Is IMAX Worth It? A Detailed Review
By Robert Jones · 2021-11-26
Right, you've probably seen the ads, heard the buzz – IMAX. But honestly, is it really worth that extra fiver, or even a tenner, for a cinema experience that promises to blow your socks off? I've got some thoughts.
Right, you've probably seen the ads, heard the buzz – IMAX. Everyone's talking about the bigger screens and the thumpin' sound, all for a heftier ticket price. But honestly, is it really worth that extra fiver, or even a tenner, for a cinema experience that promises to blow your socks off? I've got some thoughts.  *Is IMAX Worth It? A Detailed Review — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* **Quick Verdict:** Honestly, if you're after a proper jaw-dropping big-screen spectacle with sound that'll shake your fillings, IMAX often hits the spot, especially for action flicks or sci-fi epics. Just choose your screen wisely. ### My Take on the Whole IMAX Palaver I've spent more time in dark rooms than a mole with a projector, testing everything from woofers to amps, and listening to countless films over the last two decades. From the snug, almost private screens in West London to the vast, cavernous halls of some multiplexes, I've seen 'em all. IMAX has always been a bit of a curious beast for me. On one hand, the sheer scale is undeniable, truly something to behold. On the other, sometimes it feels a bit like a marketing spiel, trying to convince you it's more than it is. So, let's properly pick apart what makes it tick, and whether it's genuinely a cut above the rest, or just another way for Odeon to lighten your wallet. ### What Exactly *Is* IMAX Anyway? It's More Than Just a Big Screen, Mate It's easy to think IMAX is just a giant sheet of white fabric you stare at. Not quite. It's a whole collection of bits and bobs – cameras, projection tech, sound systems, even how the seats are arranged – all designed to drag you kicking and screaming into the film. It started way back in the late 60s, a Canadian invention, with the simple goal of making you feel like you're smack-bang *in* the movie, not just watching it from a comfy chair with a bucket of popcorn. They've been at it a long time, evolving with the tech, sometimes for the better, sometimes... well, we'll get to that. ### The Visuals: Far More Than Just a Bigger Picture (Sometimes) This is where IMAX really tries to shine. They've got a couple of ways they throw those pictures up on screen, and understanding the difference is key to knowing if you're getting your money's worth. #### The Proper Old-School: 70mm Film Projection Now, this is the classic, the purist's choice, and a rare treat these days. When you hear about IMAX 70mm, you're talking about a film stock that's a whopping ten times larger than your bog-standard 35mm. It's colossal. This means an unbelievably sharp, detailed image. I remember seeing *Dunkirk* in 70mm IMAX at the BFI Southbank a few years back, and honestly, the clarity was just something else. You could practically count the individual grains of sand on the beach. Christopher Nolan, he's a big fan of this format, shoots a fair bit of his stuff with their gargantuan cameras. It's got a distinct look, a certain warmth and depth you just don't always get with digital. It feels more organic, more *real*. It's also a proper event. Getting to see a 70mm print is like seeing a proper band play live, not just listening to the album. You're aware of the sheer effort and craftsmanship involved. The whirring of the projector, the slight flicker that just tells you it's film – it's all part of the charm. **Pros of 70mm IMAX:** * Unmatched image clarity and detail. Seriously, it's pin-sharp. * Huge, expansive picture that properly fills your peripheral vision. None of that letterboxing nonsense. * A unique, organic, almost tangible filmic quality. Not sterile at all. * Often gives you a larger aspect ratio, meaning you see more of the original shot – the director's full vision. * It's a slice of cinema history, a proper premium experience. **Cons of 70mm IMAX:** * Very few cinemas still have the projectors, and even fewer have the staff who know how to run them properly. Finding a screening is like finding a needle in a haystack. * Can occasionally be prone to tiny bits of dust or a fleeting scratch on the print, though it's rare these days thanks to meticulous handling. * The projector can be a bit noisy if you're sat too close to the booth. Might pull you out of the moment if you're really sensitive. * Ticket prices can be eye-watering, often upwards of £20-£25. #### The Modern Standard: Digital IMAX (Often Called "LiEMAX" by the Purists) Most IMAX screens you'll wander into today are digital. They usually use a pair of 4K projectors working in tandem. This gives you a brighter, punchier image than your run-of-the-mill digital projector, and generally better contrast too. It's sharp, don't get me wrong, often very impressive, but it doesn't quite have that impossible-to-describe texture of 70mm film. They've also got something called "IMAX with Laser," which is their newer, shinier digital tech. This uses dual 4K laser projectors, delivering even brighter images, a wider colour gamut (more vivid, natural colours), and even deeper blacks. If you're going digital, laser is definitely the way to go. I saw *Blade Runner 2049* on a laser screen and the neon-soaked cityscapes were just stunning. The blacks were proper blacks, none of that greyish glow you sometimes get. **Pros of Digital IMAX (especially Laser):** * Widely available, much easier to find a screening. * Very bright and vibrant images, especially good for modern blockbusters. * Excellent contrast, particularly with the laser systems, leading to deep blacks. * Reliable and consistent image quality from start to finish. * Often still offers an expanded aspect ratio for compatible films, filling more of the screen. **Cons of Digital IMAX:** * Doesn't quite have the organic feel or *ultimate* detail of 70mm film. * Some older digital IMAX screens can feel a bit like glorified regular screens, especially if they haven't been upgraded to laser. * The aspect ratio expansion isn't always as dramatic as with 70mm prints. Sometimes it's a fairly minor bump. * Can suffer from the "digital uniformity" issue, where every screen in a chain can look *too* similar, losing some of the unique character. ### The Sound: Beyond Just Loud This is my territory, isn't it? IMAX sound isn't just about cranking the volume up to eleven, although it can certainly get loud. They use a proprietary sound system, traditionally a 12-channel setup (though some newer laser systems are pushing 6-channel or 5.0 systems, which is a bit of a step back in my opinion, though they'd argue it's optimised for bigger rooms). The key here is precision and impact. The sound engineers who mix films for IMAX get specific instructions to ensure the soundtrack makes full use of the system's capabilities. What you get is usually a very dynamic presentation – sudden explosions hit hard, quiet dialogue is clear, and the overall soundstage is wide and enveloping. I've been in IMAX screenings where the bass was so palpable, you could feel it rumbling through your seat, not just hearing it. For something like *Top Gun: Maverick*, the jet engines felt like they were ripping through the room, not just coming from speakers. However, it's not always perfect. I've been to some IMAX screens where the calibration clearly wasn't quite right, or the room acoustics were a bit off, leading to a boomy mess rather than a tightly controlled rumble. And while they talk about their "optimised" rooms, a big rectangular box is still a big rectangular box. It all comes down to the individual cinema, really. Don't assume every IMAX sounds identical. **Pros of IMAX Sound:** * Incredible dynamic range and impact, particularly for action sequences. * Clear dialogue, even during intense scenes. * Powerful, immersive bass that you can often *feel*. * Wide and enveloping soundstage when properly calibrated. **Cons of IMAX Sound:** * Can occasionally be poorly calibrated, leading to an unbalanced sound. * Some newer systems have fewer discrete channels, which can be a bit disappointing for an "immersive" experience. * Might be *too* loud for some viewers. My ears have certainly rung a few times after a particularly explosive film. * Room acoustics can still play a part, and some cinemas are better than others. ### The Theatre Design: More Than Just Seats IMAX auditoriums are designed with a specific philosophy in mind. They're typically steeper than standard cinemas, meaning your line of sight to the screen is better, and you're not constantly craning your neck around someone's massive hairdo. The screen itself is often curved and extends from floor to ceiling, wall to wall. This is all about making the screen fill your field of vision, removing the edges of the room and helping you feel completely immersed. Now, not all "IMAX" rooms are created equal. This is where the term "LiEMAX" comes in. Some cinemas have simply slapped an IMAX projector into an existing, smaller auditorium, retrofitting it rather than building from the ground up. These often lack the truly massive screen, the steep seating, and the optimal dimensions of a purpose-built IMAX. While they still offer a digital IMAX experience, it's nowhere near the grandeur of a proper, full-sized IMAX screen. Always check the dimensions of the specific screen if you can – a quick Google for your local cinema will often reveal the screen size in metres. A proper one should be at least 20-25 metres wide, often more. **Pros of IMAX Theatre Design:** * Steeper stadium seating ensures an unobstructed view for almost everyone. * Curved, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling screens create a genuinely immersive visual. * Optimised viewing angles from most seats. **Cons of IMAX Theatre Design:** * "LiEMAX" theatres don't always deliver the true IMAX experience in terms of scale or seating design. * Can feel overwhelming if you're sitting too close, especially in the front few rows. * Some older venues might have less comfortable seating than newer, boutique cinemas. ### Who It's For and Who Should Skip It This is where the rubber meets the road, isn't it? Is that extra £5, £10, or even £15 justified? **Who it's for:** * **Action and Sci-Fi Junkies:** Films like *Dune*, *Avengers*, *Top Gun*, *Mission: Impossible* – these are built for IMAX. The explosions, the spaceships, the sheer scale. It's a no-brainer. * **Filmmaker Fans:** If your favourite director (Nolan, Villeneuve, Bay sometimes) shoots in IMAX or uses the format extensively, then absolutely. You're seeing their vision as intended. * **The Occasional Treat:** If you only go to the cinema a few times a year, make one of those trips an IMAX one for a truly memorable event. Why not splash out? * **Those Who Crave Immersion:** If you want to lose yourself completely in the story, with no distractions from your phone or the bloke next to you, the sheer scale of IMAX can help. * **Sound Enthusiasts:** If you appreciate a properly powerful, detailed, and enveloping soundtrack, IMAX generally delivers the goods. Just pick a good one! **Who should skip it:** * **Budget-Conscious Viewers:** Let's be honest, those prices add up. If money's tight, a standard screen is perfectly adequate for most films. * **Sensitive to Loud Noise:** If really loud sound gives you a headache, or makes you jump out of your skin, IMAX might be too intense. It can be *very* loud. * **For Dramas and Rom-Coms:** Honestly, watching a quiet drama or a romantic comedy in IMAX is usually a waste of cash. The nuance isn't amplified by the massive screen and earth-shattering sound. Save it for something truly epic. * **Your Local "LiEMAX":** If your local screen is clearly just a small room with an IMAX badge, you're probably not getting the full experience for the premium price. Do your research first. * **Those Prone to Motion Sickness:** The sheer scale and intense visuals can be a bit much for some people, especially if you're sitting too close. ### A Quick Comparison: IMAX vs. Standard vs. Dolby Cinema Let's be clear, IMAX isn't the *only* premium format out there. Dolby Cinema has popped up in a few places and offers a pretty compelling alternative. | Feature | Standard Cinema | IMAX (Digital/Laser) | IMAX (70mm Film) | Dolby Cinema | | :---------------- | :--------------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------- | | **Visuals** | Standard digital projection (often 2K) | Dual 4K digital projectors (Laser is better) | Huge 70mm film print, unmatched clarity | Dual 4K Dolby Vision laser projectors, incredible HDR | | **Brightness** | Adequate | Very bright, especially with Laser | Bright, natural | Phenomenally bright (up to 108 nits), but perfect blacks | | **Contrast** | Decent | Good to excellent (Laser) | Excellent | Industry-leading (1,000,000:1 ratio) | | **Aspect Ratio** | Varies (often 2.39:1 or 1.85:1) | Expanded for compatible films (up to 1.90:1 or 1.43:1) | Expanded for compatible films (1.43:1) | Standard film aspect ratios (no expansion) | | **Sound** | 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound | 12-channel (or 6-channel) proprietary system, powerful | 12-channel proprietary system | Dolby Atmos (object-based, up to 64 speakers) | | **Seats** | Standard cinema seats | Steeper stadium seating, often comfy | Steeper stadium seating | Recliner seats, often with haptic feedback | | **Theatre Design**| Variable, often flat screens | Large, curved, wall-to-wall screen | Colossal, curved screen | Purpose-built, dark colours, excellent sightlines | | **Price (approx.)**| £8-£14 | £15-£25 | £20-£30+ (if you can find one!) | £18-£28 | | **Availability** | Everywhere | Widespread, especially digital | Very rare (UK: BFI Southbank, Manchester Printworks) | Limited, but growing (e.g., Odeon Luxe) | From a pure technical standpoint, Dolby Cinema often wins on image quality, especially with its Dolby Vision HDR, and Dolby Atmos sound is arguably more advanced than IMAX's traditional system. However, IMAX wins on sheer *scale*. That massive screen that fills your vision is still its biggest selling point. It's a tough call sometimes, depending on the film and what you value more – the absolute best picture/sound quality, or the truly gargantuan screen. ### FAQ: Getting the Most Out of Your IMAX Trip Got a few questions rattling around your head? Let's clear them up. #### Q: What's the best seat in an IMAX cinema? A: For a truly immersive experience, I always aim for seats roughly two-thirds of the way back, and as central as possible. This puts you in the sweet spot for both the visuals filling your peripheral vision without being overwhelming, and for the sound calibration to hit you just right. Too far forward and it can be a bit much, too far back and you lose some of the immersion. #### Q: How do I know if my local IMAX is a "real" one or a "LiEMAX"? A: Tricky sometimes, as they don't advertise "LiEMAX." Your best bet is a quick Google search for "[Your Cinema Name] IMAX screen size". Proper, purpose-built IMAX screens are usually 20 metres (65 feet) wide or more. Anything under that, especially if it's significantly smaller, is likely a retrofitted "LiEMAX" screen. The seating steepness is another clue – proper IMAX has very steep stadium seating. #### Q: Is it worth paying extra for 3D IMAX? A: This is a personal one, but generally, I'd say no. Most 3D isn't particularly well-implemented, often making the image darker and adding very little to the experience beyond a fleeting novelty. There are exceptions, of course – *Avatar* was decent in 3D – but for most films, save your money and enjoy the brighter, clearer 2D image. The novelty wears off quickly, and the glasses can be a pain. #### Q: Can you really "feel" the sound in IMAX? A: Oh, absolutely. When properly set up, the sub-bass frequencies in an IMAX system are incredibly powerful. For films with big explosions, rumbling engines, or deep musical scores, you'll often feel the vibrations not just in your chest, but through the seats themselves. It's part of what makes it so immersive, feeling the impact rather than just hearing it. #### Q: Why do some films switch aspect ratios in IMAX? A: Good question! This happens when a director has shot certain scenes specifically with IMAX cameras. These cameras capture a much taller image than standard cinema cameras. When you see a film that "opens up" in IMAX, it means those full-frame IMAX scenes are now filling the entire screen (usually 1.90:1 or 1.43:1 aspect ratio), whereas non-IMAX scenes are shown with black bars at the top and bottom. It's a deliberate creative choice to give those specific moments more impact and scale. ### Final Word: My Thoughts on the Big Screen Battle So, after all that chin-wagging, is IMAX worth it? My honest answer, after all these years, is usually *yes*, but with some proper caveats. For the right film – the big, bombastic blockbusters, the visually stunning sci-fi epics, or anything shot by a director like Nolan – the full-fat IMAX experience is truly something special. It's not just a bigger picture; it's an event. The sheer scale, the impact of the sound, the way it fills your vision... it can genuinely transport you. However, you've got to be smart about it. Don't just blindly book any old IMAX ticket. Do a bit of homework. Check if it's a proper, full-sized screen, ideally one with laser projection if you're going digital. Is the film actually enhanced by the format, or is it just a bit of marketing? And honestly, if you're watching a quiet drama or a romantic comedy, save your pennies. A standard screen will do the job perfectly well, and you can buy yourself a couple of decent beers with the change. It's an expensive indulgence, no doubt. But for those moments when you want to be utterly swallowed by a film, when you want the sound to rattle your bones and the visuals to take your breath away, a good IMAX screen still delivers in spades. Just choose wisely, eh? You work hard for your money, make sure you're spending it on the real deal.