While booking tickets through BookMyShow, you would have come across a block of time slots like below:
Ever wondered what this means? We all have heard of IMAX, 3D and even 4D but what is this laser in IMAX? Let us find out.
What is IMAX With Laser Cinema? What are its Features?
First, some history. IMAX with Laser is a technology developed by (obviously) IMAX. It was first rolled out way back in 2014 in a few theatres before being adopted by several other theatres across the world. Talking specifically about India, the technology was adopted by PVR Icon Lower Parel towards the end of 2019.
Before we get into the technicalities, let me explain the technology to you in a simple way. There are two primary areas – on-screen image quality and sound quality. There is a third area as well but it comes into the picture only if you are watching a 3D movie with this technology. We will talk about this in due course.
The primary difference between a traditional IMAX (or a Digital IMAX as it is called) and IMAX with Laser is that the former uses two projectors of 2K resolution while the latter uses the same number of projectors of 4K resolution. This makes ‘IMAX with Laser’ theatres capable of showcasing more sharp, bright, colourful and rich imagery with deep contrast as well. They use a laser light source as compared to the xenon arc lamp used by Digital IMAX. It also used IMAX’s traditional 1.43:1 aspect ratio. The screen size is taller as well.
Now, coming to sound. All IMAX with Laser theatres are powered by a 12-channel sound system called Dolby Cinema. It is a mixture of Dolby’s Vision and Atmos. There are sound channels installed on the sides and overhead to literally immerse you in the movie.
Lastly, speaking of 3D, IMAX with Laser comes with new 3D glasses. Using these glasses, the viewers can see real colours.
If you want a more details (but technical) explanation of the features, would recommend you to watch the below video:
What is the total seating capacity in IMAX with Laser theatres?
The seating capacity does not differ as compared to a traditional cinema hall, i.e. 350-400 can watch the movie together at a time.
What are various seating options available in an IMAX with Laser Screen?
A check on BookMyShow for PVR Icon Lower Parel shows that there could be three seating options – Classic, Prime and Recliner. Classic is closest to the screen and Recliner is the farthest.
What is the pricing for each of the seating options?
The cost of tickets is more or less in the normal range, i.e. the cheapest variant costs ₹190 (Classic). Prime costs ₹280. However, Recliner costs almost double of that of Prime, i.e. ₹550.
What is the difference between IMAX with Laser and other technologies like IMAX/4DX/MX4D/Insignia/PXL?
We have spoken about the Digital IMAX earlier in this article. 4DX and MX4D are based on 4D experience and are completely different. PVR’s own PXL Screen comes close to IMAX with Laser but it former uses Dolby Atmos while the latter Dolby Cinema.
How many screens exist in India as of April 2022?
IMAX with Laser is available in all the major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai. In addition, this technology has been adopted by INOX, PVR and even Cinepolis.
A pure IMAX with Laser experience should ideally mean taller screens. However, if other online reports are to be believed, this technology is still projected on traditional IMAX screens (comparatively smaller in size). This is because of physical limitations in the expansion of the size of the auditorium.
We have also written about other theatre technologies. Read about them before you experience them!
1. An ultimate 7-star experience with INOX Insignia
2. A playful theatre for kids PVR Playhouse
3. Watch a movie on a curved screen with PVR’s PXL Screen
4. A breakthrough 4D experience with MX4D Theatre
