IMAX and RPX are two movie formats that are becoming popular in the contemporary world. If you want to enjoy a movie truly, you must have enough knowledge about both IMAX and RPX.
Because choosing the right theater is very important for moviegoers. Your movie impression largely depends on the theater quality.
Both of these movie formats will be discussed in this article. We will do a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the differences and similarities of both. So, keep reading this article till the end.
IMAX vs RPX: A Brief Introduction
IMAX stands for “Image Maximum”, and is a theater technology. It is well-known for its huge screen displays and 3D format.
This is an immersive movie experience that uses the latest technology; larger cameras, digital dual laser projectors, and a perfect sound system.
RPX is the short form of “Regal Premium Experience”. It is also a theater technology that is ahead of IMAX. RPX is the latest and huge screen launched by the Regal Cinema.
It is also characterized by a giant screen and an excellent sound system. But, it has some improved features as compared to IMAX.
It uses bigger and premium-quality digital projectors. So, the display is also better than IMAX.
IMAX vs RPX: A Detailed Overview
IMAX and RPX can be differentiated in many respects. For example, the comfort of the cinema hall, infrastructure, technology, screen size, and other features distinguish between both theater technologies.
Hence, we need to dive deeper into them. The next section of this article provides a comprehensive overview of both IMAX and RPX.
1. Comfortability
IMAX cinemas hold comfortable seats with excessive paddings. They are more relaxing than the seats in a Stranded theater.
However, the seats in an RPX cinema are even more leathery and comfortable. Their seats are luxurious with higher backs and headrests.
The seats are wider and recliners. The environment of the theater is very comfortable and elegant. RPX theaters contain 150-300 seats in general. The size of the cinema is reasonable.
2. Infrastructure and Technology
IMAX cinemas have unique screens and infrastructure. Their screen is curved in the center and assumes the shape of a huge dome.
This structure gives a 3D effect with popping images. Moreover, IMAX theaters use dual 4K and 2K laser projectors, high-resolution cameras, and 12-channel sound systems.
The image is projected on a silver-coated screen both vertically and horizontally and superimposed to create an immersive effect.
The seats are a little bit steep in an IMAX theater, this arrangement ensures that the viewer is directly facing the center of the screen.
In addition, the seats are placed at height and closer to the screen. So, the audience can enjoy the movie in the best format.
RPX cinemas use cutting-edge technology. They utilize Digital projectors and sound systems. The image quality is more or less the same as IMAX but the aspect ratio differs.
3. Screen Size
The IMAX screens are giant measuring 70-100 feet in length and 53 feet in width. They are 6 times bigger than normal screens.
According to recent statistics, the world’s largest IMAX screen is 177.2×97 feet that is present in Sydney, Australia. The entire theater is covered by a huge screen and the scenes are too lively.
RPX screen is bigger than dual 2K IMAX screens. Generally, an RPX screen measures 40×60. It is wider as compared to IMAX that is taller.
The aspect ratio of the IMAX screen is 1.90:1 and RPX is bigger than the dual 2K IMAX.
4. Movie Experience
IMAX cinemas give a real immersive movie experience. The audience feels they are part of the movie. The on-screen images seem to approach the audience.
The sound is also enveloping and everything seems to happen in reality. The best thing about the IMAX theaters is their outstanding clarity and brightness.
The advanced laser technology ensures vivid and accurate images. It uses a 70mm film format that creates extraordinary pictures.
RPX is the project of Regal Cinema that is intended to provide improved movie effects with premium quality audio systems and high-quality visual formats.
Both 2D and 3D movies can be watched in an RPX cinema.
Related: IMAX VS Cinemark XD, Explained with Table
5. Sound System
RPX cinemas have a 7.1 channel audio system. Additionally, they have installed low-frequency transducers in each seat to enhance the sound effect.
Some moviegoers find these transducers distracting because of unpleasant harmonics. Their sound effect is not comparable to Dolby Atmos and other high-resolution audio formats.
While IMAX cinemas have installed a 12-channel audio system. The sound is enveloping and speakers are installed up-head also. Some IMAX cinemas also use Dolby Atmos.
IMAX vs RPX: Comparison and Contrast Table
| Comparison Parameters | IMAX | RPX |
|---|---|---|
| Comfortability | Seats are better than Standard theaters but not comfortable like RPX. | Highly comfortable and leathery seats having higher back, headrests and are recliners. |
| Infrastructure and Technology | Curved screens stretching across the walls, 2K laser projectors. | It uses flat screen. RPX also has Digital projection technology. Its screen is wider than IMAX. |
| Screen Display | The screen is 70-100 feet tall and 53 feet wide. | The screen is 40 feet tall and 60 feet wide. As compared to IMAX, the screen is wider but shorter in length. |
| Sound System | A 12 channel surround sound system with enhanced clarity. | A 7.1 channel surround sound system plus low-frequency transducers installed in each seat. |
| Movie Experience | 3D movies with immersive effect, the viewer feels himself a part of the scene. | RPX also gives 3D movie effect. It is suitable to watch 3D movies. |
| Cost | It costs $5 more than traditional screens. But, every penny proves it worth. | It costs $5 extra than IMAX. |
| Which is Better? | IMAX is not suitable for certain movies such as romance and story-oriented. Because dialogues are more important than scenery in such movies. | Every sort of movie can be watched in RPX cinema. It provides RealD 3D, 2D as well as other movie formats. |
RPX or IMAX, Which is Better?
IMAX theaters are the best to watch 3D movies especially documentaries on nature like wildlife and oceans. While other movies can also be watched in IMAX.
But, story-oriented movies are not worth watching in IMAX because you focus on dialogues and scenes and not on the panorama.
RPX is suitable for all kinds of movies, you can choose between 2D and 3D formats. In fact, RPX is the brand name and they claim to provide an enhanced movie experience.
The Regal Theaters have upgraded some of their theaters with the latest technology and named it RPX. However, IMAX films are also displayed in RPX theaters.
Your movie experience in an RPX cinema also depends on its location. Some RPX theaters are really worth it because of their bigger screens and full-fledged technology.
But, others may give you the standard movie effect. Furthermore, your sitting position can also affect the watch experience.
Because the seats in the front row offer a better view as compared to the back rows. The pictures in RPX are less bright than IMAX. They are softer for your eyes.
However, in an IMAX theater, the audience has to wear polarized glasses to reduce the lighting effect as well as to enhance the 3D effect.
Budget is also necessary to choose between two film formats, RPX costs $5 extra than IMAX. Honestly speaking, IMAX is better than RPX in many respects.
Related: Does IMAX Worth It?
Final Words
The choice of movie format and theater technology largely depends on individual preferences. The 3D craze has prevailed over the last few years.
But, now it is boiling down and people are moving towards other film formats. But, the worth of true IMAX experience is still undeniable.
The giant screens of IMAX cinemas are the best of all. Nevertheless, some people prefer to watch movies in Standard format while others prioritize the comfort of the cinema hall.
RPX excels in this respect because of its highly comfortable recliner seats and environment.
So, now you have a better idea of both IMAX vs RPX. Surely, this guide has helped you in deciding the perfect movie format.
