Cinematographer
The IMAX 1.43:1 format is radically different. The camera is massive, the lens setup completely different. IMAX lighting is spectacular and brutal – the high resolution amplifies every mistake. Natural light becomes my biggest tool.
IMAX 1.43:1 format specialized for 65mm film projection (15-perf 70mm). A unique nearly-square ultra-HD format with surprising vertical image height for monumental, immersive screen experiences.
In film history
Famous examples · IMAX 15/70
Curated examples across cinema history that illustrate the term — from compositional principle to deliberate refusal.
01 / FIRST FEATURE FILM WITH IMAX ACTION SEQUENCES
The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight was the first Hollywood feature to deliberately use IMAX 15/70 cameras for action sequences – approximately 28 minutes of the film were shot in native 1.43:1 format, demonstrating the monumental image potential of the format.
02 / COSMIC PROPORTION – THE FORMAT AS EXPERIENTIAL SPACE
Interstellar
Interstellar used the IMAX 1.43:1 format for large portions of the film, turning the near-square proportion into an emotional statement: the infinity of space becomes physically tangible through the image's vertical expansion.
03 / SHOT ENTIRELY IN IMAX – MAXIMUM IMAGE PRESENCE
Dunkirk
Dunkirk is one of the few feature films shot almost entirely on IMAX 15/70 film; the 1.43:1 format gives the war sequences an overwhelming immediacy and physicality that no other format achieves.
04 / IMAX AS HISTORICAL DOCUMENT – ANALOG FORMAT IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Oppenheimer
Oppenheimer was shot entirely on analog IMAX 15/70 film, including the first close-ups ever captured in IMAX format; the 1.43:1 image renders faces and explosions equally monumental, proving the format's unbroken expressive power in the 21st century.
Film stills sourced via the TMDB API. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. themoviedb.org ›
History
The IMAX 1.43:1 format has a history independent of other studios:
Founding and Development:
- 1967: IMAX Corporation founded in Canada (by Greg Ellenson, Milo Rankin, Roman Kroitor)
- 1970: First IMAX projection at Expo '70 in Japan ("Fuji Pavilion")
- 1971: "The Incredible Shrinking Man" - first IMAX documentary
- 1977: Construction of the largest IMAX cinema (500+ seats)
- 1983: OMNIMAX (dome format) developed
- 1992: "Tango" - feature film in IMAX (not a Hollywood blockbuster)
- 1997: "Titanic" - scenes re-mastered in IMAX
- 2002: "Apollo 13" - Hollywood film fully re-mastered for IMAX
- 2009: Avatar IMAX 3D - turning point for commercial IMAX blockbusters
- 2010-Present: Marvel/Disney use IMAX for blockbusters
Philosophy:
- IMAX has always been "More than a movie" - an experience
- 15-Perf 70mm standard was a conscious Ultra-HD choice
- Documentary focus (National Geographic, BBC)
- Later: Commercialization for blockbusters
Technical Details
IMAX 1.43:1 Aspect Ratio Specifications:
Film Format:
- Standard: 65mm film stock (also IMAX 70mm with soundtrack)
- Official Name: "15-Perf 65mm" or "15-Perf 70mm"
- Aspect Ratio: 1.43:1 (15 perforations height × 69.7mm width)
- Image Size: 69.7mm × 48.8mm effective image area
- Frame Rate: Typically 24fps, occasionally 30fps
Comparison Table of IMAX Specifications:
| Aspect | 15-Perf 65mm IMAX | Standard 35mm | VistaVision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspect Ratio | 1.43:1 | 1.33-2.35:1 | 1.5:1 |
| Film Width | 65mm | 35mm | 65mm |
| Image Area | 69.7 × 48.8mm | 18-24mm × 13mm | 49 × 37mm |
| Perforation System | 15 Perforations | 4 Perforations | 8 Perforations |
| Resolution (Native) | ~18K equivalent | ~2K equivalent | ~8K equivalent |
| Size Relative to Standard | 100× larger | Baseline | 5× larger |
| Projection | Mirror system | Standard | Standard |
Detailed Technical Data:
- Film Stock Speed: 190 cm/s (Faster than standard 35mm)
- Light Output: 18-25 Foot-Lamberts (with 400W Xenon lamp)
- Screen Size: Typically 22m width × 16m height (70ft × 50ft sky-high format)
- Audience Viewing Angle: 60-70 degrees horizontal, up to 55 degrees vertical
- Depth of Field: Extremely shallow (large aperture requires focus precision)
Mirror Projection System:
- IMAX uses a unique mirror system (not standard lens projection)
- Allows for larger projection without lens distortion
- Multiple mirrors direct 65mm film to screen
- Special lamps required
Usage Today
The IMAX 1.43:1 format is still exclusive and rare, but has seen a resurgence through Hollywood blockbusters:
Native IMAX Productions (Shot on 15-Perf 65mm):
- "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" (2011) - Brad Bird
- "Interstellar" (2014) - Christopher Nolan (partially shot in IMAX)
- "Oppenheimer" (2023) - Christopher Nolan (massive IMAX footage)
- "The Dark Knight Rises" (2012) - Christopher Nolan (partially)
- "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" (2023) - Marvel/Disney
Commercialized IMAX Versions (Remastered):
- "Avatar" (2009) - Re-mastered for IMAX 3D
- Marvel Blockbusters: Certain scenes optimized for IMAX
- Christopher Nolan Films: Extreme IMAX muxing
Documentary/Educational Use:
- National Geographic: Documentaries in IMAX
- BBC Nature Series: Partially for IMAX theaters
- Planetarium Shows: IMAX as standard
- Museum Installations: Art projects utilize IMAX
Why the Renaissance:
- Christopher Nolan is an IMAX evangelist (has used it extensively since 2012)
- Marvel/Disney recognized the marketing potential
- Streaming competition drives cinemas to seek an "experience"
- IMAX theaters are an investment for studios
- Technological advancements (4K digital IMAX) improved accessibility
The 1.43:1 Format in Artistic Practice
Why 1.43:1 and not 1.85:1 or 2.35:1?
The seemingly "squarer" proportion of 1.43:1 is actually a deliberate choice:
- Monumental Height: People appear smaller against vast environments
- Sky Maximization: Air, clouds, cosmic expanses utilize full height
- Architectural Space: Churches, buildings utilize verticality
- Psychologically: Near-square evokes a different emotional response
Example: "Interstellar"
- Christopher Nolan used IMAX for space scenes
- The black void of space is amplified by the height
- The Cooper family in the farmhouse uses the full depth of the frame
Comparison: IMAX 1.43:1 vs. Other Large Formats
| Format | Ratio | Film Stock | Size | Resolution | Projection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMAX 15-Perf | 1.43:1 | 65/70mm | Massive | ~18K | Mirror |
| VistaVision | 1.5:1 | 65mm | Large | ~8K | Standard |
| 70mm Todd-AO | 2.2:1 | 70mm | Large | ~8K | Standard |
| Cinemascope 65 | 2.2:1 | 65mm | Large | ~8K | Anamorphic |
| IMAX Laser | 1.43:1 | Digital 4K | Massive | 4K + | Laser |
Digital IMAX - The Dichotomy
Modern IMAX cinemas utilize two systems in parallel:
1. Film-Based IMAX (Original):
- 15-Perf 65mm film projection
- 18K resolution equivalent
- Only in larger cities now
- Extremely expensive to produce
2. Digital IMAX (2008+):
- 4K dual-laser projection
- 60% of IMAX cinemas are digital
- Compatible with 16:9 and other formats
- More affordable for studios
Controversy:
- Purist IMAX: Only 1.43:1 70mm is "true" IMAX
- Practical IMAX: 4K digital is more accessible
Interesting Factors for Filmmakers
Why Nolan Obsessively Uses IMAX:
Christopher Nolan has repeatedly stated:
- IMAX cameras force thoughtful filmmaking
- Cost + Size = Responsibility
- Every frame is valuable
- Viewers cannot see a mistake (even in 35mm)
- IMAX is "real" cinematography
The Practical Challenge:
- Few studios own IMAX 65mm cameras
- Panavision dominates the IMAX market
- Shooting costs are 3-5x higher than standard
- Post-production infrastructure is specialized
Future Perspectives
Trends:
- Hybrid: Partially shot in IMAX, partially standard
- Digital IMAX expands, 70mm cinemas close
- Streaming services (Apple, Netflix) invest in IMAX restorations
- Artificial 1.43:1 through cropping 2.35:1 material
Further Information
Technical Standards:
- IMAX Corporation Specifications (proprietary)
- SMPTE RP 486: 65mm Film Standards
- Panavision IMAX System Documentation
Related Entries:
- 15-Perf 65mm (Technical Description)
- 65mm / 70mm (Film Format)
- Cinemascope (For comparison)
- Christopher Nolan (Artist's Perspective)
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
1.43:1 IMAX I choose for consciousness-expanding experiences. It's not for intimacy – it's for scale. Mountain landscapes, ocean horizons, cathedral spaces, the open sky. IMAX is for the sublime, the monumental.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Camera · Technique
IMAX
Large-format cinema and projection system featuring the largest available film format…
Camera · Technique
IMAX 15/70
Camera · Technique
IMAX Camera
Camera · Technique
IMAX Laser
Camera · Technique
1.90:1 IMAX Digital
The aspect ratio of the digital IMAX system (1.90:1 ≈ 17:9). Wider than native 1.43:1…
Camera · Technique
65mm
Camera · Technique
70mm
70mm is a high-resolution large-format film: shot on 65mm negative, projected as 70mm…
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Was beschreibt „IMAX-Format 1.43:1 / 15-Perf 70mm" am besten?
2. Zu welchem Department gehört „IMAX-Format 1.43:1 / 15-Perf 70mm"?
3. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?