IMAX 70mm FROM THE PROJECTION BOOTH: TENET AT THE BFI IMAX

The Christopher Nolan retrospective at the BFI IMAX Waterloo, London begins with TENET in preparation for the new Nolan 15/70 IMAX release of OPPENHEIMER on 21st July 2023. In this video we get an exclusive look at what goes on in the projection booth to setup a 15/70 screening and take a tour of the glass palace that is the BFI IMAX before we see the amazing sight of the largest film gauge ever known to man actually running. 1.7 metres a second of 70mm film is quite a sight to see as it traverses from one platter, through to the projector and then back onto the take-up platter on the same cake stand that is spinning at incredible speed.
TENET turned out to be one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had in a cinema and probably only matched by the 15/70 print of INTERSTELLAR in the same venue.
STOP PRESS: New screening for INTERSTELLAR added but it's selling out fast. 23rd April 2023 and the direct link is here: whatson.bfi.or...
BFI IMAX page for the full NOLAN IMAX retrospective: whatson.bfi.or...

[@JasonCryer]

Magnificent to see all the machinery involved in true IMAX projection - I really didn’t have a sense how much larger the entire operation must be. Thanks for sharing this glimpse behind the scenes!

[@moviecollector5920]

It's even more unbelievable when you're there Jason. I knew it was an engineering marvel but was beyond my comprehension until now. No wonder it's the best cinematic tool in the arsenal. John.

[@Bubs0271]

This was a very good primer for Oppenheimer to come out. It really makes you appreciate all the work that goes into screening a movie in imax.

[@moviecollector5920]

I hope I've reached a few people who will seek out a genuine IMAX screening for OPPENHEIMER as a result of this video Bill. There's nothing else like the real McCoy and 2K or 4K video projection with a laser light source using the famous IMAX name really isn't doing that name any favours. John.

[@blueflame0003]

One of my favorites artistic made film...saw it 3 times in my home cinema

[@moviecollector5920]

If you ever get the chance to see a genuine 15/70 IMAX print of this one you have got to take it. It puts this masterpiece onto a whole different plain. A sensation. The most impressive image quality I have ever seen along with Dunkirk perhaps. TENET is still something else though. I'm seeing OPPENHEIMER tomorrow and so hopefully something similar to this video is coming for that. John.

[@space_1073]

That giant spinning roll is INSANE

[@moviecollector5920]

How did anyone ever manage to develop a film projection format on this scale that actually works? Original three-strip Cinerama in 1952 proved outrageous film formats could work so perhaps that was the inspiration to keep going with getting IMAX reliable and all the inevitable problems the engineers would have had. Each frame is sucked to the back element of the lens by vacuum and that is incredible to me. John.

[@RoyMurphy1]

Very interesting John....Had my mouth open from start to finish....I didn't realise the amount of machinery and effort goes into these showings😮 Thanks for sharing 👍

[@moviecollector5920]

I didn't realize either Roy but I had an idea it would be rather a large undertaking to actually screen a genuine IMAX film. What an education though. Awe-inspiring in fact. John.

[@TheFlixFiles]

Everything about IMAX is an amazing engineering feat, to think of the manufacturing process of just making those Xenon bulbs! Incredible stuff and a truly great video! 👍

[@moviecollector5920]

I think most of us on here find it all a little awe-inspiring Roger. I knew it was massive and an engineering marvel before going in but I wasn't fully prepared for everything I saw. Amazing technology and brilliant people to make it all work for our enjoyment. John.

[@loekegaard9]

I was literally on the edge of my seat/had my eyes glued to the screen for this one, John. A divine video. Absolutely beautiful choice of music. The BFI IMAX theatre comes across as a cathedral for people who aren't necessarily religious but still believe in a higher power - cinema. No wonder Cristopher Nolan's works of art are _literal_ films made for _real_ IMAX cinemas. I commend you for making this video and for spreading awareness of the awe-inspiring 15/70 IMAX process. I also appreciate your amusing comments at the 4:41 point.

[@moviecollector5920]

Oh yes, the runway lights at Heathrow. Apparently, the BFI IMAX also get complaints from the airport about the noise when they're screening TENET. Glad you enjoyed this one Erik. Hopefully we'll see you there for OPPENHEIMER. I need to get a video out when I've booked tickets so a whole bunch of us can meet up. I'm sure a group of film fans would have a lot of fun together. We'd probably drink the place dry too... of tea and coffee! John.

[@bobswanson8464]

All I can say is...AMAZING!!!! Thanks again.

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you Bob. I agree with you. The work these people do is so valuable but we don't really fully appreciate it. John.

[@LandonKB]

Very cool!! Impressive machines

[@moviecollector5920]

That sums it up Landon, thank you. John.

[@kamandi1362]

Flew over from Sweden to see a film? Now THAT’S what I call a film fan. *Doffs hat*

[@moviecollector5920]

And because of that, the lovely people at the IMAX gave Daniel a look in the projection booth. What a great place it is. John.

[@nikolaki]

Complete madness! I'm glad there are people crazy enough to make this machinery. Great video John, felt like it was 5 minutes long. Fascinating.

[@moviecollector5920]

That's a good way of putting it Nikolaki. The whole IMAX project back in the late 60's was nuts but here we are more than 50 years after its first presentation to the world and it's still the king of them all. Bean counters would probably love to kill it but there are still some people in the industry left who actually care about preserving and giving us the best. John.

[@darfy]

amazing

[@moviecollector5920]

I think it's the most amazing cinema film I've ever seen Darfy but I still think INTERSTELLAR is the most impressive cinematic event I've ever seen. Watch either outside of a genuine 15/70mm IMAX cinema and much of the impact is lost in spite of the 4K discs being among the best of the entire 4K format. There simply isn't anything to match the real McCoy and the only thing that should ever be officially labelled as IMAX. John.

[@kelownatechkid]

Outstanding!!

[@moviecollector5920]

Has to be seen to be believed how good this film looks in its original 15/70 film print format. John.

[@SkyShazad]

What an Awesome Insight and Behind the Scenes

[@moviecollector5920]

Morning Sky. Because this video ended up the way it did, it was the first one where I haven't used your concluding projector sequence since you created it for me. It's been on every other one up to now and will be back on the next. Glad you liked the video. John.

[@SkyShazad]

@@moviecollector5920 Yes Im aware I do wattch your all your videos just dont comment as much, BUt once again such a great video Sir

[@CheeringOwls]

I have never seen anything like this, absolutely fantastic.

[@moviecollector5920]

I hadn't seen anything quite like it either CheeringOwls. An amazing experience and a bit of a dream come true. And the day after we got to see TENET in genuine IMAX which was almost a bucket list item for me and it didn't disappoint. A stunner! John.

[@worddoctor1]

I worked on the National Film Board of Canada's Thunder Bay Community Film And TV Project in 1970-72, and we shared facilities with Graeme Ferguson who was making NORTH OF SUPERIOR, the very first IMAX production. At the time, there were only 2 IMAX cameras in all the world. So, it was an incredibly exciting experience to watch one them being tested for a light leak. When dailies came back from MGM labs in Hollywood, Graeme had us stand quite close to the screen at the theatre where he was previewing the Cinemascope versions. He did that to give us something like what the final effect would be. Still, when I saw the film at Ontario Place, it just blew me away!

[@moviecollector5920]

I hope you took some photographs Jim because if you did I'd like to see them and I bet a lot of other people around the world would too. It is an incredible film format - truly incredible and I'm not using the word lightly. The fact that it all hangs together now it's capable or running a feature film for 3 hours makes it all the more so. I first saw IMAX in the 1980's I think but I really got into it in the early 1990's. I didn't think it was a suitable format for features though which just goes to show what I know. I wonder what the new, smaller cameras are going to facilitate because I hope it means that even dialogue scenes will be possible so we can enjoy features in the largest film format ever devised all the way through rather than having aspect ratio changes. John.

[@darkvader7231]

Wow, now that was great to see, I could smell the 70mm film from here...

[@moviecollector5920]

Glad you liked it Dark. Quite a special place. John.

[@yesyesyesyes4923]

Booked tickets to see Oppenheimer at the BFI Aug 4. I have never been to a true IMAX before, so watching these videos makes me even more excited for the experience!

[@moviecollector5920]

OPPENHEIMER may be the best definition film ever released because much of it is black and white film stock. I don't know how it's been utilized but if done in the old ways then this really should look special in the extreme. Have a great time. I don't know when I'm going yet as I'm hoping to get a group together. John.

[@eedw]

john, you obviously put a lot of work into the production of this episode...it was fascinating...thank you so much for this peak behind the curtain!

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you Joseph. Getting there to film it was the biggest part but I actually started putting it together last Saturday afternoon and finished it by 8pm on the Sunday. I'd edited it in my head as I was filming it so much of it was already worked out. Coming up with a narrative almost wrote itself. John.

[@davidnolan6162]

Unreal. I wish I lived close to that cinema

[@moviecollector5920]

I want to live in a penthouse on the top of it David!

[@davidnolan6162]

@@moviecollector5920 🤣 I hear ya

[@Juanjo-oi2or]

Absolutely stunning experience, John. Thanks for sharing all this once more.

[@moviecollector5920]

You're welcome Juanjo. You should have been there too! John.

[@xyla4874]

I swear something about these complex machines, flim camera and projectors is just fascinating to me.

[@moviecollector5920]

There certainly is something about them Xyla. Show a video projector and no one is interested and that is because there are no moving parts. Film projectors are chock-full of moving parts and that is what makes them so fascinating. When you get to a film projector the size of genuine IMAX then I dare anyone not to be awe-inspired. John.

[@Dis-Emboweled]

A Buddy of mine ran a 2nd run theater in town and I got to hang out in the projection room many times. Getting a tour of the IMAX set up and seeing the shear size of the platters was quite a treat! Thanks!!

[@moviecollector5920]

Even I was in awe of what I was seeing. No wonder it's the best image quality we've ever enjoyed. Accept no imitations - genuine IMAX only!

[@stephenconnor4083]

Brilliant video , what a set up and experience to see front of house and back of house , I must experience an imax movie asap thank you

[@moviecollector5920]

Just make sure any IMAX branded cinema is still capable of 15/70 film projection Stephen because that's what makes seeing IMAX so special. Nothing else quite matches it. The 'Laser' name on the next best is referring to the light source in the video projectors. John.

[@robertrobitaille320]

Thanks you for this visit , got to see more of beatifull Imax cinema. Great to see what all behind. My screening was in Toronto in 1977 was a short movie of roller coster omg my stomac lol. But miss the first screening ever in Montréal 1967 World fare. Well my buy Tenet after all. Thanks

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you Robert. The TENET 4K disc is pretty sensational but it's nothing compared to this genuine IMAX 15/70mm print. It's another Nolan masterclass in movie making that has to be seen in its original format to stand any chance of fully appreciating it. Of course, you won't know what the hell it's all about but that's where the 4K disc comes in and maybe 100 views later, you'll have it all sussed. John.

[@pauljc26]

What a brilliant look inside the imax theater workings, i had no idea it was so massive, thanks for showing us 😀

[@moviecollector5920]

It was an education for me too Paul. I knew it was huge but the true scale even surprised me. John.

[@AGD_27]

I was in the same position as you having unfortunately missed it in Cinemas due to the pandemic but saw it at home and loved it. When I saw this retrospective advertised I jumped at it and it was amazing seeing the real scope of IMAX and how tall the screen is. Managed to convince a friend who hadn't seen Tenet yet to come with me, they loved it and now we are committed to seeing Oppenheimer at the BFI when it comes out.

[@moviecollector5920]

I'm back there for Dunkirk on Thursday and really looking forward to flying with the Spitfires again in a more realistic way than actually flying with Spitfires for real! There is nothing like genuine IMAX and TENET didn't disappoint. I was there for the Monday night show so if you were at that one it was a shame we didn't meet. Might see you for OPPENHEIMER. I'll try to coordinate a showing so a few of us can meet up by putting a video out as soon as I know when I'm making the trip. Should be quite a 'trip' too. John.

[@crookedpinky47]

Great video, John! I recently went to my local IMAX to see Creed III and asked the manager if they would be getting a 70mm print of Oppenheimer. Sadly he said the projector was broken but that Chris Nolan himself is paying to fix it up. Quite exciting because as you said, there is nothing quite like seeing 70mm projected like this on an IMAX screen

[@moviecollector5920]

What wonderful news Ethan. Which IMAX is it because I should probably put that news out for those living nearby who may watch my videos. The more of us who get to see OPPENHEIMER as it should be seen the better. John.

[@andrewjames916]

Beautiful, thank you for sharing.

[@moviecollector5920]

You're welcome Andrew. John.

[@fedenovo1]

Thank you so much John!!🙏

[@moviecollector5920]

You're welcome Federico. John.

[@JohnDoe-uu2zs]

Great video and good on BFI IMAX for giving you the behind the scenes tour.

[@moviecollector5920]

Getting in there was a bit of a dream come true John. Years ago, no one ever got in and I don't suppose many do these days either but at least we did. John.

[@alaindelacourt9030]

salut super belle vidèo comme toujour merci

[@moviecollector5920]

Merci comme toujours Alain. Je pense que ce doit être la meilleure vidéo que j'ai faite jusqu'à présent sur cette chaîne. John.

[@robertbeard8207]

Wonderful insight into true IMAX projection. Thank you for sharing.

[@moviecollector5920]

You're welcome Robert. John.

[@markdegraw2151]

What a fantastic video! Thank you John.

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you for saying so Mark. John.

[@mistersir3185]

Oh to realize the beautiful things human beings are capable of doing

[@moviecollector5920]

Well said. And to think this incredible film presentation format was developed at the end of the 1960's and is better than anything using the latest video technology. John.

[@TheBanwait8]

Thanks for this tour - I had to watch Tenet on a 19 inch monitor due to the pandemic. Will want to seek out an IMAX screening one day

[@moviecollector5920]

We just had the 4K on for a bit this evening. It's like miniature IMAX but there's nothing like the real thing. I'm hoping to video project the extract selecting this evening at the BFCC on 29th April. Because of the 1.78:1 aspect of most of it I won't be able to attempt to fill the whole of the 24ft wide BFCC CinemaScope screen, but if it works out as hoped, it should still look very impressive. John.

[@EgroegNosnhoj]

Wow John! What a privilege to get into the projection booth and get a real-close up look at the film & projector - your superb documentary style showing us the theatre, foyer and projection area is simply stunning and has whetted my appetite to see an IMAX film again - it was 20 years ago that I saw Matrix in a full sized IMAX in Las Vegas - I remember thinking that you could drive several mini-vans into each one of Laurence Fishburne’s facial pores on the massive screen!! Have also seen 3D IMAX, and it’s probably the most immersive visual experience I’ve had in a cinema. The highly mechanical nature of the IMAX projector (lots of noise, movement and spectacle) must make the projectionist highly wary of visitors to the booth (in case they cause the film to come off the spools or rollers). I thought I also saw a wall mounted old fashioned PalmPilot PDA in one of your earlier shots of the booth - presumably that controls something important, but guessing that replacements will be hard to come by. Hope you enjoyed the film, and that you’re both well. George.

[@moviecollector5920]

A true, genuine 15/70 IMAX film is something else George. 3D is impressive with LCD glasses but the clarity of full frame flat IMAX is so impressive to look at that nothing else comes close. You'll just have to get along for OPPENHEIMER which should be a spectacle as I'm expecting them to detonate a nuclear bomb and in that auditorium with that clarity of image on the massive screen with that unsurpassed sound system, it's going to feel like we're really there. Let's just hope we don't all get vaporized! We both enjoyed the film in an off the scale way George. TENET is just amazing. To see it as it should be seen took it to an even greater level. Most people don't understand it and write it off which I have a certain empathy for, but analyze it and work it out and there's a masterpiece in there. I didn't ask what the PalmPilot was for. I just spotted it and left the camera there for a second or two then forgot about it, damn it! John.

[@theoriginalfat]

Excellent video John 🎥

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you. John.

[@BobbyTreacle]

I saw it August 2020 at the IMAX Waterloo during the easing of the first lock Down and it was brilliant

[@moviecollector5920]

I want to see that print again Bobby. I've suggested and hassled the IMAX to do an annual weekend festival just so we can all get the chance to re-live these cinematic event films occasionally but nothing in response so far. I'll keep trying. John.

[@michaelford4460]

Brilliant Video John, thank you.

[@moviecollector5920]

And the best news of all Michael, another screening of INTERSTELLAR has been added so guess who just booked for that?!? Thank you for everything you did to make this video possible. John.

[@craigosterberg5045]

Very beautiful Imax theater and a wonderful film to view in this format. Thanks John for the tour.

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you Craig and you're welcome. John.

[@txmoney]

Impressive. Most impressive. 😉

[@moviecollector5920]

But you're not a Jedi yet. Gawd, we're sad!!!

[@mjb5384]

I managed to get a ticket for the upcoming screening and looking forward to it.

[@moviecollector5920]

Give Mr. Nolan my regards. Wish I could be there. John.

[@101steel4]

Amazing. Thanks for showing us the behind the scenes. I had no idea.

[@moviecollector5920]

I don't think any of us did really so you're not alone. An education for me and I knew how massive IMAX is and what an engineering marvel it is. It was even more huge than I expected. John.

[@mixdown78]

WOW I'M FREEKIN' OUT. Brilliant Video. I've booked upcoming Tickets too and have to come by Plane :)) It's so thrilling to see this absolute massive High-End System. I've waited Years for that. I can't understand why this endend up to be so rare, so unique, only in one place in Europe, one Cinema, one Roll. But so glad that it is there.

[@moviecollector5920]

Fortunately, this glass palace was made possible by a grant from the national lottery back in 1999. It's part of the British Film Institute so the clue is in the name there, namely 'film'. It's wonderful that you're coming over Michael and I will let people know at the IMAX that they are drawing enthusiasts and supporters in from across Europe. See you on Thursday. John.

[@mixdown78]

@@moviecollector5920 We 've had some original IMAX Theaters in Germany, a lot of them had to close of financial Reasons.. Licences.. etc. (We still have a few). The unique Thing today is, that there are so less Film-Copys, one Film Copy for whole Europe.. So i'm lucky that i finally found this Possibility a few months ago, and lucky again that Munich-London is basically a cheap Flight Route, so.. i'll do a lot more Trips to London in Future thanks to the comitment of the BFI ;). I'm sure there are a lot of IMAX-70mm-thirsty People in Europe who are trying to come for these Events. Maybe the BFI will have a growing Eye for us Travelers and improve/re-think more or better Showtime-Schedules (to be able to see more Films in a Row and not 1 per Month;)) Lets hope the Best :)

[@pieterbalk-ht7kq]

Superb and very, very interesting video @Movie Collector Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you for saying so Pieter. Glad you liked it. John.

[@bierba]

Will be flying to London from the Netherlands in august to watch Oppenheimer at the BFI IMAX :)

[@moviecollector5920]

What an adventure that will be. I haven't sorted out tickets yet but probably looking at a day when it's been on for a couple of weeks. I'd like to do something else to promote the film at the BFI IMAX but that's up to them as they probably won't want anyone in the way again. Let me know when you're actually going because it may end up being the same day I'm there, you never know. London's best cinema now without a doubt which probably means it's the best in the UK. John.

[@bierba]

@@moviecollector5920 I'm going the 7th of August! Cheers. Tom.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@bierba I'll keep a note of that Tom. John.

[@gregsiddles8884]

Oh wow! What a treat that was, thanks for taking us behind the scenes John.

[@moviecollector5920]

Only too pleased to be given the chance to do it Greg. John.

[@PubsUnited]

I had no idea it was so complex wow. Definitely makes you appreciate the work thats goes into it when you fo the the pictures more.

[@moviecollector5920]

I don't know how much a print of one of these Nolan films must cost to strike but I suspect it could be in the tens of thousands or pounds. One thing in this video I probably should have mentioned is that when Tiana is slowly advancing the film and looking down the lens, that air noise you can hear is a vacuum that sucks each frame onto the back element of the lens as part of the rolling loop. The whole process is a miracle of man's engineering and a big reason why this is the best movie projection format that still exists commercially and probably ever did exist... although some genuine Cinerama fans may disagree with that a little. John.

[@benjaminjensen7402]

Interresting video, must have been a special experince wathing the movie in imax.

[@moviecollector5920]

Something I'd been almost dreaming of doing Benjamin. I was like a boy in a sweet shop when the day dawned. John.

[@codyririe3600]

I used to be a projectionist back in the early 2000's. We only screened 35mm. I am always amazed at the sheer size of IMAX film. It must be insanely heavy. The cans of 35mm were back breaking. Thanks so much for the videos they get me through the day sometimes!

[@moviecollector5920]

35mm is brilliant and should still be the staple in the top cinemas along with 70mm. But you chaps that actually did the work day after day made it all so wonderful for us. It's so sad to see so many cinemas slowly dying at the moment but I don't suppose it was entirely the decision to get rid of the superior format of presenting a movie that was the sole cause. Thank you for your work entertaining us Cody. You projectionists are all heroes as far as I'm concerned. John.

[@cheekster777]

Interstellar in 15/70mm IMAX film weighs over 270kg! 😮

[@moviecollector5920]

@@cheekster777 I might have trouble hauling that out of there in my swag bag!

[@jeffhouse3201]

This was very cool to watch, thanks for filming and uploading this.

[@moviecollector5920]

You're welcome Jeff. I don't think I've ever enjoyed shooting and putting a video together quite so much. John.

[@cp070476]

Saw a vid on IMAX projection in the U.S a while back. The film reels are so heavy, mechanical lifting equipment is used to transport them from the store unit to the projector. Insane sized machine.

[@moviecollector5920]

I did actually gets shots of the fork lift that is used but it would have upset the flow to break away to show and talk about that and a few other things. I might find an excuse in a future video though. John.

[@WingLok-xk2qt]

Really appreciate the video, it's fantastic for film lovers. I've been on this screening of Tenet, and will continue to watch the rest of the Nolan's 70mmIMAX screening in BFI during these couple of months. Every time I went to a BFI screening, I would just look back and stare at that light coming out of the booth, can't help imaging how things are like up there. I'll give everything for visiting the projection booth of my favorite screen. And thankfully, this video help achieve half of that dream. wonderful work

[@moviecollector5920]

You're a bit like me Wing because since I can remember, I've always looked back at the beam of light emanating from the porthole and wondered what things were like. I've been into quite a few projection booths as an adult and they've all been places where magic is made as far as I'm concerned. But this booth at the BFI IMAX is beyond magic. It really is a place where dreams come to life thanks to the enthusiastic people in there who make it all possible for us. What a great place to work and to provide the best possible entertainment that anyone could ever wish for. John.

[@WingLok-xk2qt]

@@moviecollector5920 It certainly is. I've signed up for the BFI tour as a member, don't know if visiting the projection booth of IMAX will be included. I do hope it will be.

[@ClarkTeddles]

Hi John, I reckon this has got to be my favourite video from you by far! So glad to see you getting up in the booth at the BFI IMAX. getting up in the booth of one of the most iconic IMAX cinemas in the world is a phenomenal achievement! seeing all the rollers, lenses, bulbs, platters, and hundreds of thousands of frames of film in 4K is wonderful! The shot at 3:27 shows th true gigantic scale of that imax screen, I've never seen a bigger screen in my life! The IMAX getting built here in Sydney will have pretty much the same size screen. So I'll be able to understand the true scale of the screen over at the BFI. the Melboure imax is showing interstellar on 1570 in April, so I might save up some money and catch a train over there just for a day to see it. I recently tried to make my own bootleg imax in my room by turning up the volume on my speakers, it didn't end so well. my street has a group chat and someone sent a message wondering what the rackus was. I quickly turned it off and the next thing they sent was "nevermind, it's stopped." funniest day of my life. Once again, great video John! It's amazing getting to see all this imax equipment in action and in 4k quality... and shot in such a great way! Cheers, Clark

[@moviecollector5920]

Thanks Clark. A great story about your 'bedroom IMAX' too. Thankfully, no one here is close enough to hear the THX coming out of our little home cinema otherwise I think we'd get into trouble at times. And if Cheekster's read your comment and wants to know how you got in first, it's because Clark got a preview Cheekster! Well, he's done a lot of projection booth videos himself and we communicate about them quite regularly. John.

[@cheekster777]

@@moviecollector5920 - You read my mind, John! 😉

[@christianclark1354]

FYI 4K is the resolution of the digital projector system that doesn't involve any of this work. The 15/70MM system has no fixed resolution (film is analogue - it has no pixel count) but is arguably closer to 12k to 16k depending on lighting conditions.

[@ClarkTeddles]

@@christianclark1354 Hi Christian, I greatly appreciate your comment and completely understand what you are saying. I didn't make myself very clear in the comment I sent, apologies. I was referring to the quality of this particular youtube video that John shot the video on, not the phenomenal picture clarity of 1570 IMAX film. but yes, 1570 definitely has a better-looking picture than 4k, couldn't agree with you more my friend! Cheers, Clark

[@christianclark1354]

@@ClarkTeddles Ah, that makes sense!

[@Xoferif]

1:03 "PALM PILOT MUST BE ON ALL THE TIME" 😎

[@moviecollector5920]

I bet they've got quite a few spare Palm Pilot's tucked away.

[@nglyo]

11:10 Holy moly the sound it makes is intense. I've always had Q seats right at the back and never heard any of those reel sounds while its quiet in the movie sounds so must be very sound proof'd.

[@moviecollector5920]

I think you have to make yourself aware to listen for the quiet drumming in the background when the movie goes quiet. The trouble is that genuine IMAX is so incredible to look at (and listen to) and so awe-inspiring that our senses for anything else might be a little dulled as we're so thrilled by what our brains have been trying to fully take in. TENET is simply too much and it's probably the most repeatable IMAX film of all time because it would take several dozen viewings to fully take it all in. I find it so impressive that I could watch it endlessly for days at the BFI. Perhaps see you there for OPPENHEIMER. John.

[@RonD84]

Thanks John great insight what a treat mate, Hope you enjoy the viewing pal 👍🏻

[@moviecollector5920]

DUNKIRK is next and then INTERSTELLAR. I don't know if I'll be able to get to THE DARK KNIGHT RISES but I'll certainly get there for OPPENHEIMER. See you there Ron!!!

[@Celestialrob]

Wow, amazingly interesting video, thanks John.

[@moviecollector5920]

An example for you with regard to your new home cinema Rob!

[@Celestialrob]

@@moviecollector5920 I'm going to show your video to the seamstress and see if she's open to building one of these in one of our fields. I think you know the answer 🤪

[@milleniunrealjaron]

It amazes me that in 2023 there is a PalmPilot seen at 3:45 keeping the projector running. Long Live the PalmPilot! Long Live the Visor! Long Live Treo! Long Live PalmOS!

[@moviecollector5920]

The IMAX technology has been around since 1970 so I don't suppose we should be surprised there are legacy systems still in place that were added over the years. When you think about how superior genuine IMAX is to any other method of movie presentation it's amazing to think that it's the same basic solution that was first presented in 1970. John.

[@JoshScheeter]

just bought 2 tickets for me and my pops, for a screening of Oppenheimer in 70mm. Can't wait.

[@moviecollector5920]

Is that standard 70mm Josh or one of the rare 15/70 prints? I think there are just 30 of the latter but that is more than TENET which I believe was only 8. I'm still to sort out when I'm venturing along to the IMAX once more. John.

[@JoshScheeter]

@@moviecollector5920 I believe 15/70+ from what I read from a screen sizing website, and an article. It's the 1 of 2 theaters in Arizona, USA. with the second one being at the Grand Canyon, National Geographic Visitor Center, which mostly plays short documentaries and rarely ever budget films.

[@Foxtrot5]

I was at this screening! Saw myself at 1:51. I also missed the chance to see the film in IMAX and this was actually my first time! I had saved watching the film as I knew BFI would eventually bring it back.

[@moviecollector5920]

Shame we didn't meet but glad to have caught you on camera. Where are you in that shot? I know who the bird standing up is because I'm married to her. John.

[@faludabutt8253]

Amazing John

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you Faluda. John.

[@MercuryCircuit]

Great insight in to the inner workings of the Bfi Imax at Waterloo. I have 3 tickets for the Sunday showing of Interstellar. My other half will be seeing it for the first time and it will be my daughters first Imax movie which just happens to be her favourite film. Can't wait. I'm really excited about it and even more so after watching your video.

[@moviecollector5920]

A further screening of IMAX has just been added so I'll be going to that. Before then it's DUNKIRK next week and if you haven't seen that one in IMAX, it is another cinematic marvel of the highest order. I've only seen the six minute preview but that was one of the most amazing cinema experiences I've ever had in its own right. What a film maker that man is. John.

[@MercuryCircuit]

@@moviecollector5920 Hi John. I saw Dunkirk at the Resorts world Imax at the Nec Birmingham when it was released and agree it is a masterpiece of Cinema and totally sold me on the IMax experience. My partner lives in London, but I live in the Midlands. I have only ever seen Interstellar on the small screen. So i think this will be a pretty special experience for all of us as it's our first visit to the Bfi Imax Waterloo. Keep the great videos coming. Much appreciated. 🙂

[@moviecollector5920]

@@MercuryCircuit I don't think the NEC is the real McCoy IMAX so you're going to be in for a unique treat for INTERSTELLAR. It keeps selling out which is amazing for a film that's nine years old. It's going to be one of those timeless visual masterpieces like 2001 A Space Odyssey that will pack 'em in for years to come. Just as well the BFI IMAX got to keep the prints to the NOLAN films on site because it couldn't be in a better place. And I can't wait to see it again! John.

[@user-ki6id4vt8u]

Mercury can I go bfi imax with you?

[@moviecollector5920]

@@user-ki6id4vt8u That screening was a few months ago A but this weekend the BFI IMAX have scheduled a couple more screenings of INTERSTELLAR so check that out at whatson.bfi.org.uk/imax/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=interstellar&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id= One show is this evening (Friday 26th May) and the other is tomorrow evening. Failing that, we'll see you there for OPPENHEIMER in a couple of months. John.

[@Braconara1981]

Wow John thanks this is fabulous stuff! The 4k disc is one of my favourite movies in my collection, at least from a technical standpoint, really comes to life on my current LG oled + no one does DTS-HD mixes as the engineers for Nolan's movies do. Watching it at that theater must have been an absolute treat.

[@moviecollector5920]

It had to be seen to be believed on that screen Andreas. I can't tell you how excited I was to actually be there looking at one of the best looking movies ever made... ever! And I'm not exaggerating there. That's why it's one of the best quality 4K discs, if not, the best. I still think 'Orient Express' just about pips it though. John.

[@RustySilver-w1q]

spectacular

[@moviecollector5920]

You should have been there Lambda! John.

[@RustySilver-w1q]

​@@moviecollector5920 Here in Chile we have two IMAX rooms, but it seems that it is only digital. 35 - 70mm is no longer used for projections. saludos amigo!!

[@moviecollector5920]

@@RustySilver-w1q We have similar problems here with the IMAX name being used on cinema frontage that never were IMAX but have an IMAX branded video projector installed. But our Bradford IMAX, which had abandoned 15/70 IMAX film years ago, has just reinstalled the 15/70 projector and are once again a legitimate IMAX cinema. This takes the total here in the UK to a total of three! But people think the IMAX name on the faux IMAX theatres means they are seeing IMAX which they aren't. I hope all is well with you over there in Chile. That's a country I've never visited... yet! John.

[@RustySilver-w1q]

@@moviecollector5920 thanks for your answer. Chile has some internal problems, I hope it will be solved one day. Greetings friend. Andrew.

[@r.steele2749]

That was impressive to see the projector behind the scenes.I have only been to one IMAX movie and that was a t the Cinesphere in Toronto years ago. Glad you did this my friend.

[@moviecollector5920]

You'll have to see a second when OPPENHEIMER gets released. Just make sure it's a 15/70 print before setting out though as many IMAX theatres are only projecting video exclusively now. John.

[@JacobHeldt]

Impressive is an understatement :) thanks for 'The Tour'

[@moviecollector5920]

Even I found it quite unbelievable Jacob. But it does go some way to explaining why the image quality is in a league of its own and why 70mm films (and in particular, IMAX 15/70mm films) make for the best 4K discs. John.

[@JacobHeldt]

@@moviecollector5920 totally agreeJohn.

[@KeepYaHeadUpTS]

Absolutely amazing video John. Enjoyed every second and I'm even more excited to go myself. How amazing to see in the booth at a theatre like this. Mind blowing. Thank you for doing videos like this.

[@moviecollector5920]

I was rather pleased with how it turned out Darren. I don't think I've ever enjoyed putting a Movie Collector video together quite so much. John.

[@zaq_d]

I had the immense pleasure of visiting this theater just in time to see Dunkirk. What an experience. I mean, for one I felt like I had to see that movie while I was in the UK, and two, it’s not every day you are within a 15 min train ride to a world class imax venue (I have an old imax in town at Baltimore Science Center). Was thoroughly impressed by the whole setup, and by the British transit system in general.

[@moviecollector5920]

Your London visit was exceptionally good timing Zach. DUNKIRK is on there again next week so I hope you're flying back over! Pleased to hear you enjoyed your time over here and the transport system actually worked for once! Okay, I'm being facetious there, the London Underground is usually very reliable even if I haven't used it for years now as I tend to walk everywhere when I'm in London. The IMAX is just over Waterloo Bridge on the other side of the Thames from the West End. The view from the middle of Waterloo Bridge is one of the best cityscapes in the world so next time you're over, give it a try. John.

[@thomasstorgaard9750]

Listening to the IMAX machine pumping out and pumping in reminds me of the oxygen mask the Protagonist is wearing in "Tenet", and when he exhales out and breathes in it.

[@moviecollector5920]

It's even louder when you're in there with it Thomas. But it's an engineering marvel and knowing the work it's doing to get the imagery onto the screen makes attending a film screening there even more of an event. John.

[@dmitripopov8570]

What an amazing educational course! I sent it to some of my friends. I am sure they have never seen the process in so many details. My father will enjoy it for sure!! Thank you very much, John! I hope you enjoyed all the screenings to the fullest! Dmitri

[@moviecollector5920]

I'm back there again next Thursday for DUNKIRK Dmitri. Struggling to keep up with everything right now but I was going through your email a couple of days ago and love the pianist. I'll get back to it soon, hopefully before DUNKIRK. John.

[@dmitripopov8570]

@@moviecollector5920 Hello John! Enjoy the great cinema and hang out with friends afterwards. You can leave the email response later. There is no hurry. I am really occupied with legislature and other things, so I would not have time to respond quickly either. Also, you don't have to send a reply at all. Being hyped up about the movies, you will be a lot of fun to talk to over Zoom! Ha! If you are up for it, let me know. Just let me know when and I will do my best to accommodate on that date. Dunkirk.. what an important and heavy subject for Britain. I have not seen the movie yet, but I heard only good things about it. Enjoy the features! Dmitri

[@moviecollector5920]

@@dmitripopov8570 DUNKIRK may not be the best film ever made but that IMAX image quality, even on Blu-ray and 4K disc, makes it one of the best. A bit like TENET in that regard. If the image quality of these two films were ordinary, they wouldn't have the same appeal. John.

[@dmitripopov8570]

@@moviecollector5920 I guess you did not enjoy their plots too much. Well, the Dark Night and Interstellar should be better. Right? Dmitri

[@moviecollector5920]

@@dmitripopov8570 I did like the plots/stories Dmitri, but I don't think there is any way I would have enjoyed either DUNKIRK or TENET so much as I did if the image quality wasn't so awe-inspiring to look at. It makes a difference but it doesn't mean to say I think either of them is among the best films ever made. I think TENET is among my personal favourite films of all time though and there aren't many films in recent years that I can say that about. Last Night In Soho is probably another one though and perhaps INTERSTELLAR but that is from nine years ago now. I have a lot of favourite films and it's a difficult thing to pin down a top ten. A top 100 might be easier but there's no way I'd be able to get them in any sort of order. John.

[@SSJ4Vegiito]

Probably my favourite Nolan movie. I preferred this one over Interstellar, Dunkirk and Oppenheimer

[@moviecollector5920]

I think it's the best looking film I've ever seen. The genuine IMAX and even the standard 70mm is astounding to look at and so good that it shrinks down to produce what may well be the best 4K disc of all time. It's nowhere near as good as the IMAX film prints of course but given how good the 4K and Blu-ray discs are (actually I also have the DVD somewhere so I should take a look at that sometime) it should mean that even the 4K video projections in cinemas which no longer have the capability for film projection (idiots!) look exceptionally good too. As for the film itself, I think it may be one of the greatest ever made. Half the appeal was trying to work it all out. I haven't seen a film in many years where I've simply wanted to watch it over and over again. There is always some new detail in TENET and when it looks as good as this that's a good excuse to dip into it repeatedly. John.

[@toggraham8478]

Loved every second including the sound when running! I fell in love with the IMAX presentation at the Dream World theme park in Australia, which had opened in 1981 but was converted to a normal cinema in 2010. I have since visited Perth, Sydney, and both Melbourne IMAX cinema’s (every IMAX in Australia) and loved every experience including seeing Star Trek projected at the IMAX Melbourne museum and even though it wasn’t shot in IMAX that was also a treat! When I was in the USA some years ago I also visited the IMAX in Orlando. You haven’t experienced cinema until you watch something on this big screen format that feels like you are transported to the location and the level of immersion is like the characters are in the same room as you. Breath taking! As always love your work John.

[@moviecollector5920]

You'll have to get to Melbourne to see OPENHEIMER Graham as that's the biggest I believe. I'm getting the impression that genuine IMAX cinemas are going to do well with that one, and quite right too! John.

[@spikester]

If anything remaining that is compelling to keep cinema still worth the cost of admission in this century its keeping this system alive, glorious Kodak in IMAX 15/70

[@moviecollector5920]

Hear, hear. Bring back three-strip Cinerama and D:150 in addition to an occasional genuine IMAX presentation and the whole industry could be saved. John.

[@busterscrugs]

so sad I missed the Nolan filmography retrospective! there was zero advertising about it. hope they do another one in the near future.

[@moviecollector5920]

I've been trying to get them to do an annual 15/70 festival Buster. Thinking about it further they could do a 70mm festival as I know they've recently purchased a couple of DP70 projectors so standard 2.20:1 70mm will be possible too assuming the pair of DP70's are fully serviced and ready for action. John.

[@grahambird4135]

Fabulous video, I’d forgotten the speed and noise from IMAX film… love this takes me back to my stints in the Bradford IMAX box.

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you Graham. You'll have to get down here for OPPENHEIMER. After all, they're unlikely to be screening a 15/70 print at the Bradford... unless they drag you back in for the job! John.

[@grahambird4135]

I’ll definitely make the Journey down for Nolan’s new picture.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@grahambird4135 I'll have to get a video out once I know when I'm going and then if people want to come along for the same show we should have a right ol' shindig! John.

[@dinosaurmonkey666]

Very cool content on this channel, thank you for sharing such great behind the scenes footage

[@moviecollector5920]

It was a treat to be able to do it so you're very welcome. John.

[@etms]

This! is real IMAX

[@moviecollector5920]

The numero uno real McCoy! Accept no imitations. John.

[@andrewbarnum5040]

Finally seeing this movie and Dune 2 back to back weekends and both in 70mm IMAX which is my absolute favorite way to watch a movie. Each copy of the movie costs the theater a crazy $25,000 USD but it's well worth every cent as Oppenheimer proved to many people who think digital is an acceptable substitute for film. With boxoffice sales being poor in recent years. 70mm IMAX seems to be the ticket to bring people back into the theater. It's the best theater experience possible, well worth the upcharge and if studios can take a hint, projecting film instead of digital might just be the savior for theaters close to filing for bankruptcy.

[@moviecollector5920]

That's almost exactly what I've been saying to people too Andrew so keep spreading the word. I do think a lesser, big screen system would get people back into average cinemas and what I think is the solution is D:150. An investment in a lens and a new 150 degree curved screen would be required so it's not a minor investment but it may just save the industry. Star Wars was screened on huge curved screens in some premiere houses using the D:150 system such as at the Odeon Marble Arch (recently demolished). John.

[@andrewbarnum5040]

@@moviecollector5920 When I worked at AMC theaters about 20 years ago, we had concave screens that used a fan to suck the screen back giving it curved appearance. The closest I have been to the degree of curve you are referring to is an IMAX 70mm screen which started as an Omniverse theater. That is like a big ball and I saw Interstellar there, Star Wars and Batman vs Superman. My point was theaters need to change their business model from being a place people watch movies on a big screen in the cheapest way possible which is digital. They need to invest in technology which makes the movies they show a unique and memorable experience. I believe film is major component in doing that. Your D:150 definitely builds on that. I did 35mm projection when I worked at AMC and I personally own close to a thousand 16mm film. Wile cost prohibited, I think it would be cool if Nolan would release his movie is their native IMAX form on 16mm and add a timecode to the film like DTS did with 35mm to do multi channel sound. I have defending film since 2012 and no plans on stopping anytime soon. It truly is the best way to watch movies.

[@Lelandphotography]

i worked 4 years at the Charleston I.M.A.X and we the same GR projector, GR stands for grand rotar, i never heard it called GT, not saying he's wrong, just never heard it called that. the myrtle beach I.M.A.X had the SR, small rotar, which was 2 projectors, 1 for left eye and 1 for right eye. i think in our intro it said 2 15,000 watts bulbs and 12,000 watts of digital wrap around sound. fun job but you couldn't mess up. our head projectionist did a month of training at the I.M.A.X headquarters in Canada, they took it very serious to run/ maintain these projectors. our booth looked kinda the same, but we had a 5 platter system, we had our motion picture prints on the bottom 2 and the shorter I.M.A.X prints on the top. i also did 4 years as a 35mm projectionist but the I.M.A.X was definitely the most advanced. I.M.A.X is the best picture experience EVER.

[@moviecollector5920]

Apparently, most genuine, purpose built IMAX cinemas have disposed of their 15/70 IMAX projectors which I find somewhat depressing. There has never been anything else quite like it for clarity but to pass off lower quality video projectors as IMAX and convince the majority of people that they've seen something in IMAX when they haven't has devalued the name. I have corrected so many people on here, or perhaps 'educated' would be a better way to describe it because I think it's important the difference between the real thing and all the cheaper, easier IMAX video formats is known. As for the GT projector, I think there's one point in the video where you can just see the 'GT' name on it. It's the latest and best 15/70 projector. The ultimate weapon for any cinema anywhere in the world... although perhaps genuine three-strip Cinerama fans may give an alternative argument there. Great to hear from you and thank you for commenting on this video. The most interesting KZbin video I've ever been involved with and a bit of a dream come true to get into the BFI IMAX projection box for TENET of all films. Wonderful! John.

[@raymondhall8629]

Very interesting and impressive John really enjoyed the video cheers 🥂

[@moviecollector5920]

Thanks Raymond. John.

[@andylikesstuffchannel]

Wow that place is impressive will have to pay it a visit next time I'm further down south. Especially loved the Dark Trooper Statues I'm currently making a 6ft 7 model of Darth Vader so I might have to try and make one of those next. Great Video thanks

[@moviecollector5920]

Seriously Andy, you've get to get down for OPPENHEIMER because it's not going to be around in 15/70 for long and there aren't many other places able to screen it in the best format in the UK. Maybe three or four others. Even some of the genuine IMAX theatres have lost the ability in recent years. John.

[@andylikesstuffchannel]

​@@moviecollector5920 will definitely pay it a visit spring/ summer time when I have some spare time

[@RetroReels]

Great video! Very impressed with all of the tech. Any idea why the film looks like its being clipped ever so often by the platter?

[@moviecollector5920]

I've been trying to work that out but the funny thing is, I wasn't aware of it when I was in there. I suppose I was concentrating on shooting the video but it may be some sort of footage counter or something like that. Whatever it is, it's not going to harm 70mm polyester film stock cos' it's tougher than Spider-Man's webbing! John.

[@SSJ4Vegiito]

Shame I don’t have a 1.43 IMAX near me, but seeing this in 1.90 xenon IMAX was pretty good still. Amazing movie

[@moviecollector5920]

It should still look amazing but keep in mind that 4K video is around 1/15th the quality of 15/70 genuine IMAX film. It is sensational in the real McCoy. There are only around 30 IMAX cinemas in the world today so it's not particularly easy to track down a print. The BFI IMAX might screen it again this year and it's in central London so probably the easiest location to get to in the world, if a little expensive. Worth signing up to the BFI IMAX email list as the notifications come out regularly and there's usually a genuine screening of something listed in each. John.

[@johnmbell4642]

Hello John, thanks for getting us the behind the scenes look, almost like being shrunk down inside a movie projector. luckily, I live about 25 miles from the IMAX at Henry Ford in Greenfield Village it’s the biggest IMAX theater in Michigan. The screen is 84‘ x 62‘. Seats about 400 or 500 people. I think it’s fairly comparable too you’re Theater as near as I can tell. Didn’t get to see tenet either with everything that went on. Looking forward to seeing Oppenheimer here very shortly. Have a great one as always. John

[@moviecollector5920]

Make sure the IMAX at Henry Ford aren't doing a NOLAN IMAX retrospective John because they may still have their print on site too. 70mm film still packs 'em in so they'd be missing a trick if they didn't give them all a re-screening. The Ronson IMAX in the Science Museum here is showing their NOLAN IMAX prints too so it is happening and may be a more general thing in readiness for OPPENHEIMER. John.

[@akilakj1]

This what is film for printed on film.👍👍

[@moviecollector5920]

All cinemas should aim for the highest quality of presentation and although genuine IMAX certainly isn't viable or even possible for every cinema, surely 35mm and 70mm aren't too difficult? And how about tabs (curtains) and masking across the damned screens? No wonder cinema is in terminal decline but there are stand out exceptions such as the BFI IMAX around the world We need to treasure and support these few cinemas that still give us something special and something different to watching a movie on a mobile phone! John.

[@dunndiddeli2067]

Just incredible! Thanks for taking us behind the scene. :)

[@moviecollector5920]

Pleased to do so Dunn. A dream come true to finally get in there and video it. An awe-inspiring experience. John.

[@cheekster777]

@@moviecollector5920 - Was your celebrity status all that was required, John, in order to get access and be allowed to film inside the BFI IMAX booth?

[@moviecollector5920]

@@cheekster777 Aha, now there's a question. What happened was, I had an invitation from the Chief via the comments on this channel about 18 months ago when they had a one-off screening for TENET scheduled for two days later. I was living miles away at the time and simply couldn't get there in time. But I didn't let him forget it and as soon as TENET was being mooted for another screening or two, I was given forewarning. Almost a bit of a dream come true for me. Cinema screenings don't come much better, if at all. John.

[@jeffreymcquillen1208]

This was a fascinating video. Thanks for doing this, John! I live outside a town that promotes itself as having the world's tallest IMAX screen. I think I need to if I can schedule a tour of the projection booth to see this equipment up close myself. Thanks again for the peek behind the curtain.

[@moviecollector5920]

I hope your local IMAX can still project the real McCoy Jeffrey. The booth just wouldn't be the same without it as it's the mechanization and the moving parts that make it all so interesting. The fact that it also produced the best results on screen is the icing on the cake. Good luck with getting shown the booth. John.

[@jnicholls21]

Great video, mate. This channel will be huge before long if you keep up this kind of content.

[@moviecollector5920]

Now that would be nice James. I'd be able to afford to go to the IMAX more often! John.

[@cheekster777]

Thanks John.

[@moviecollector5920]

Ah, second this time Cheekster. But you'd better read my reply to the first comment to find out why! John.

[@cheekster777]

@@moviecollector5920 - I have read it thanks.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@cheekster777 You were the first really then. But it was good to tease you a little!

[@cheekster777]

@@moviecollector5920 😁👍🏻🙏🏻

[@hildamontes6146]

The best presentation of an imax projection room i ever saw can't thank you enough for that. Somehow i missed out on the showing of Tenent must have been duing my trip up to Yorkshire. Will try to see the upcoming showing of Dunkirk. Or even make do with "All Quiet" not an imax feature but at least on that massive screen. Next tilme John. Yours Graham.

[@moviecollector5920]

I'm booked in for DUNKIRK next Thursday so maybe I'll see you there Graham. I can't wait. And then it gets even better next month because it's INTERSTELLAR again. The ultimate trip! John.

[@hildamontes6146]

@@moviecollector5920 sounds good to me where will you be sitting? Try to book if i can ,will be fantastic to meet uo .

[@hildamontes6146]

Apity about next month will be already back in Mexico.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@hildamontes6146 I think we're towards the back somewhere on the left Graham. But I plan to be there early so keep a look out in the foyer or the lobby before the doors open to let us into the auditorium. And remind me that 'Graham' equals 'Hilda Montes' please otherwise I'll probably get all mixed up! It will be nice to meet you. John.

[@andrewtenwick7562]

Fantastic video, great little behind the scenes doc. We were there last year for Top Gun Maverick. Brilliant to see how it is all put together. Keep up the great work, your passion for film really shows on all your videos. 👍

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you Andrew. Maverick wasn't a film sadly but it would have still looked brilliant on that huge screen. TENET will have looked even better though cos' it's the real deal - shot on genuine IMAX and projected from a genuine IMAX film print struck directly for the original, genuine IMAX negative. It doesn't get any better than that. DUNKIRK on Thursday (still tickets left) so I would recommend getting on the train if the buggers were actually running! John.

[@dereklufkin6371]

I used to be a 35mm projectionist. IMAX is about 5x more complex. I could thread/lace a projector in about 90 seconds. There are a lot of rollers and gears you have to put the film through. Our projectors had different audio readers for Dolby, Sony, DTS & analog. DTS required a separate disc. IMAX has their own format.

[@moviecollector5920]

It was interesting to learn that the sound is actually loaded into a computer to run in sync' because I'd always assumed it was on a CD-Rom just like Digital Theatre System. Perhaps it was to start with Derek so over to you to answer that one! John.

[@rahool360]

I feel so jealous ...also was so magnificent to see all the machinery involved ...This is such a stunning experience. I will try my best to experience BFI IMAX once for sure...India doesnt have a 15/70 IMAX ...all are digital

[@moviecollector5920]

I hope you'll be able to get over here one day to experience it for real Rahul. After all, we're still really one great nation aren't we and you should all be able to get to London to see the capital. You might have noticed that I rarely use the word 'digital' because I believe it's an industry word used to mislead people. When the 'digitalization' project was planned back in 2002 and implemented in 2011 I'm sure the word was adopted because it was fashionable and suggested what was being brought in was better. It wasn't. The true word 'video' (or perhaps 'digital video') wasn't used because it was known to be inferior at the time and would have kept people out of cinemas. Video is certainly not the joke it once was and I cannot believe how good it is now. For that reason, I call 'digital' as it is which is 'video'. Video projection today is nothing to be ashamed of but film is still the ultimate. John.

[@Designsbyg]

i'm always amazed at just how fast the IMAX platter needs to travel. Compared to 35mm its a rocket

[@moviecollector5920]

It's quite frightening when it first spins up to speed. I suppose you get used to it if you're doing it regularly but I found it rather daunting. Really, I'm just amazed the whole system actually works and presents the most perfect movie presentations for us mere mortals. John.

[@djlumimies]

Absolutely horrifying, I have seen some 70mm projectors, but the whole show of this process is like science fiction. It feels like looking at angry time bomb. Great footage!

[@moviecollector5920]

It's wonderful to be able to illustrate it to people because up to now all I've been able to say is that genuine IMAX is an engineering marvel and I find it amazing that the whole thing doesn't simply blow-up because there is so much film rushing through the gate. The secret to it is a thing called the 'rolling loop' which makes IMAX very kind to film but I didn't want to upset the flow and focus of this by waffling on with too much detail. John.

[@djlumimies]

@@moviecollector5920 Great info, could not subscribe sooner!

[@jabidullah7388]

BFI Imax is my first choice for any action movie. I’ve paid up to £24 for a ticket. Along side great image quality, I believe it also has the best sound. I’ve seen Dark Knight Rises, MI5, Tenet, etc. It doesn’t have to be IMAX only movie. They show all sorts. I’m hoping to watch Oppenheimer and Dune part 2 if they show it. Best seats are in the centre towards the back. Great video. I was surprised to see so much going on. I was told Cineworld superscreen uses two 4K projectors to fill the screen and keep it bright. But watching this video, I’m like… wow. Amazing technology and work put in by staff per movie. Thank you for sharing.

[@moviecollector5920]

That huge screen at the BFI IMAX means that any film is worth watching there however it's projected. It's a big screen that makes it all worthwhile. But there's nothing like genuine IMAX and I seem to have made the point successfully with this video. I hope so anyway. I think we tend to take things for granted and don't really think about the effort that goes into putting a show on for us at times. How 15/70mm film holds together so flawlessly for two and a half hours is extraordinary to me. Engineering at its best. John.

[@tensei_t1]

I was at this screening, in fact I think I see myself in the video 😅, nice to see what was going on behind me in order to show that insane film on that giant screen

[@moviecollector5920]

I'll be at INTERSTELLAR this Sunday so it will be interesting to see which one I now think is the better IMAX vehicle. I think it's going to be close. DUNKIRK was a big surprise too as it's much better in genuine IMAX than I expected even though I saw the preview there before the film was originally released and so knew it would be brilliant. John.

[@tensei_t1]

I was at the interstellar showing last week and you’re right it’s ridiculously close, both use imax so well but in different ways, super happy I’m seeing even more of his imax films here in the future

[@moviecollector5920]

@@tensei_t1 Maybe we'll meet up for OPPENHEIMER. I'll try to get the word out when I book for that and then maybe a whole lot of us can try to get along to the same screening. John.

[@Gazza636]

Absolutely brilliant video John,loved it,I didn't realise how much space it all takes 👍🏻 I received an email from the prince Charles cinema just off Leicester Square saying they were showing 70mm prints of 2001 and interstellar

[@moviecollector5920]

The Prince Charles were actually showing INTERSTELLAR while we were in the IMAX watching TENET. However, the IMAX have now added an extra showing of INTERSTELLAR on Sunday 23rd April. Thank gawd for that! But it's already selling out fast. John.