TCL Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Boulevard,
Los Angeles,
CA
90028
6925 Hollywood Boulevard,
Los Angeles,
CA
90028
160 people
favorited this theater
Showing 451 - 475 of 1,676 comments
Thank you Edward, that was the only point I was trying to make with regard to 1.43:1 on the new Chinese screen.
Robert, you are correct. Trek’s IMAX scenes were 1.66:1, still taller than the 1.90:1 ratio of the new digital screens, requiring either cropping top and bottom or pillarboxing on the sides (but in this particular case it was cropped top/bottom for digital). I don’t understand… does something start to burn if you simply say, “that’s correct?”
1.90:1 IMAX digital presentations of 1.85:1 or 2.39:1 shot movies would either be cropped to fit the screen or letterboxed. 1.90:1 IMAX digital presentations of 1.43:1 IMAX 15/70 shot movies or 1.33:1 Academy Ratio shot movies, such as the upcoming Wizard of Oz presentation, would either be cropped to fit the screen or windowboxed.
1.43:1 IMAX 15/70 presentations of 1.85:1 or 2.39:1 shot movies would either be cropped to fit the screen or letterboxed. 1.43:1 IMAX 15/70 presentations of 1.33:1 Academy Ratio shot movies, such as the upcoming Wizard of Oz presentation, would either be cropped to fit the screen or windowboxed.
It’ll be the same argument no matter which way you go. But of course, had IMAX not decided to go digital years ago, we likely wouldn’t be having this discussion today, since they were on the fast track to going under before the rebranding.
The IMAX scenes* sorry typo on my phone.
Cliffs your sarcassim at the end of your last post, doesnt sell home your opinon. I personally dont think you are 100 percent accurate in your guess, and I will use Universal and the Rave as my examples why I don’t agree.
When I went to universal to watch Star Trek Into Darknes the IMAX scenes did not completely fill up the screen top to bottom there was a good number of feet both upper and lower that was black. Others who went and saw it at the Rave said the same thing.
I called the Booth Manager of Citywalk tody and he said yes that when Star Trek played in IMAX, the IMAX screens did not completely fill their screen.
If you think I am wrong thats fine, but I wont be lacing my comment wih sarcasim.
Sorry all. My frustration grew from the fact that the single and irrefutable fact I was trying to point out (that anything that continued to be shot with IMAX cameras – in the traditional 1.43:1 IMAX ratio – would not be able to be fully presented at the Chinese) was somehow still being refuted and that I was somehow attacking the Chinese and the new screen. I’m excited for the new Chinese and have been saying so since the last Historical Society tour this past April. I was simply pointing out that, while 1.90:1 might be the digital future and the future of IMAX, any IMAX titles, past or future, still shot on film at 1.43 (like Catching Fire or Interstellar) would have to be cropped at the Chinese. Whether that number of films is 20% or .5%, it’s still true. The size of the screen or it’s ranking in the world or whether it’s digital projection or 15/70 is irrelevant. I’m not saying that to bag on the Chinese, I’ve just been trying to point something out for the instances (however rare) it might be relevant.
If that still doesn’t make sense… How about this: The Chinese Theater screen is fantastic and NOTHING (past or present) EVER will have to be cropped on that screen until the end of time.
That should cover it.
And i will seeing this beautiful cinema next year when I.visit the USA
Cliffs to answer your question, I reply with this its the 3rd biggest IMAX screen in North America period. Second only Lincoln Sq and the Metreon.
IMAX has evolved and changed with the times, just as the chinese is now. Its not your or my place to say something isn’t full IMAX, as its IMAX that sets that determination.
In anycase the ticket price has not increased with the chinese theatres switch to IMAX, its 19.00 2D or 3D IMAX, which was the same price as a 3D regular film on a weeknight and weekend.
Howard exactly right, and like Escott has said, if IMAX truly felt that the 70ft to 80ft tall screens were Full IMAX, pretty sure that they and the management of the CHinese could have dug even further into the ground than they did. My understanding is the aspect ratio of the IMAX Digital cameras is 1.9 as well, which is the aspect ratio of the new screen, so not really sure how the Chinese won’t get the full IMAX effect.
I also am of the mindset peopl should experience something first before starting to complain.
Whoa whoa friend no need to shout, nothing wrong with a friendly debate Cliffs.
Exciting debate but everybody calm down a bit. Cliffs, Robert has already replied that this will be the 1.9 aspect ratio screen that is the future of IMAX, not its past (i.e. your “full, traditional IMAX screen). Apparently, IMAX is changing with the times just as the Chinese is doing.
I NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT OR THOUGHT THEY WOULD INSTALL A 15/70 PROJECTOR!!!!
Robert, just answer this… Is the screen at the Chinese a full, traditional IMAX screen? Yes or No?
It seems to me that IMAX is making the same mistake that Cinerama made when it switched from 3 camera to 70mm. With all the not IMAX systems now such as AMC ETX and Regal’s RPX. I will wait to see how the Laser system is and if it has as bright a picture as the 17/70 system.
I hate to dive into the whole IMAX debate because frankly it bores me, but it seems to me IMAX knows what the future of IMAX is, and since the Chinese was digging down into the basement to make the screen taller they could possibly have dug even deeper if they needed to. There was a decision made somewhere along the line, and I’m guessing IMAX execs were part of it, That this screen ratio would be the standard from here on out (until the next time someone invents a new projection technology!)
Chris you could be right about a hold over ( i would wager perhaps with a matinee) But I am pretty sure they are getting through the starting 10:00pm on the 26th. The last show time for WOZ3D on 10/26 is the 7:30pm show
When through the never was first announced IMAX made a big deal about it being shot with IMAX cameras, and being one of this years PREMIERE IMAX Experiences.
plus back a few weeks ago just prior to the official announcement on OZ movie tickets.com had the oz showtimes listed (not live for purchase) and a 10:30pm show for through the never.
And again moving forward since 15/70 is no longer going to be produced the 1:9.1 format is now IMAX’s standard.
Universal will also be converting over next year from Film to Laser, as will the Rave give a call to them and ask to speak to their booth managers and see the answer you get
why would IMAX install 15/70 projector in the chinese when next year it will be obsolete
Cliffs from day 1 the press releases said it would be around 48 feet tall, it was never implied it was going to be taller than that And re read what i wrote, I said 15/70 is going away and it is, IMAX has said as much. after 2014 there will be no more IMAX film prints produced.
Chris, How can you say, “here’s how it’s open to debate” and then go on to reaffirm all the points I just made? I’ve NEVER said the new Chinese screen won’t be great or appropriate for most of the IMAX titles released, just that it’s not a traditional IMAX screen and couldn’t show native IMAX without cropping picture information. You yourself call it “a step between the dreaded “LieMax” label and the true blue 15/70 6 story tall screens we all know and love.” So you’re basically confirming what I said that it’s not a true blue traditional IMAX screen. And given that we now know JJ is shooting Episode VII on film, do you really think he’s not going to shoot 15/70 IMAX as well? (whether it shows at The Chinese or the El Cap will remain to be seen).
Is it a “true blue 15/70 6 story IMAX screen?” No. Can it show films shot with IMAX cameras in the camera’s native ratio without cropping? No. What the new screen REALLY is, is a really large traditional “flat” screen with top/bottom masking. LA Live’s Premiere Theater is 38x70 with top/bottom masking. Should we call that an IMAX because it’s as big if not bigger than many of the “LieMax” retrofits?
Robert, none of your links talk about reducing the ratio of IMAX from 1.43:1 to 1.9:1. It’s just about converting to digital, which as Chris points out, “allegedly, can be projected to fill the entire IMAX screen (so I read).” When Chris says that, do you think he’s talking about the projectors FINALLY being able to fill the whole 1.90:1 screen, because they can do that now. I don’t know how I can make the point any clearer.
My original statement was only that, with an advertised width of 90ft, a traditional IMAX screen would have to be about 65 feet high and I didn’t see how that was possible at The Chinese. Turns out, I was right.
I doubt that Through The Never will play here. WOZ will be boffo enough for them to book another week. When IMAX announces a film as “One Week Only,” that usually means a 2 week engagement.
I agree WOZ won’t be the true test Chris,
I think Through the Never and Gravity will be
http://newsdesk.si.edu/releases/imax-launches-institutional-upgrade-initiative-signs-agreement-smithsonian-next-generation
sorry my previous post forgot to link the smithsonian conversion to Laser that I referenced as well.
How is this open to debate? Here’s how:
With the exception of the museum films, there is only 1 mainstream Hollywood director – Christopher Nolan – actually shooting films full time with IMAX cameras. There are only 2-3 others who shoot a scene here and a scene there with them. In any given calendar year, we’re talking 1-2 films with 20-30 minutes shot in native IMAX. The other 8 (maybe more) films are all IMAX DMR blowups…which, by the way, are all cropped. 1:85 flat films are about 10/20% cropped while 2:40 scope films are plopped in the dead center of the screen with 40/50% screen cropping.
As far as the screen itself, according to the pics I’d call it a step between the dreaded “LieMax” label and the true blue 15/70 6 story tall screens we all know and love.
As usual, this is all armchair quarterbacking & speculation. Let us see if the presentation delivers the goods starting 9/20. And, IMO, “Wizard of Oz” won’t be the judge. “Gravity” – with George Clooney & Sandra Bullock set in space – will be the true test.
Here is from an article on the Smithsonian conversion to IMAX Laser projection next year.
IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX; TSX:IMX) and the Smithsonian Institution today announced an agreement to install IMAX’s next-generation laser digital projection technology in the Smithsonian’s three IMAX® theatres, enabling the Smithsonian to deliver the highest-quality digital content available – both documentaries and blockbuster films – and further enhance The IMAX Experience® for its millions of visitors annually.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater at the National Museum of Natural History and the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater at the National Air and Space Museum, both in Washington, D.C., and the Airbus IMAX Theater at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., will transition to IMAX’s laser digital projectors in 2014.
IMAX’s next-generation projection system is expected to set a new benchmark as the industry’s premium entertainment experience. The system, which incorporates the laser digital intellectual property IMAX exclusively licensed from Eastman Kodak in 2011, represents the largest R&D initiative in IMAX’s history and will enable IMAX® dome theatres and IMAX screens larger than 80 feet to deliver the highest-quality digital content available with greater brightness and clarity, a wider color gamut and deeper blacks.
“Building on our shared legacy of excellence and discovery, we’re delighted that the Smithsonian has adopted this new technology, acting as a springboard for our institutional partners globally,” said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. “For over 35 years, our partnership with the Smithsonian has served as the gold standard in delivering immersive entertainment experiences that educate, inspire and showcase the wonders of our world. We believe the new laser digital projection system will usher in a new era of quality and innovation in projection technology and allow museum-goers to experience their favorite documentaries and blockbusters as never before.”
Since the National Air and Space Museum opened its doors to visitors in 1976, the Smithsonian/IMAX partnership has delivered exceptional-quality and critically acclaimed documentaries and world-class entertainment to millions. The partnership also has funded and produced groundbreaking IMAX® documentaries including The Dream is Alive, Blue Planet, Destiny in Space (with Lockheed Martin Corporation), and Cosmic Voyage (with Motorola).
“Laser digital projection offers our visitors a more immersive and visceral experience, as well as more programming opportunities,” said Christopher A. Liedel, President, Smithsonian Enterprises. “Today’s agreement continues our decades-long partnership with IMAX and strengthens our commitment to delivering the best educational and entertainment experience.”
Here is the link to an article in the Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/biggest-screen
“By the end of next year the whole [IMAX] industry will be digital. There will be no more film projected anywhere in the world.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/biggest-screen-gets-maximum-upgrade-20130310-2ftw4.html#ixzz2d2dOgVBD"
There are several more out there from other news sources as well
Robert, It’s actually IMAX that determines that. It’s the native ratio for IMAX cameras (1.43:1). With digital and IMAX DMR, the options for ratios are nearly endless, but the FACT (yes, FACT) still remains that the new 1.90:1 screen at The Chinese, while certainly suitable for the vast majority of IMAX presentations and clearly the new standard as we move into a totally digital age (they call it IMAX 1.9:1), isn’t capable of displaying ALL IMAX movies correctly. Unless they’re planning to pillarbox natively shot IMAX with bars on the side, full 1.43:1 IMAX photography (either of the newly shot or revival variety) will be cropped top and bottom. It is not a full, traditional IMAX screen, it’s a new, digital friendly IMAX screen. How is this even open to debate?
http://www.imax.com/about/experience/aspect-ratio/
not sure why it isn’t a link so try 2 http://tinyurl.com/mw37rkp