Big question: IMAX ripoff?
Myles Peterman
Last week’s poll results show that 60% of you do indeed pay close attention to your ATM. To the 40% of you that do not, hopefully that video made you reconsider.
Poll Results:
Now, there’s something a little bit odd occurring in IMAX theaters these days, and Parks and Recreation actor/comedian Aziz Ansari has brought it to the public’s attention. Mr. Ansari went to go see STAR TREK in IMAX but was a little irritated when he realized the screen he was watching, which he paid an extra $5 to watch, was barely larger than an average screen.
Check it:
What you're seeing is a slightly larger, digital screen with some quality sound but certainly not the IMAX screen that we're accustomed to. As Ansari found out, IMAX is pimping its name out to Regal and AMC theaters that meet specific criteria.
IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond says they don't think of IMAX as the giant screen, they think of it as an experience.
While it might be easy to blame AMC or Regal theaters and complain to their managers, it's hardly their fault. They, in fact, wanted these new screens branded as "IMAX Digital" to differentiate them from the 70mm screens. IMAX said no and insisted they all be referred to as IMAX. Huh.
You can find out more about this issue here and how to inform yourself not to be duped out of $5 for something that is clearly not IMAX.
I mean to some, $5 may not seem like a big deal. But factor in the cost of the ticket already, which brings it up to $17/person. Then spice it all up with popcorn, drinks, whatever else. You’re probably looking at around $40-50.
The Big Question:
Do you think you should have to pay $5 extra to watch a movie in the "IMAX experience", though the screen is the same size as a traditional theater?
Voice box below and tell me how you feel about this. Then go poll it up!
Extra Tidbit: The genuine Dark Knight “IMAX experience”. That was a treat.
Myles PeterIMAX
