Simulator films and attractions in IMAX format with moving seat platform — motion and giant screen synchronized for maximum immersion. Used in theme parks and museums.
Combining an IMAX screen with a hydraulic motion platform creates a completely different experience than classic cinema. IMAX Rides merge large-format projection with physical movement — the seating platform follows the visual impulses of the film in real-time. This is not just a gimmick: the synchronization between image and movement determines whether the viewer perceives the illusion as coherent or suffers from motion sickness.
From a production perspective, this means completely different demands on image composition and editing rhythm. You are not working for passive viewers, but for people whose vestibular system is actively stimulated. This means: camera movements must be predictable — abrupt cuts or unexpected changes in direction create nausea, not excitement. The motion base typically follows a predefined curve programmed during post-production. Some effects — acceleration, air pressure effects, water spray — must be calibrated synchronously with image processing. This is more closely integrated with editing than, for example, Dolby Atmos sound.
The target audiences are theme parks and science centers — here, sensory experience is prioritized over narrative depth. Flights over landscapes, space simulations, action courses: the format thrives on kinetic moments. The films are usually 10–15 minutes long because longer exposure becomes problematic due to motion sickness. Therefore, rapid cuts and frequent perspective changes dominate. At the same time, you must incorporate breaks — not for narrative reasons, but because the balance organ needs rest.
Technically, resolution is crucial: the proximity to the enormous IMAX screen allows no detail errors. You work with 65mm film or high-resolution digital cameras, and every pixel flicker becomes brutally visible. Color grading must be optimized for the extreme brightness of the IMAX projector — standards like DCI-P3 fall short here. Motion control and 3D are standard; stereoscopy creates additional depth, which must harmonize with the motion platform or create conflicts in spatial perception.