Cinematographer
IMAX Laser ist der beste Kompromiss zwischen Film und Digital. Die 4K-Auflösung kommt zwar nicht an 15/70 heran, aber das 1.43:1-Seitenverhältnis ist zurück. Endlich können digitale Zuschauer sehen, wie ich komponiert habe.
4K dual-laser IMAX projection system. Only digital format supporting full 1.43:1 aspect ratio with maximum brightness and contrast levels, closest digital equivalent to 70mm IMAX film.
What is IMAX Laser?
IMAX Laser is the latest generation of digital IMAX projection, introduced in 2014. The system uses two 4K laser projectors instead of the older 2K xenon technology and is the only digital system to offer the full 1.43:1 aspect ratio.
The Two Variants
IMAX Laser (Standard)
- 1.90:1 aspect ratio
- For retrofitted multiplex auditoriums
- ~18m screen width
IMAX Laser GT (Ground Truth)
- 1.43:1 aspect ratio
- For dedicated IMAX dome theaters
- ~26m+ screen width
- Highest available digital quality
Technical Specifications
| Feature | IMAX Laser | IMAX Digital | IMAX 15/70 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K × 2 | 2K × 2 | ~18K |
| Aspect Ratio | 1.43:1 / 1.90:1 | 1.90:1 | 1.43:1 |
| Brightness | 22 fL | 14 fL | 22 fL |
| Contrast | >1,000,000:1 | ~2,500:1 | Analog |
| HDR | Yes | No | N/A |
| Color Space | Rec. 2020 | Rec. 709 | Film-specific |
Laser vs. Xenon
Xenon Lamps (Old Technology):
- Limited lifespan (~2,000 hours)
- Brightness loss over time
- Lower contrast
- Expensive lamp replacement
Laser Phosphor (New Technology):
- ~30,000 hours lifespan
- Constant brightness
- Deep blacks through precise dimming
- Wider color gamut
The RGB Laser System
IMAX Laser uses a dual RGB laser system:
- Two separate 4K projectors
- Red, Green, Blue as separate laser sources
- Project onto the same screen
- For 3D: polarized overlay
The advantage over conventional lasers: more precise colors and higher peak brightness.
1.43:1 Returns
The most significant advancement: IMAX Laser GT can display 1.43:1.
For films like "Oppenheimer" or "Dune," which were shot natively for IMAX, this means:
- Full image composition visible
- No cropped height
- Immersive experience as in film IMAX
HDR Support
IMAX Laser is the first system with IMAX Enhanced HDR:
- Dynamic contrast range
- Peak brightness up to 500 nits
- Deep blacks (true dimming)
- Extended color palette
Availability
- ~400 IMAX Laser auditoriums worldwide (as of 2024)
- IMAX Laser GT only in ~50 dedicated IMAX cinemas
- Germany: Berlin (Sony Center), Munich, Frankfurt
- New installations are almost exclusively laser
Cost
- Installation: $8-12 million (vs. $5-8 million for Digital)
- Operating costs: Lower due to long laser lifespan
- Ticket price: Often a $2-3 surcharge on IMAX Digital
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
IMAX Laser GT in einem echten IMAX-Saal kommt dem Filmerlebnis erstaunlich nahe. Der Kontrast ist tief, die Farben präzise. Wenn kein 15/70 verfügbar ist, ist Laser die Empfehlung.
Producer
IMAX Laser kostet etwa $2-3 Millionen mehr als Digital, aber es rechtfertigt den Premium-Aufschlag besser. Für unsere Prestige-Releases ist Laser GT das Mindestmaß – die Zuschauer merken den Unterschied zu normalem Digital.
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Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „IMAX Laser"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?