History
THE PLAYERS
ROMAN KROITOR
While working for the National Film Board of Canada, Roman Kroitor co-produced and co-directed Labyrinth, the NFB's contribution to Expo 67 in Montreal. The film, which chronicled man's heroic life journey in three multi-screen walk-through rooms, was strongly received and Kroitor was asked by the Fuji Bank of Japan Osaka , Japan
GRAEME FERGUSON
A graduate of the University of Toronto, Graeme Ferguson was an independent film-maker working out of New York when he was asked by the Canadian Expo Corporation to make a film for Expo '67 in Montreal. That 18 minute film, Polar Life, dazzled audiences with its display of arctic images that moved from screen to screen while the theatre itself revolved. His ideas, combined with Kroitor’s, formed the creative foundation on which IMAX® was built.
ROBERT KERR
Robert Kerr was serving as mayor of Galt, Ontario and managing the printing company he had formed, when his old school-friend Graeme Ferguson asked him to help produce Polar Life for Expo '67. His involvement in this venture was part-time, predominantly looking after the business end while Ferguson
WILLIAM SHAW
THE UNSUNG HEROES
JAN JACOBSON
Norwegian-born inventor Jan Jacobson, based in
RONALD JONES
Ronald Jones, a machine shop owner in
Both men personified the ongoing commitment to innovation and worldwide partnership that IMAX® has nurtured throughout its history and will continue to develop as it takes the cinematic experience to even greater heights of accomplishment.
THE VISION
Asked to produce a giant-screen film for EXPO '70 in Osaka , Japan
INNOVATION
From large-screen movie projection systems to digital conversion each new product continues the IMAX® legacy of providing state-of-the-art technology to expand the movie-going experience. The IMAX® brand is synonymous around the world with being a thought leader in technology and a model of innovation as it continues to drive the limits of cinematic entertainment forward.
TECHNOLOGY
IMAX DMR®
Introduced in 2002, the Digital Re-Mastering process allows virtually any Hollywood film to be converted into The IMAX Experience. Each frame of the 35mm film is scanned and converted into a digital image, then cleaned up to remove grain and imperfections to make images sharper and more life-like for audiences. The film is then transferred onto IMAX's 70mm format.
IMAX MPX®
The IMAX MPX® format is a new theatre projection system that allows mulitplex operators to enter the IMAX® theatre business by converting their existing theatres. The cost is much lower than building a new theatre and allows exhibitors to present their audiences with the larger than life presentations the IMAX Experience® provides. The systems can be installed with the IMAX® projection, sound and screen technologies with a simple retrofit.
IMAX® 3D
Over 20 years of experience lies behind the advanced twin-lens projection system that allows images to jump off the screen in the most realistic theatrical 3D experience in the world. Theatre-goers are provided with special polarized glasses or cordless electronic headset. Films released in IMAX® 3D have proven extremely popular with many reaching or surpassing the $100 million mark. The IMAX Personal Sound Environment®® (PSE) provides the perfect aural complement to the IMAX 3D visuals. Additional stereo sound boosts the theatre’s existing multi-channel digital sound system allowing filmmakers to position sound anywhere in the theatre.
2D - 3D CONVERSION
Ten years in development, this groundbreaking innovation converts live-action 2D 35mm films to IMAX® 3D. This technology was used in "Space Station 3D" and "Deep Sea Hollywood feature to use this technology. Recently “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
DIGITAL
IMAX® will launch its state-of-the-art digital projection system in 2008, earlier than originally anticipated. The new system eliminates the need for costly and cumbersome film prints at IMAX® theatres, and increases the number of movies that can be shown on IMAX® screens allowing for greater program flexibility. Hollywood movies and original IMAX® documentaries will benefit from the enhanced imagery, light output and contrast the system provides to deliver the incomparable image and sound quality consumers expect.
IMAX SANDDE® (Stereo Animation Drawing Device)
Developed by founder Roman Kroitor, this revolutionary technology allows animators to draw freehand in 3D giving the appearance and feel of traditional cel animation without the use of a keyboard or mouse. A wand translates the movements of the animator's hand into 3D coordinates, allowing the animator to almost literally create an image out of thin air. It is complemented by GEPPETTO® which allows animators to create long complex sequences of animation from these drawings by creating the drawings in between the key frames. First used in the two-minute short "Paint Misbehavin'" and developed even further for sections of the 44 minute feature "Cyberworld 3D", this exciting new technology.
THE IMAX EXPERIENCE
IMAX® is recognized around the world for presenting high quality family entertainment. The IMAX® and IMAX Dome® projection systems provide audiences with a degree of clarity and detail that they cannot find in conventional movie or home theatre systems.
The larger screens combined with the most advanced and powerful projectors ever made deliver the most immersive cinematic experience available, making people feel they are truly a part of the action.
The six-channel, multi-way digital IMAX® speaker systems further intensify the realism of the cinematic experience. treating the audience members to the highest quality sound no matter where they are seated.
Almost one billion people in 40 countries have been immersed in the on-screen action making IMAX® one of the few cinematic brands that is immediately recognized and actively sought by consumers.
