[MissionTrek08]

It boils down to a matter of terminology:

A "true" IMAX film is actually shot with IMAX cameras, which were used in five scenes (I think) during production of THE DARK KNIGHT and as you've seen in other made-for-IMAX films and documentaries.

It's a very large format negative, much larger and higher resolution availabe than standard 35mm film. The specs: a 35mm frame has dimensions of 21.95x18.6 mm; an IMAX negative frame is 70x48.5mm -- roughly 70 megapixels of information on every frame. This large strip of film is actually run sideways through the camera while exposed, whereas 35mm film is run vertically. Tons more details here.

Eliza, to answer your questions in order:

IMAX films aren't shown on domed screens -- that was a later process called Omnimax (later dubbed Imax Dome), and it's a specialty format all on its own for specifically designed theaters and filmed subjects. These films are made with a fisheye lens to capture 'wrap around' images, unlike standard IMAX which uses 'flat' lenses like regular motion pictures do.

IMAX 3D is another specific process using two cameras side-by-side during production to recreate the 3D vision of our own eyes. For theater viewing, either polarized or LCD shutter glasses are used to recreate the 3D effect.

So far no Hollywood produced feature film has been shot entirely in IMAX format because it's simply too expensive to use -- cameras are large and heavy (as TDK had to design all-new custom rigs to film shots the way Chris Nolan wanted), and the film stock is naturally much more expensive to shoot and process, and print costs rise as well. I think TDK may have used the most true IMAX footage of any production so far -- not sure though.

Indeed JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH was produced for 3D release, but like any other films, it's a simple matter of printing 'flat' copies of the film for standard release by printing only one negative for standard viewing.

Watching TDK closely, you can tell which scenes were actually shot in IMAX, as they look slightly squeezed horizontally -- and of course the tops/bottoms of the frames would be cropped significantly, since IMAX is a much squarer format than 35mm widescreen aspects.

Chris Nolan broke some barriers in Hollywood feature use of IMAX, and as the cameras become more mobile and flexible for cinematographers, we may see more of this hybrid film formatting -- but only on showcase, big budget event films (for now).

The next step to an actual IMAX feature film will likely result from digital filmmaking, since it will eventually pass up the frame resolution of high-end 35mm film negative cinematography. This would also eliminate the cost of shooting on expensive IMAX film stock, which would be more practical for studio budgets. Production and post would be entirely digital and electronic right through editing and visual effects, and at most only the final version would be rendered onto actual film prints, if that. Save that much in production expense, and a large-format or IMAX feature could be possible.

[Elizadolots]

Okay, I'm putting all that technical stuff into the "processing center" of my brain and assume I'll understand it later....

I haven't seen The Dark Knight. No one in my family except me has any interest and I'm saving all of my "nerd going to the movies" points for Star Trek...I'm not dragging anyone to anything until we have Star Trek under our belts...I want to be the golden family member who has dutifully gone to Mamma Mia and The Sister of the Travelling Pants and all of the assorted borderline interesting movies to come before I announce I've bought tickets for opening night for everyone!

Okay...small rant there... anyway, as I've not seen The Dark Knight, I can't relate to some of what you've posted.

Did you see Order of the Pheonix?

Are you telling me that they shot those scenes (and, it's very specific scenes) with IMAX 3D in mind?

From what you've said, the IMAX 3D format is a two camera thing...so, are you saying that the non-3D version just blows off one of the cameras?

(note, this just me picking your obviously more knowledgable mind...I'm not doubting you at all, I'm simply trying to bring myself up to date)

[MissionTrek08]

Try to get out to see TDK (by yourself if you must), it's very worth seeing in theaters (IMAX or regular) and just won't be the same at home -- even with your fancy new goodies.

I only saw ORDER OF THE PHOENIX on cable, missed it in the theaters, so I'm afraid I wasn't following it's release closely enough to speak about its partial or potential 3D release.

But you're right in that IMAX 3D (or any other 3D production) would use two cameras while filming -- that's how one creates the 3D effect.

For non-3D 'flat' prints: yes, they simply print such scenes off of one camera's negative instead of combining the images from both cameras.

[Elizadolots]

Okay, thanks. The 3D in Phoenix was pretty fabulous. The best part was the Ministry scene with all the prophecies breaking....It was certainly worth the small increase in price.

[Zardoz]

So I assume this 3-d is betther than the 3-d of old?

[MissionTrek08]

I didn't see it, but friends who did see BEOWULF in 3D said it was amazing. Indeed, far better than the old red/blue lens technique of ye olde days.

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by MissionTrek08

I didn't see it, but friends who did see BEOWULF in 3D said it was amazing. Indeed, far better than the old red/blue lens technique of ye olde days.

Hey...watch what yer sain's is old there you young whipper snapper!!! Get off my lawn!!

[Elizadolots]

Oh, the ministry scene in Phoenix was breathtaking. It naturally fit into the idea of 3 D (unlike say, the Hannah Montana concert movie in which I gather she threw things at the camera).

[KJTrek]

Well, our local cinema chain, marcus theaters (the 7th largest chain in America thank you) has just started to install the Dolby digital 3D technology in their theaters.

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by KJTrek

Well, our local cinema chain, marcus theaters (the 7th largest chain in America thank you) has just started to install the Dolby digital 3D technology in their theaters.

If I was the 7th best at anything, I don't I would brag. Can see Marcus Theaters..."We're Number 7!!"