The Incredible Process of How a GIANT 70mm IMAX Film is Played

Note that this video was created in 2016 and this theater has since transitioned to laser. This short film takes you deep inside an IMAX projection booth revealing the meticulous process of threading a 70mm film print through a Mini Cooper sized film projector. The resolution of 70mm film is still far greater than what 4K digital projectors can produce. IMAX has been around since the 70's and still boasts a higher quality image than today's digital. So if you're wondering why IMAX costs a little bit more, think of the projectionists! W're not just putting in a Blu Ray and pressing play...

Some of these shots were taken a year apart. I began shooting with the GoPro in December of 2014 and started to cut this together. After a couple of months I couldn't really figure out how I wanted this to flow so I put it on the shelf for a while. Towards the end of summer 2015 I picked up the Nikon D5500 and began shooting more with that. Between that and the Hero 4 I was able to get a lot of interesting shots and by early 2016 I had the final cut. Quite a long process but after working in IMAX for 9+ years I really felt like most people seeing a 70mm film were completely unaware of how this system works or what IMAX is. IMAX is an aging technology but is still superior in many ways. Please share this to spread the word and maybe we can keep IMAX alive for a few more decades.

#keepIMAXalive

Shot on location at the IMAX Dome Theater in San Jose, CA.

Filmed with Nikon D5500 and GoPro Hero 4 Black.

Created by John Ruddock.

High Orbit Media
@highorbitmedia
#highorbitmedia

[sweedish]

Engineer 1: How can we make this really complicated machine even more expensive?
Engineer 2: Let's attach it to a lift

[JessicaPilotGirl]

The first time I watched a movie at IMAX...when that incredible countdown started I nearly cried. It's just unbelievable! It makes conventional cinema seem like a 14 inch black and white tv.

[ejicon]

One of my first jobs, I made an attempt to train to be a projectionist. One evening, I had the opportunity to check out the projection prep room for an IMAX film. After seeing the highly experienced imax projectionist drop a 300 pound reel, I knew my place was back downstairs in my ratty 35mm projection hole where I was safe from the 70 mm monster.

[lodewykk]

I love how “inserting a DVD” is actually a step too

[matt]

The fact that rain-x is an essential ingredient in this process is the most amazing part.

[sunnyspeed-studio]

i thought it is just a double click on the desktop.

[rpm]

Holy crap this is amazing. This should be shown before every IMAX feature.

[BltchErica]

Thanks. I really wanted to make this quick and easy DIY project at home.

[Movie_Games]

I wonder how big an IMAX movie would be as a digital file with no compression. Seems almost easier and cheaper to have each movie on it's own 10tb hard drive.

[YVZSTUDIOS]

Man, I like how he explains this so casually, like assuming everyone watching owns an IMAX projector and this is just a typical tutorial 😂

[gagatai]

I used to think like "dang. IMAX is just a scam, why so expensive" after watching this, I respect IMAX again. Great job guys.

[ChristopherWoods]

Was lucky enough to get a tour of a legitimate 70 mm IMAX booth a couple of times. The calibration precision and sheer handling difficulties of such massive film reels was impressive. The ratio is also something you can't really believe until you see it. Dark Knight opening scenes in IMAX were riveting. Highly recommend everyone goes to a 70 mm IMAX screening at the earliest opportunity.

[Jojohumf]

And Here I was there thinking it was a windows 7 PC hooked up to a projector.

[jayhandron]

Awesome video! I knew projecting IMAX 70MM wasn’t as simple as playing a disc but did not know the complex process involved to play it properly. This gives me a new appreciation for the work projectionists do. I love seeing a movie in this format. It totally makes a trip to the theater because there is no way to get it at home.

[enochpeter]

I spent a lot of time in that booth way, WAY back in 1973. My girlfriend's grandfather was one of the projectionists. He would actually smoke a pipe in the booth, which was gigantic. The Exorcist, The Parallax View, and The Sting were playing. I thought is was the coolest thing ever. Thanks for the tour and the memories.

[GTR]

I was an imax projectionist for about 6yrs during my highschool and university days and this video brought back so many memories!

[samonellauniversity]

I feel that there’s an underground of projectionist snobs who talk about how low brow other projectors are.

[nationalist]

I worked 10 years as a projectionist trouble shooting Ive seen crazy stuff happen. Brain lock is common and can take 2 min to a hour to fix. The worst I had was titanic for some reason had a issue with the film and static causing the brain to spin out of control and it fly off the platter. Not fun in a sold out show. Also Ive had bulbs blow, power systems to the projector blow, lens crack.
One funny one was Dr. Doolittle 2 reel 4 was in Spanish. It was in the film no way to fix it. We had to wait for a new reel to change it on the platter. I miss it the pay sucked but somedays were a adventure.

[JeremyLeGrand]

I just wanted to mention that your editor used a free loop that I used on Garage Band circa 2012 on my moms iMac trying to be a “DJ”.

But now here I am ten years later and I’m opening a record label while working full time as a drum teacher and music instructor at school of rock! So thank you free GarageBand/iMovie loops!

[theodoreroberts]

I have run from 8 mm to 35 mm projectors, but this takes the cake. I have never seen such a machine. Thank you, incredible.