A view of the IMAX Calcutta interiors. Picture by Bishwarup Dutta

Imagine watching a high-octane car chase in which the wheels literally leap out of the giant screen. Or a sci-fi thriller where floating in space really gives you the lightness-of-being feel. After Darling Harbour Sydney, Grand Canyon Arizona, Hussain Sagar Lake Hyderabad and Wadala Mumbai, IMAX makes its way to Calcutta this winter. t2 decodes the IMAX experience at the 450-seater hall in the Mani Square mall...

What does IMAX mean?

IMAX is short for Image MAXimum — a film format which can display images of far greater size and resolution than conventional film display systems.

How is the IMAX experience different from the regular multiplex experience?

If a film is screened in the 35mm format at a multiplex, then the IMAX experience screens films in the 70mm format. The screen is roughly 10 times bigger than the normal multiplex screen. So the IMAX experience is described as the world’s “most immersive moviegoing experience”. Owing to its larger-than-life picture and sound format, the IMAX experience “involves” the viewer. With crystal clear images projected on an enormous screen and powerful sound emanating from state-of-the-art digital surround sound systems, the audience is transported to the site of the action.

What technology is used in IMAX?

IMAX motion picture systems are known to be the most powerful and advanced high-precision, with images of “unsurpassed size, quality and impact” projected on specially designed screens. The key to the projection system’s superior performance and reliability is the unique “rolling loop” film movement, resulting in “the largest, clearest and steadiest pictures” ever seen. The images are enhanced by a specially designed multi-channel digital surround sound system that delivers clarity and quality for maximum impact. The 15/70 film format used by IMAX is 10 times larger than the conventional 35mm film. The sheer size of a 15/70 film frame, combined with the unique IMAX projection technology, is the key to the sharpness and clarity of IMAX theatres.

How many screens will IMAX Calcutta have?

Spread over an area of 13,000 square feet, IMAX Calcutta will have one screen while the Mumbai-based multiplex chain Cinemax occupies three screens within the same property at Mani Square.

What are the technical specifications of IMAX Calcutta?

One of the largest in the world — and bigger than IMAX Hyderabad — the IMAX Calcutta screen is a flat one measuring 64ft in height and 86ft in width. That makes it as tall as a seven-storey building and 10 times bigger than an average plex screen. The image reflected on the giant screens extends beyond peripheral vision. This means that despite its size, the complete image can be seen equally well from every corner of the audi.

The gigantic screen is supported by a 12,000-watt sound system, promising to make the Calcutta experience on a par with that of IMAX screens across the world.

What is the total seating capacity of IMAX Calcutta?

IMAX Calcutta consists of 450 seats with 29 recliners in the last row. [The three screens of Cinemax have 780-odd seats.]

What kind of films can be screened at IMAX?

Primarily films in the 3D format, which entail wearing 3D glasses. Also, mainstream Hollywood films that have been converted into the IMAX format like Superman Returns and the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. “We plan to launch IMAX Calcutta with the 3D films Into The Deep and Tom Cruise’s Space Station 3D, films that qualify as edutainment,” says Samir Malhotra, vice-president of the entertainment division at AerenR Entertainment Zone Ltd, which has been entrusted with setting up IMAX screens in the country. The company has plans to introduce its revolutionary IMAX DMR (digital remastering technology) that can transform most 35mm live action film into the IMAX format.

What will be the pocket pinch for an IMAX experience?

Contrary to popular perception, the IMAX experience comes at the price of a regular multiplex ticket. “Morning shows will be priced at Rs 80 while the maximum ticket prices will be in the range of Rs 250-300,” says Malhotra.

Snacks and finger foods as well as beverages at the Cinemax IMAX common concession counter will also be priced nominally. “With the kind of interest and strong word-of- mouth that IMAX has generated in the city, we hope to make good our investment of Rs 18 crore and break even in two years,” says Malhotra.

What does IMAX mean for Calcutta?

A superior movie-going experience. IMAX has traditionally been known to set up shop in booming retail markets and after Mumbai and Hyderabad, Calcutta is its chosen destination. “The city’s receptiveness to new ideas and its cultural richness made IMAX choose Calcutta,” says Malhotra. “We are also looking at IMAX to drive footfalls into Mani Square.”

How soon can we expect the IMAX experience?

As soon as the requisite licences come through. “The property is 100 per cent ready. We plan to open by mid-December,” says Malhotra.

Which action film would you like to watch in the IMAX format?
Tell t2@abpmail.com