to process the color of the original picture, which will eventually lead to serious distortion of the picture color and very poor color restoration. Moreover, the red lens part of 3D glasses cannot completely filter other colors of light, so it often causes double images in the watched picture. Some people may experience dizziness, headaches and other symptoms after watching.

The difference between normal 3D and IMAX

Compared with normal 3D, IMAX almost perfectly overcomes the various problems brought by normal 3D. IMAX can achieve the three-dimensional effect of the entire picture through the laser projection system under the superposition of three-color lasers, and can also achieve a good 3D effect without the help of 3D glasses.

RealD 3D VS IMAX

Since the red-blue 3D technology used in normal 3D movies has many problems, a polarized 3D technology, namely RealD 3D, has emerged. Polarized 3D technology gets rid of the color distortion problem caused by red-blue 3D technology, so its picture is clearer and more realistic.

RealD 3D technology principle

RealD 3D technology was launched by the American company RealD in 2003. RealD 3D technology creates a 3D effect by adding a layer of polarizing film to the display screen and then dividing the image into two different polarization directions.

Since the image has been converted before it reaches the eyes, the audience will not see distortion or ghosting even if they turn or tilt their heads. The earliest RealD 3D movie was “Chicken Little” released in 2005.

The difference between RealD 3D and normal 3D

RealD 3D looks very similar to red-blue 3D technology. Both of them create a 3D effect by offsetting the image. However, RealD 3D technology is layered before the picture is formed, while Red and Blue 3D technology is layered after the picture is formed. This subtle difference leads to a big difference between the two.

Secondly, Red and Blue 3D technology must convert the color of the original picture, which will cause a lot of color loss. Therefore, the final picture is not only rough, but also may cause discomfort in watching movies.

RealD 3D does not need to be converted. The whole process only relies on polarizing film to operate. The original picture color is completely preserved, so the clarity and brightness of the picture are significantly improved.

Difference between RealD 3D and IMAX

Technically speaking, RealD 3D has greatly improved over traditional 3D display technology, but there is still a big gap with IMAX’s high-definition large-screen technology. Some poorly made 3D movies even need to use special polarizing glasses to operate, which is still a long way from a realistic and immersive visual experience.

IMAX is very similar to RealD 3D technology and also uses the same linear polarization technology. But the difference is that IMAX has upgraded its equipment.

IMAX uses a highly accurate three-primary color laser light source for projection, and controls the expansion and contraction of the beam of the three-primary color laser light source from the transmitting end, to restore the color of the picture to the maximum extent. In addition, the IMAX screen has a huge arc shape, which is also a common form of many virtual production LED walls, which can better enhance the immersion of the picture.

RealD 3D VS IMAX 3D:ticket price

Currently, the ticket prices of 3D movies around the world are different, but the ticket prices of IMAX 3D movies are higher than those of reald 3D movies. Taking Singapore’s JCube (now closed and the original site has been converted into a 40-story commercial residence) as an example, the ticket price of IMAX 3D movies is 19 Singapore dollars, while the ticket price of RealD 3D is only 11 Singapore dollars.

Similarly, at the AMC (American chain cinema) cinema in Los Angeles, the price of IMAX 3D movie tickets is US$19.5, while the ticket price of RealD 3D is only US$15.5, which provides more viewing needs for people with relatively tight financial conditions.

Why are normal 3D and RealD 3D still widely used?

Some readers may find it strange that since IMAX technology is stronger than traditional 3D display technology in all aspects, why are the other two technologies still widely used?

This is actually closely related to the economic level of the country or region. You should know that there are still many developing countries in the world.

Generally speaking, the more developed the economy, the more IMAX screens there are. Taking Asia as an example, IMAX screens are the most in China, with more than 20 screens, South Korea has 10 screens, and the Philippines has 5 screens. Singapore, known as one of the “Four Asian Tigers”, has only 1 screen.

This is mainly because IMAX screens have extremely high requirements for venues and areas, and secondly, the price issue mentioned above. Almost all IMAX screens are larger than 120 square meters, and only a few theaters that are still using the first-generation IMAX projection system are smaller than this area. As for the ticket prices of movie theaters, they are generally higher than normal 3D and RealD 3D.

For countries and regions with average economic conditions, such an area and cost are not only too high to be borne by the construction cost, but also the local consumption level is limited, and the payback period is difficult. This is also an important reason why normal 3D and real 3D are still widely used.

Summary

This article makes a detailed comparison of the three common cinema 3D display technologies, and finally draws the following conclusions:

• Red and blue 3D technology is an earlier 3D display technology, which is currently only used in a few underdeveloped areas
• Real 3D technology, as an alternative to red and blue 3D technology, is currently the main way for cinemas to play 3D images
• IMAX 3D technology is too expensive and only appears in some economically developed places.