Imax Theatre Sydney

On 10 July 2008 IMAX Corporation announced a joint venture with Hoyts Cinemas for the installation of four digital IMAX projection systems in locations around Australia. This IMAX digital system uses different technology and screen sizes to that traditionally associated with the IMAX experience in Sydney.

The giant screen IMAX Theatre Sydney in Darling Harbour uses the IMAX GT mechanical film projector to project films on 70mm/15perforation film, the largest commercial film format, with a film frame size approximately 10 times larger than a 35mm film frame. The IMAX digital system uses two 2k digital projectors to create a high quality digital cinema image. Both systems are capable of showing 2D and 3D films.

The IMAX Theatre Sydney has the world’s biggest cinema screen at 29.42m high by 35.73m wide – covering an area of more than 1,015 square metres. The IMAX digital multiplex screens are restricted to a maximum size of approximately 13m high by 21m wide - covering an area of only 273 square metres.

The IMAX Theatre Sydney is able to fill such a large screen because it uses the IMAX GT film projection system and 70mm/15perforation film. This more ‘square’ film allows an aspect ratio of 1.43:1 creating the height that is so distinctive in a traditional IMAX theatre. The IMAX digital system is designed to fit into existing multiplex cinemas with a minimum of modification to the auditorium. It is not designed to match the size of the GT projection system because it was not created with such large screens in mind and is restricted to a more rectangular 1.9:1 aspect ratio.