Until early this past June, I had never seen a movie in IMAX. Outside of IMAX, I’ve seen many movies. To me, seeing a movie in the theatre has always been about the experience. There’s just something about it that, no matter how rich you are, can’t be replicated.

Going to the movies is even more inspiring as a child. Most of us probably remember what one of the first moves we saw was and how big the screen seemed. IMAX is an upgrade on that experience by bringing those feelings into adulthood.

It’s not just the seating, which can remind one of how big and comfy theatre chairs seem when one is younger. It’s also the increased size of the screen from what one is used to in most theatres, adding a bit of a curve to suck you even deeper into the movie. Combine that with an upgrade to a more modern audio system. It leaves one sitting enthralled and in awe as they watch the movie. 

 With all that being said, IMAX is only the future of theatre in the short term. It will be overshadowed sooner than later if theatres forget to do upkeep and keep on top of upgrades, the same things that made it so easy for IMAX to quickly grab such a large chunk of the theater industry away from long-established theatres. That doesn’t mean non-IMAX theatres are automatically doomed. It simply means they have a shrinking window to bring the quality of their experience up while being cost-effective. Only two things are certain at this point, though—the movie theatre experience has once more been changed, and it will change again, whether as IMAX or something even more impressive.

*Tip his hat, walking out the door following the scent of buttery popcorn.*