The case for watching Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen in IMAX

So, by now you've seen the ads, you've heard the hype and now it's nearly here. I'm talking, of course, of the upcoming sequel to the 2007 blockbuster Transformers. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Sam Witwicky, and yes, the gorgeous Megan Fox, are back. What I have come to realize, however, is how little people know about the fact that it will be shown in IMAX. So I'm hear to plead the case for why you should see this film in the best format possible and also to explain the difference between the conventional film that's shown at most theaters, the one in fake IMAX (being shown at AMC Lynnhaven in VA Beach and most big city multiplexes) , and the one in 15/70 IMAX (the one at the Air and Space Center and other institutions across the country). Here's my list of the reasons to see Transformers 2 in IMAX.

1. The sound is better. For some people, this doesn't mean much, but for me it's a big difference. Not only do you get to hear it in surround sound like conventional theaters, but the wattage is higher, 16000 watts to be precise, therefore making the detail in the sound crisper and creating a more immersive environment. But you also get great sound in fake IMAX. So let's move to the next reason.

2. The 5 story screen. For many, this is the reason to go to IMAX in the first place. Nowhere else can you see a film displayed on such a large screen. Starting from the floor going 5 stories up, the screen consumes the room. It is massive. Not only does it enhance the images and make them more rich in detail, but it also creates a sense of motion and wonder while watching the film. For most feature films, the film is displayed only in a widescreen format, meaning that you have black bars on the top and bottom of the IMAX screen. However, in the case of Transformers 2...

3. Portions of the film were shot in IMAX. Just as Christopher Nolan did with 6 sequences in The Dark Knight, Michael Bay selected 4 scenes to shoot in IMAX. What this means is 3 things: The first is that these scenes will take up the entirety of the 5 story screen, something you cannot get anywhere else. The second is that you will see 4K rendered animation for the first time ever in IMAX. The third is that you will get to see a full scale version of Optimus Prime on the giant IMAX screen. If you go to a conventional theater or fake IMAX, the IMAX sequences that were filmed will be virtually invisible to the audience, and the picture shown will be cut off. So, if you're going to see the movie, go see it in IMAX.

To see the difference in the film formats, go here.


A video explaining the fake IMAX scam.



Note: I will also add that I plan on seeing the film on Wednesday night. Following the viewing, I will write a review. While I do recommend the format, I may not recommend the film. That being said, if you plan on seeing the film regardless of what I have to say about the film in my upcoming review, see it in IMAX.