The Experience
IMAX motion picture systems, invented and developed by Imax Corporation (Imax), are the finest motion picture systems in the world. Images of unsurpassed size, clarity and impact, enhanced by a superb specially-designed six-channel, multi-speaker sound system, are projected onto giant rectangular screens, up to eight storeys high, in the case of IMAX theatres, and, in the case of IMAX® Dome theatres, onto domes as large as 27metres (88'- 5") in diameter.
The IMAX 15/70 image is 10 times larger than a conventional 35mm frame and three times bigger than a standard 70mm frame. The sheer size of an IMAX 15/70 film frame, combined with the unique IMAX projection technology, is the key to the extraordinary sharpness and clarity of an IMAX 15/70 film.
Sound
Sound is critical to The IMAX Experience. The IMAX six-channel, high-fidelity motion picture sound system, with sub-bass, is manufactured by Sonics Associates Inc., a world leader in sound system design.
Developed by Sonics, the IMAX Personal Sound Environment System (IMAX PSE) provides the audio complement for the strong visual effects of IMAX® 3D and IMAX® 3D Dome 15/70 films.
The Sonics Proportional Point Source Loudspeaker system, specifically designed for IMAX theatres, eliminates variations in volume and sound quality over the theatre seating area. This allows all members of the audience to experience superb sound quality regardless of where they may be seated.
The Projectors
IMAX projectors are the most advanced, highest-precision and most powerful projectors ever built. The key to their superior performance and reliability is the unique "Rolling Loop" film movement. The Rolling Loop, advances the film horizontally in a smooth, wavelike motion. During projection, each frame is positioned on fixed registration pins, and the film is held firmly against the rear element of the lens by a vacuum. As a result, the picture and focus steadiness are far above normal projection standards and provide outstanding image clarity.
The popular success of Imax's 3D systems, IMAX 3D and IMAX 3D Dome, led to the development of the IMAX® HD projection system, which is shot and projected at 48 frames per second, twice the normal frame rate, providing even greater clarity of detail to the already spectacular IMAX image.
Awards
Imax received a 1988 Canada Export Award for superior export performance from the Canadian government's Department of External Affairs.
In 1991, Imax received an Award of Excellence from the Canadian government's Department of Communications for its contributions and achievements in the field of communications and culture.
In 1997, Imax Corporation won an Oscar®, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences highest honor, for scientific and technical achievement.
History
The IMAX system has its roots in EXPO '67 in Montreal, Canada where multi-screen
films were the hit of the fair. A small group of Canadian filmmakers/entrepreneurs
(Graeme Ferguson, Roman Kroitor and Robert Kerr), who had made some of those
popular films, decided to design a new system using a single, powerful projector,
rather than the cumbersome multiple projectors used at that time. The result:
the IMAX motion picture projection system which would revolutionize giant-screen
cinema. 
IMAX technology premiered at the Fuji Pavilion,
EXPO '70 in Osaka, Japan. The first permanent IMAX projection systemwas
installed at Ontario Place's Cinesphere in Toronto in 1971. IMAX Dome (OMNIMAX)
debuted at the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theatre in San Diego in 1973.
Building on the success of these initial two configurations, Imax has continued the evolution of The IMAX Experience: the IMAX 3D system premiered at the Canada Pavilion, EXPO '86 Vancouver, Canada; and both IMAX 3D Dome and IMAX Magic Carpet® systems premiered at EXPO '90, Osaka, Japan, in the Fujitsu and Sanwa Midori-Kai Pavilions respectively. EXPO '92 in Seville continued Imax's World's Fair tradition with the premiere of IMAX HD at the Canada Pavilion.
Imax Corporation also offers extensive customer support services to filmmakers who use IMAX cameras. The company's camera rental inventory offers 23 cameras, including two compact dual-strip IMAX 3D cameras and three lightweight IMAX MARK II cameras for steadicam work.
General Information
Imax leases IMAX motion picture projection systems to specially designed theatres worldwide. There are currently more than 144 permanent theatres operating in 21 countries. More than 20 of these theatres are equipped with IMAX 3D technology. There is a backlog of more than 40 theatres scheduled to open during the next few years.
There are more than 115 films in the medium film library.
Educational and entertaining, these films take viewers where they are unable
to go: to explore the hidden secrets of natural wonders like the Grand Canyon,
the inside of an atom or the magic of space. The first IMAX 15/70 space
film, The IMAX 15/70 space trilogy, has grossed more than $200 million and
has been seen by more than 63 million people worldwide. The much- acclaimed
Fires of Kuwait was nominated for an Academy Award in the Feature Documentary
category in 1993.
Imax Corporation, founded in 1967 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is the pioneer and leader of giant-screen, large-format film and motion simulator entertainment. Imax is involved in a wide variety of out- of-home entertainment business activities, including: the design, leasing, marketing maintenance and operation of IMAX theatre systems; film development, production, post-production and distribution of IMAX 15/70 films; camera and projector design and manufacturing; and ongoing research and development.
Imax has forged strategic alliances and relationships with some of the largest corporations in the world, including Sony Corporation, ABC (a Walt Disney Company subsidiary), Caesars World (an ITT Corporation subsidiary), Twentieth Century Fox, Sega Enterprises, and Circus Circus Enterprises.
The IMAX brand is recognized worldwide for high quality family entertainment. To date more than 510 million people have had The IMAX Experience since it premiered in 1970 with more than 60 million customers worldwide in 1995 alone. Imax subsidiaries include Ridefilm Corporation, manufacturers and producers of motion simulation theaters or movie rides; Sonics Associates Inc., world leaders in sound design; and David Keighley Productions/70MM Inc., award-winning specialists in image quality control and laboratory production and post-production.
