As someone who writes for a cinema, it’s probably a bit sacrilegious to admit that, up until recently, I’d never seen a film in IMAX before. But before you gather your torches and pitchforks, know that I have finally rectified the situation. I watched Wicked: For Good on release day in IMAX and finally got to see what all the fuss was about when it comes to the IMAX experience.
Here is everything that stood out to me when I attended the IMAX screening at Cineworld Cheltenham.
I cannot understate this, IMAX screens are huge
Everyone said the screen was big, but guys, gals, and non-binary pals… The IMAX screen is big. There’s seeing a film on the big screen, and then there’s seeing it in IMAX.
It’s wall to wall, floor to ceiling big. And it’s also curved which, once the film started rolling, made for an immersive and intimate viewing experience – which feels silly to say given it’s a bigger screening theatre… And yet!
Colours are brilliant and punchy
I really lucked out with my first IMAX experience being Wicked: For Good. Does a film really get anymore colourful?
From the first scene as the animals and the Wizard’s Guard build the iconic Yellow Brick Road, the colours are so punchy and brilliant. Jumping forward in time, the road is complete, lined with rows upon rows of red and pink tulips. Then there’s Oz, shrouded in glinting emerald green and Glinda’s quarters, adequately pretty in pink.
There’s no doubt the cinematography of Jon M. Chu’s Wicked is visually stunning, but seeing it in IMAX just gives the film the right canvas to truly let it shine.
IMAX offers incredible clarity, making the action sharp and the colours really pop thanks to its dual projection.
IMAX screenings vibrate with big sound
Speaking of musicals, though – obviously there’s a whole lot of singing happening in Wicked: For Good. And IMAX isn’t just about delivering epic visuals, it’s also about packing a punch with heart-pounding sound that delivers the full experience.
While watching the film, I felt like the room was literally vibrating. Not in a terrifying way, more like the energy of the film was literally boiling over.
Given the screens are bigger, the sound needs to match the visuals. IMAX screens are kitted out with a system of speakers that ensures dialogue, scores, special effects, and beyond pop.
IMAX isn't just for action-packed blockbusters
Case and point, I went to see a musical. Most films translate to IMAX. You can see all genres of movies in IMAX. Right now you’ll be able to catch Disney’s latest animation, Zootropolis 2, in IMAX.
In terms of December releases, we also can’t forget about Avatar: Fire and Ash, which will take IMAX one step further with IMAX 3D screenings available to book now.
BOOK AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH TICKETS
Seeing a film in IMAX needs to be seen to be believed. Everything is that much brighter and more vivid, with sound that delivers on an epic story. As well as Zootropolis and Avatar: Fire and Ash, you also still have time to book and see Wicked: For Good in IMAX at Cineworld.
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