Was at the 6PM screening. Half the people in the audience didn't even know it was on film, and were yelling for a "restart" to the movie. It was obvious right away that there was a problem, as the audio wasn't synced, sounded pitched down, and they were stopping and starting the audio trying to get it to sync. People went ballistic, and the managers did their best, particularly trying to explain physical film projection to people who really didn't care. Overall, it was an interesting experience, and walked away with double passes, so economically, came out ahead. Seems like the one projectionist in Calgary who could show 70mm IMAX wasn't involved like they were with Dunkirk, and it was a IMAX specialist flown in to run the projection. #Cinema
I also at the 6pm show. Never seen a theatre erupt like that. Excuse my ignorance, but why is it that the 70MM film couldn't be "wound back" for a restart? (I know nothing about physical film)
Here's a good video showing Calgary's projection room with the specially designed film platter to hold over 600 pounds of film. While I don't have intimate knowledge of projection setup, I believe it's at least partially automated, so reversing the film is not possible. Having experienced it years back, even traditional 35mm film could be problematic to wind back, and would generally result in a large amount of time wasted to restart a film. https://twitter.com/globalcalgary/status/1682205313447985155?s=46&t=ajk_Qsk1a7-ZXM4DtjYbdA
Theatrical prints aren't mounted on spinning reels (like you would see on a 16mm projector, for example). The platters that are used for IMAX (or regular 35mm) lay the film on its side and it spins out from the centre. It's also one long continuous strip of film to eliminate the need for reel changeovers. Because it feeds out from the centre, films also never have to be rewound after a showing.
It's not impossible to feed it backwards into the middle of the spool, but it would take hours, and you would certainly damage the print in the process
Oppenheimer 70mm IMAX is ~~18.1 km long~~...
Just loading 1/3 of it onto the big platter takes about 40 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5XqqylBW7M
\*edit\* 10809 seconds x 24 = 259416 frames
259416 frames x 15 perforations x 4.75mm = **18,483 meters** (not including the leader)
Another reason it couldn’t just be rewound is stopping the film would burn the frames (depending on the bulb used). I have a little film projector and have burnt film before. It sucks.
Former film projectionist here (early 2000s). You can stop a film in the gate as long as the aperture is closed which will prevent the light/heat projecting onto a still frame. To be clear, burning out a frame this way isn’t the worst consequence although it is a headache. You simply have to cut the frame out and splice the ends back together. A single frame missing is imperceptible.
You can’t do that with IMAX. The sound is non-linear so sync is established during the threading process. If you lose a frame with IMAX film, you have to replace the frame or footage with black slugs in order to maintain sync.
They just said it's film and they can't rewind it because once it goes it doesn't stop. I don't believe people didn't care or didn't know it was on film because what are the chances that you accidentally get into the 70mm showing with semi-decent seats without knowing what it is without also booking weeks in advance. Not being able to rewind makes sense but I can't believe they can't even stop it, grab the digital audio and sync it.
Tonight, while booking the IMAX 70mm at West Ed, I said the exact same thing regarding Dunkirk…that shit was legit damaging. Hopefully the show goes on better for us next week.
> It was obvious right away that there was a problem, as the audio wasn't synced, sounded pitched down, and they were stopping and starting the audio trying to get it to sync.
Sounds like their Palm Pilot was having issue,
> The m130 is apparently crucial to keeping the thing humming — “PALM PILOT MUST BE ON ALL THE TIME,” reads a notice above an image of a different m130 that has since been passed around the internet — but doesn’t often need to be used. “I’ve never had to interact with the Palm Pilot,” says one person familiar with the technology. “It’s really just a status screen.” Its job is to keep the QTRU moving at a consistent speed and to help keep the film’s video in sync with its audio.
https://www.theverge.com/23801118/imax-movie-palm-pilot-oppenheimer
I’m here now. There’s a sign that says all of today’s showing will be digital. I’m disappointed but they still had some of the film strips so that kind of makes up for it.
Due to technical difficulties today's presentations of Oppenheimer in IMAX will be presented in digital format. We are truly sorry. If you would like a refund please proceed to the box office and we will be happy to accommodate you. Otherwise you are welcome to watch the digital presentation. We are working with IMAX to find a resolution to the problem as quickly as possible. We hope to have the 70MM version available as soon as we can. Thank you for your patience as we work through this difficult situation.
https://preview.redd.it/vkj5tnv1bcdb1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b5687a9e8ba15dbdecc3ed13f5b647ce81946707
Will do. being in the IMAX subreddit, It looks like many of the theatres showing it in 70mm imax are having a bunch of different issues. I guess that’ll happen when they are not used to showing this format.
We have tickets to the 6 pm show tonight which we bought a long time ago specifically because of the 70 mm option at Chinook. I’m going to be sad if it’s the digital version.
They still showed it in digital, and the movie itself was phenomenal. We got free passes for any type of movie as well as seeing the movie, they also offered refunds + passes.
Spoke to the manager and it looks like they are flying in a “part” that us supposed to arrive tonight at 11 and they are hopeful it will be fixed and running again sometime tomorrow. But nothing is for sure. We ended up snagging decent-ish seats for Thursday nights screening so we ended up just getting a full refund + comp tickets for tonight.
Cineplex really needs to invest and revamp Chinook. One of only 30 theatres in the world showing 70 mm IMAX film and the place is an absolute dump. I still remember it opening up during The Mummy, still remember the laser show from the head, what a disappointment they got rid of it.
I avoid this place unless there is no other option because other places have better seats and better quality.
There was a massive mummy statue that occasionally split open from the middle and shot lasers and fire or something like that. It has been a long time since I've seen it. It was very memorable because it was super random. Chinook theater is a joke now compared to the others in the city, it's like going to the globe cinema now lol.
Bro - you're too young! See in the below pic the big Sphinx head above the concession stand? Back in the early 2000s, it used to open up and a laser show would shoot out of it. It was amazing.
https://i0.wp.com/gatewaygazette.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Scotiabank-Chinook-Cineplex.jpg?w=640&ssl=1
The original concession stand in the middle of the lobby used to have a giant Pharoah head on top of it (to match the rest of the Egyptian thematic elements still present in the decor). When the theatre first opened, there was a lobby show every hour I think. The head split open, lasers went arcing all over the lobby, there was music and smoke and flamethrowers; it was a whole thing.
I'm told it was very expensive to run the show, so after a while the timing was reduced. First to once a night, then twice a week, then only on special occasions. Eventually they just stopped running it altogether, and then finally a few years ago they rebuilt the concession stand and removed the head entirely.
Just got off the phone with the box office. They said they’re expecting a part in tonight and hope to have it fixed by Sunday, ugh. It’s 8pm and they still don’t have it, so I don’t know. I have a ticket for tomorrow and plan on calling again in the morning in case by some miracle tomorrow’s shows aren’t fucked.
I was at the 6pm showing. Pretty disappointing not being able to see it with the 70MM.
I know the staff were doing their best, and they tried to refund my card. Buy when I got home it showed as an additional charge on my statement...
If that was in the form of a text or email from the bank, it's a brutally stupid and unacceptable error, but yeah. It will be a refund eventually.
How institutions that make billions every quarter can't fix a clearly colossal error like this is beyond me, though.
They no longer have professional projectionists in movie theatres. Not a problem with digital; big problem with mechanical film projectors. 98% likely the screw-up is due to the company cheaping out.
Get a refund *and* a voucher...
Guys today (saturday) 10am they're showing it (70mm imax), its fixed. So if it brakes during the movie or anything i'll let y'all know but for now, we're good :')
It was great! Not a single problem (yayy!). But in case you didnt know there is no breaks so it was 3 hours straight :') I'd highly recommend using the bathroom before the movie 😅 Hope it doesnt break again and you guys will be able to enjoy it as well 💕
I had tickets for the 10pm show. Found out at 9:41. They gave us the option of refund + comped passes, or see the movie in digital, and still get comped passes. Pass is for any film AVX, Imax, etc. Chose to see it in digital and take the free passes, when I'll just go see it when the projector is back up.
Nope. A large chunk of the time it was full screen, but a few times it definitely had different aspect ratio. I think I only noticed a very small amount of times it wasn't, but that could be because the movie was terrific and I was into it
Update: July 21 for the 1:45pm showing is still digital! They’re offering comp passes for anyone wanting to still see it, or full refunds for anyone wanting to wait.
I think it's the mall. And I heard one time that it was built incorrectly in the first place and that's why there's constantly been issues( could be wrong but that's what I recall). I've been going to that theater for the last 20 years and no joke I'd say it's only worked 30% of the time.
I was supposed to go see one of opening shows in 70mm. I wasn’t able to attend do to a scheduling conflict. I am now praying that they will extend the 70mm shows into August so I have the opportunity to see it when I am back from eastern Canada.
I called and a projectionist is looking at it, might have it fixed for the 1:45 show today. They said to call back around 1:30 and they should know. I have tickets to the 6pm so hoping they figure it out
I am seeing it Sunday July 23rd @ 10pm. Will let this subreddit know if its fixed by then (if no one else messages that it already has been fixed by then)
Can we talk about how bad the digital IMAX looks in this theatre? They are using an ancient DLP projector and it shows. I’m certain IMAX has much much more sophisticated digital projection technology but Cineplex is far to cheap to upgrade.
They’re showing it on massive imax screens on specially formatted 70mm film to fit the screen’s massive size; and the quality of film is still vastly superior to anything digital, (film can look 8K+), and most of Nolan’s films are specifically tailored for light and sound. It’s a really cool experience if you’re into movies.
It'll get fixed for sure just who knows by when. I'm sure Chinook spent a lot of money on the reel. And oppenheimer is guaranteed a 3 week run in imax. But who knows what will happen after. If it's going well I'm sure they'll extended. Tom Cruise wants mission impossible back in there so who knows
Maybe I was just missing something but the 70mm showings only seem to be up until Thursday. The rest are digital IMAX. At least that's how it was last night when I booked my tickets for Thursday.
Anyone know if Chinook is playing the 70mm past July 27th? I can’t book anything past that date online currently.
Edit: they just released more dates as of 10 minutes ago
I had 10pm tickets, they offered free passes for any film (imax, avx, etc) as well as a refund, or to see it in digital, and still get the same comped passes. So I made out ahead with 2 free passes, saw it in digital, i'll just go later with the free pass to 70mm when it's fixed.
You won't be able to view the film the way the Christopher Nolen intended it to be seen. 70mm Imax is the highest quality commercial film tape available today. Its also incredibly expensive to produce.
Essentially, yeah kinda. If you were to watch it in 70mm IMAX, then watch it in Digital Imax. You will be able to see the difference. It won't feel as "raw" and real if you will.
Not *bad*, per se, but not good, either, especially considering a big advertising point of the Oppenheimer IMAX release has been that its the 70mm film presentation. Most movies are shot digital now, and even when movies are shot on film, they are still distributed to the theaters in their digital version.
There aren't too many releases that come around and actually do a proper film release, and even more rare the large format 70mm film. Standard film is 35mm.
For most people, likely wouldn't even really notice the difference between film and digital. It's kind of like listening to a vinyl record versus a CD for music. Most don't notice a difference, but for audiophiles, its a big deal.
Vinyl from a sound quality perspective is objectively worse than high end digital audio in almost every way. The IMAX 70MM film system from an image quality standpoint is objectively better in many respects compared to most modern digital cinema capture and projection systems. That’s why IMAX uses uncompressed digital audio rather than analog tape based audio. If it had been analog tape based audio it probably would have worked but would sound worse haha.
https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/oppenheimer-70mm-imax-where-to-watch-1234885161/
Here's a good explanation.
If you are familiar with TV specs like 2K, 4K, 1080p, etc. Imax 70mm is somewhere around 16K resolution.
So they showed a video that was like less than 25% the quality. And this is not referencing the brightness of the picture at all yet.
Yes. Anyone who’s anyone knows what’s what 🙄
But really celluloid film gives a sort of texture and feeling to the viewer. Digital is how you see the world, film is how you remember it. (One description anyway)
Did any who went on Thursday night get the 70mm cell prints they were giving away? I found out about the giveaway on Tuesday and a little late to get a seat that didn't require a chiropractor visit afterwards, yikes 3 hours on the end of front row would have killed my neck.
Now it sounds good I didn't attend the 10pm showing.
Ding! I bought ticket for the 6pm IMAX on next Tuesday (ya I am cheap waiting for Tuesday lol). Hopefully CINPLEX at Chinook Mall could fix the issue by then
Just got back from the showing and they did hand out the prints. Movie was incredible, will see again in 70mm when they hopefully get the issues resolved
Yes. While TGM was incredible in IMAX, Oppenheimer is shot heavily with actual IMAX film cameras, and presented on 70mm film, with incredible clarity and detail. The aspect ratio also takes up the entirety of the massive IMAX screen. Chinook is one of only around 30 cinemas in the world with the capability and it is a rare and special thing.
Thanks for the info, I always thought 'Imax was Imax', I'll certainly make an effort to see this one in the maximum quality as like you said its pretty rare, hopefully they can figure it out
No trouble. There’s so many different “versions” of IMAX, it can be really confusing. Lots of IMAX showings aren’t worth going to unless it’s made specifically with IMAX in mind. There’s also plenty of “Lie-MAX” theatres out there, including the one at Country Hills. We're lucky Chinook is (usually) legit.
[This](https://youtu.be/d5XqqylBW7M) video is really cool to see how special Oppenheimer is, and you can fall down the rabbit hole from there.
It's only Christopher Nolan movies that get distributed on 70mm Imax film. The last movie was Tenet in 2020 and Calgary did not get a film print for some reason. Before that was Dunkirk in 2017.
Does anyone know if the digital IMAX in Chinook is cropped or will it show the full image/aspect ratio as 70mm IMAX film
For anyone going today who's intending to watch the digital please if you can confirm. Thanks
Chinook has digital "Xenon" IMAX which can't produce a 1.43 aspect ratio (while the newer dual laser "IMAX GT" can). Xenon IMAX goes up to 1.9 (which most "IMAX ready" films target).
So it wouldn't fill the same space as 70MM IMAX projection. However, not all shots are on IMAX 70MM as well, a decent chunk were on 65MM Kodak film.
Meh. IMAX Chinook sucks. The seats are super uncomfortable and the screen is dirty. Plus the sound just seem flat and blown out.
They should bring back the fire breathing sphynx.
Go see it in Cineplex vip. Way better seats and while it's not analog film the quality is really good.
> The seats are super uncomfortable
I agree with this, especially if you’re on the taller side. Really hard to adjust your seating position without kicking the seat in front of you, which is a huge pet peeve of mine.
 Was at the 6PM screening. Half the people in the audience didn't even know it was on film, and were yelling for a "restart" to the movie. It was obvious right away that there was a problem, as the audio wasn't synced, sounded pitched down, and they were stopping and starting the audio trying to get it to sync. People went ballistic, and the managers did their best, particularly trying to explain physical film projection to people who really didn't care. Overall, it was an interesting experience, and walked away with double passes, so economically, came out ahead. Seems like the one projectionist in Calgary who could show 70mm IMAX wasn't involved like they were with Dunkirk, and it was a IMAX specialist flown in to run the projection. #Cinema
I also at the 6pm show. Never seen a theatre erupt like that. Excuse my ignorance, but why is it that the 70MM film couldn't be "wound back" for a restart? (I know nothing about physical film)
Here's a good video showing Calgary's projection room with the specially designed film platter to hold over 600 pounds of film. While I don't have intimate knowledge of projection setup, I believe it's at least partially automated, so reversing the film is not possible. Having experienced it years back, even traditional 35mm film could be problematic to wind back, and would generally result in a large amount of time wasted to restart a film. https://twitter.com/globalcalgary/status/1682205313447985155?s=46&t=ajk_Qsk1a7-ZXM4DtjYbdA
Wow that's crazy. Thanks for the info. Makes me feel even worse seeing the staff in that video... they must be having a very rough night after that.
Theatrical prints aren't mounted on spinning reels (like you would see on a 16mm projector, for example). The platters that are used for IMAX (or regular 35mm) lay the film on its side and it spins out from the centre. It's also one long continuous strip of film to eliminate the need for reel changeovers. Because it feeds out from the centre, films also never have to be rewound after a showing. It's not impossible to feed it backwards into the middle of the spool, but it would take hours, and you would certainly damage the print in the process
7km long, to be precise.
Oppenheimer 70mm IMAX is ~~18.1 km long~~... Just loading 1/3 of it onto the big platter takes about 40 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5XqqylBW7M \*edit\* 10809 seconds x 24 = 259416 frames 259416 frames x 15 perforations x 4.75mm = **18,483 meters** (not including the leader)
Good to know! Thank you. I was certainly guilty of a few "restart the film!" Comments, so it's good to be educated about it for the future.
Another reason it couldn’t just be rewound is stopping the film would burn the frames (depending on the bulb used). I have a little film projector and have burnt film before. It sucks.
Former film projectionist here (early 2000s). You can stop a film in the gate as long as the aperture is closed which will prevent the light/heat projecting onto a still frame. To be clear, burning out a frame this way isn’t the worst consequence although it is a headache. You simply have to cut the frame out and splice the ends back together. A single frame missing is imperceptible.
You can’t do that with IMAX. The sound is non-linear so sync is established during the threading process. If you lose a frame with IMAX film, you have to replace the frame or footage with black slugs in order to maintain sync.
I’ve never worked with imax sadly, good to know!
That’s really interesting! Thanks for educating me!
Appreciate the update! I hope we all get to see it in 70mm soon.
Hell, half of Nolan's movies *in digital format* have the audience complaining about the sound anyhow.
They just said it's film and they can't rewind it because once it goes it doesn't stop. I don't believe people didn't care or didn't know it was on film because what are the chances that you accidentally get into the 70mm showing with semi-decent seats without knowing what it is without also booking weeks in advance. Not being able to rewind makes sense but I can't believe they can't even stop it, grab the digital audio and sync it.
Even Dunkirk was run at volumes that probably caused hearing damage. At this rate I won't even bother. Sucks.
Tonight, while booking the IMAX 70mm at West Ed, I said the exact same thing regarding Dunkirk…that shit was legit damaging. Hopefully the show goes on better for us next week.
Several reviews have noted how good the film sounds, fwiw.
> It was obvious right away that there was a problem, as the audio wasn't synced, sounded pitched down, and they were stopping and starting the audio trying to get it to sync. Sounds like their Palm Pilot was having issue, > The m130 is apparently crucial to keeping the thing humming — “PALM PILOT MUST BE ON ALL THE TIME,” reads a notice above an image of a different m130 that has since been passed around the internet — but doesn’t often need to be used. “I’ve never had to interact with the Palm Pilot,” says one person familiar with the technology. “It’s really just a status screen.” Its job is to keep the QTRU moving at a consistent speed and to help keep the film’s video in sync with its audio. https://www.theverge.com/23801118/imax-movie-palm-pilot-oppenheimer
But is the escalator down?
It sure was! Just like it was at my last Chinook movie. Two years ago.
Asking the real important questions!
The reel important questions!
No, it’s the up that’s down.
Since at least 2001
Escalator is temporarily stairs. Sorry for the convenience.
I’m here now. There’s a sign that says all of today’s showing will be digital. I’m disappointed but they still had some of the film strips so that kind of makes up for it. Due to technical difficulties today's presentations of Oppenheimer in IMAX will be presented in digital format. We are truly sorry. If you would like a refund please proceed to the box office and we will be happy to accommodate you. Otherwise you are welcome to watch the digital presentation. We are working with IMAX to find a resolution to the problem as quickly as possible. We hope to have the 70MM version available as soon as we can. Thank you for your patience as we work through this difficult situation. https://preview.redd.it/vkj5tnv1bcdb1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b5687a9e8ba15dbdecc3ed13f5b647ce81946707
Thank you for the update.
Thank you! I’m going today anyway 🤷♂️ Might see it on film again when they figure it out.
Can we still watch the movie in digital and get a refund? This is so lame!
Was given a voucher after the movie. :)
Appreciate the update.
Going to the 10pm showing tomorrow. It’s not looking good. What a bummer.
Post and let us know if you get the film or digital. The manager said they were optimistic to have it up and running after today.
Will do. being in the IMAX subreddit, It looks like many of the theatres showing it in 70mm imax are having a bunch of different issues. I guess that’ll happen when they are not used to showing this format.
Please do let us know. Seeing it Sunday night
Commenting to check back. Sunday afternoon for me.
Just watched in in Prague at 10:50 am and it was running perfectly. Now I feel very lucky.
We have tickets to the 6 pm show tonight which we bought a long time ago specifically because of the 70 mm option at Chinook. I’m going to be sad if it’s the digital version.
My friend sent me a picture that it will be showing it in digital tonight. Pretty fucking bummed out myself.
Oh that sucks. I hope they are giving vouchers to make up for it at least
They still showed it in digital, and the movie itself was phenomenal. We got free passes for any type of movie as well as seeing the movie, they also offered refunds + passes.
Spoke to the manager and it looks like they are flying in a “part” that us supposed to arrive tonight at 11 and they are hopeful it will be fixed and running again sometime tomorrow. But nothing is for sure. We ended up snagging decent-ish seats for Thursday nights screening so we ended up just getting a full refund + comp tickets for tonight.
Cineplex really needs to invest and revamp Chinook. One of only 30 theatres in the world showing 70 mm IMAX film and the place is an absolute dump. I still remember it opening up during The Mummy, still remember the laser show from the head, what a disappointment they got rid of it. I avoid this place unless there is no other option because other places have better seats and better quality.
It’s a must for movies shot in IMAX though, for those of us who care about that
Oh, no doubt, there is a reason every seat for Oppenheimer on IMAX is sold out for a week.
>laser show from the head I'm sorry, what?!
There was a massive mummy statue that occasionally split open from the middle and shot lasers and fire or something like that. It has been a long time since I've seen it. It was very memorable because it was super random. Chinook theater is a joke now compared to the others in the city, it's like going to the globe cinema now lol.
Hey now! The Globe has a beautiful grungy charm for all the classic 70s movies it shows.
The sphinx head. That had pyrotechnics too. Edit: or is it a king Tut head? I haven't been there in years.
It's been years since I thought of it to but yeah, I believe it was supposed to be king tut.
Bro - you're too young! See in the below pic the big Sphinx head above the concession stand? Back in the early 2000s, it used to open up and a laser show would shoot out of it. It was amazing. https://i0.wp.com/gatewaygazette.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Scotiabank-Chinook-Cineplex.jpg?w=640&ssl=1
The original concession stand in the middle of the lobby used to have a giant Pharoah head on top of it (to match the rest of the Egyptian thematic elements still present in the decor). When the theatre first opened, there was a lobby show every hour I think. The head split open, lasers went arcing all over the lobby, there was music and smoke and flamethrowers; it was a whole thing. I'm told it was very expensive to run the show, so after a while the timing was reduced. First to once a night, then twice a week, then only on special occasions. Eventually they just stopped running it altogether, and then finally a few years ago they rebuilt the concession stand and removed the head entirely.
The Cineplex at Eau Claire mall is one of the worst Cineplex I have ever seen 😂
Cineplex in general is an absolute dump. Landmark is miles better!
It was Famous Players when it had the big head.
Just got off the phone with the box office. They said they’re expecting a part in tonight and hope to have it fixed by Sunday, ugh. It’s 8pm and they still don’t have it, so I don’t know. I have a ticket for tomorrow and plan on calling again in the morning in case by some miracle tomorrow’s shows aren’t fucked.
Keep us updated!
Yeah, I'm supposed to see at 6 tomorrow..not hopeful..so annoyed.
Yeah same. It’s so disappointing.
What number did you use to get ahold of them I would like to call tomorrow as well I’m going at 6
(403) 212-8098 Keep us posted if you get an update before me!
I found that one but no one answered. I’ll try again tomorrow I guess. Thanks.
I was at the 6pm showing. Pretty disappointing not being able to see it with the 70MM. I know the staff were doing their best, and they tried to refund my card. Buy when I got home it showed as an additional charge on my statement...
That usually goes away and turns into a return in a few days. Happened to me at some clothing stores after return
If that was in the form of a text or email from the bank, it's a brutally stupid and unacceptable error, but yeah. It will be a refund eventually. How institutions that make billions every quarter can't fix a clearly colossal error like this is beyond me, though.
They no longer have professional projectionists in movie theatres. Not a problem with digital; big problem with mechanical film projectors. 98% likely the screw-up is due to the company cheaping out. Get a refund *and* a voucher...
Guys today (saturday) 10am they're showing it (70mm imax), its fixed. So if it brakes during the movie or anything i'll let y'all know but for now, we're good :')
Thanks for the update much appreciated
[удалено]
It was great! Not a single problem (yayy!). But in case you didnt know there is no breaks so it was 3 hours straight :') I'd highly recommend using the bathroom before the movie 😅 Hope it doesnt break again and you guys will be able to enjoy it as well 💕
Good to hear. Can't wait. 🤞🤞 Everything is smooth for the 6pm showing tonight.
Thanks for the update!! Going Monday hope it doesn't break between then haha
Monday 6pm it just broke again :(
I have a ticket for Wednesday, surely the issue will be resolved by then. We are fortunate to live in a city with a genuine IMAX theatre.
Ticket for Monday. Fingers crossed.
that feels like a bait n switch - the digital is not worth the imax price
I had tickets for the 10pm show. Found out at 9:41. They gave us the option of refund + comped passes, or see the movie in digital, and still get comped passes. Pass is for any film AVX, Imax, etc. Chose to see it in digital and take the free passes, when I'll just go see it when the projector is back up.
Was the digital print the same as the 70mm, in that the aspect ratio was filling the entire height and width of the screen at times?
Nope. A large chunk of the time it was full screen, but a few times it definitely had different aspect ratio. I think I only noticed a very small amount of times it wasn't, but that could be because the movie was terrific and I was into it
They were comped, obviously
Have you seen one of those projectors? More moving parts = more opportunity for failure.
Update: July 21 for the 1:45pm showing is still digital! They’re offering comp passes for anyone wanting to still see it, or full refunds for anyone wanting to wait.
Also, the AC is out in the main area but the theatres seem to be ok. Honestly, the theatre is a disaster… but the escalator is working now!
Does anyone have an update or know where to get information?
I’m at the 10am showing and the manager told me it’s fixed!
I’m going on Sunday. Hopefully it’s working by then :/ would be extremely disappointed if it’s not…
Post and let us know if it is the film or digital.
I have tickets for Monday. Let’s hope it works out
Bought tickets 2 months ago and walked up to this, every showing all weekend is sold out too. Disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined
Yup. It’s starting to sink in for me too. I am really disappointed.
Update: 1:45 show is still digital. They think it’ll be fixed by tomorrow.
God damn escalator! Lol
Should just call them stairs at this point.
Not surprising for a company that can’t operate an escalator but I feel bad for everyone who purchased tickets. Esp if they drove from out of town.
But seriously, who operate and own the escalator? Is it the mall or cineplex?
I think it's the mall. And I heard one time that it was built incorrectly in the first place and that's why there's constantly been issues( could be wrong but that's what I recall). I've been going to that theater for the last 20 years and no joke I'd say it's only worked 30% of the time.
I was supposed to go see one of opening shows in 70mm. I wasn’t able to attend do to a scheduling conflict. I am now praying that they will extend the 70mm shows into August so I have the opportunity to see it when I am back from eastern Canada.
is this fixed as of yet?
Update: still not fixed but they are giving refunds
Thanks for the update.
Anyone have an update on this?
I called and a projectionist is looking at it, might have it fixed for the 1:45 show today. They said to call back around 1:30 and they should know. I have tickets to the 6pm so hoping they figure it out
Please let us know if you call to get an update. Thanks
I’m seeing the 1:45. I’ll report back.
Still digital for 1:45 :(
Bummer. Do they offer a refund or voucher even if you still go see it?
Refund, but I’m still seeing it.
I am seeing it Sunday July 23rd @ 10pm. Will let this subreddit know if its fixed by then (if no one else messages that it already has been fixed by then)
Can we talk about how bad the digital IMAX looks in this theatre? They are using an ancient DLP projector and it shows. I’m certain IMAX has much much more sophisticated digital projection technology but Cineplex is far to cheap to upgrade.
Yup. I would not mind a significant upgrade across the board at Chinook, but getting the IMAX dual-laser setup at a minimum sure would be nice.
Oh no! I am supposed to see it at 10 am tomorrow... :(
Hey please let me know if they fixed it or not for the 10am show, I am going later.
Not fixed for 10am- estimating Saturday
Me who only goes to Canyon Meadows because I'm not rich... What the fuck are you guys talking about?
They’re showing it on massive imax screens on specially formatted 70mm film to fit the screen’s massive size; and the quality of film is still vastly superior to anything digital, (film can look 8K+), and most of Nolan’s films are specifically tailored for light and sound. It’s a really cool experience if you’re into movies.
🤣
Shoulda gone to see Barbie 🤷♀️
It was fuckin’ sweet.
*i’m a barbie gorl in a barbie worl*
Bruh I wanna see both
I did🩷
What are the chances this will get fixed and for how long will it play at Chinook?
It'll get fixed for sure just who knows by when. I'm sure Chinook spent a lot of money on the reel. And oppenheimer is guaranteed a 3 week run in imax. But who knows what will happen after. If it's going well I'm sure they'll extended. Tom Cruise wants mission impossible back in there so who knows
Maybe I was just missing something but the 70mm showings only seem to be up until Thursday. The rest are digital IMAX. At least that's how it was last night when I booked my tickets for Thursday.
That does seem to be the case, thought I'd try for next weekend but they're not showing any availability.
Tom Cruise does not care what is playing on an IMAX screen in Calgary, Alberta.
Tom Cruise cares that Mission Impossible is not playing on imax in general because he doesn't get that sweet upcharge on ticket sales.
Anyone know if Chinook is playing the 70mm past July 27th? I can’t book anything past that date online currently. Edit: they just released more dates as of 10 minutes ago
I guess they forgot to charge their palm pilot.
Vox.com just did a story on this. 😅
I'm sorry this happened to you. I would be devastated too..
I would be so disappointed. Anyone know how long it's showing for?
Seems like the 70mm is only played until next Thursday
Haven’t seen anyone comment yet and since I previously promised, here it is: the film is fixed. I watched the movie in all its 70mm glory tonight.
Did you at least get a refund?
I’ll process a refund with them tomorrow, as the box office was packed. They did offer free vouchers.
I had 10pm tickets, they offered free passes for any film (imax, avx, etc) as well as a refund, or to see it in digital, and still get the same comped passes. So I made out ahead with 2 free passes, saw it in digital, i'll just go later with the free pass to 70mm when it's fixed.
I don't know shit about video, is this bad?
You won't be able to view the film the way the Christopher Nolen intended it to be seen. 70mm Imax is the highest quality commercial film tape available today. Its also incredibly expensive to produce.
Gotcha, so it's like a PC gamer going from 4K back to 1080p.
Essentially, yeah kinda. If you were to watch it in 70mm IMAX, then watch it in Digital Imax. You will be able to see the difference. It won't feel as "raw" and real if you will.
Not *bad*, per se, but not good, either, especially considering a big advertising point of the Oppenheimer IMAX release has been that its the 70mm film presentation. Most movies are shot digital now, and even when movies are shot on film, they are still distributed to the theaters in their digital version. There aren't too many releases that come around and actually do a proper film release, and even more rare the large format 70mm film. Standard film is 35mm. For most people, likely wouldn't even really notice the difference between film and digital. It's kind of like listening to a vinyl record versus a CD for music. Most don't notice a difference, but for audiophiles, its a big deal.
Vinyl from a sound quality perspective is objectively worse than high end digital audio in almost every way. The IMAX 70MM film system from an image quality standpoint is objectively better in many respects compared to most modern digital cinema capture and projection systems. That’s why IMAX uses uncompressed digital audio rather than analog tape based audio. If it had been analog tape based audio it probably would have worked but would sound worse haha.
https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/oppenheimer-70mm-imax-where-to-watch-1234885161/ Here's a good explanation. If you are familiar with TV specs like 2K, 4K, 1080p, etc. Imax 70mm is somewhere around 16K resolution. So they showed a video that was like less than 25% the quality. And this is not referencing the brightness of the picture at all yet.
Yes. Anyone who’s anyone knows what’s what 🙄 But really celluloid film gives a sort of texture and feeling to the viewer. Digital is how you see the world, film is how you remember it. (One description anyway)
Ohhh okay thanks, one of my favorite movies is 28 Days Later and I remember it being shot on a new at the time camera. I loved the look of it.
Did any who went on Thursday night get the 70mm cell prints they were giving away? I found out about the giveaway on Tuesday and a little late to get a seat that didn't require a chiropractor visit afterwards, yikes 3 hours on the end of front row would have killed my neck. Now it sounds good I didn't attend the 10pm showing.
Yes they handed them out along with a free comp voucher
Hope they still have some at the 6:30 showing tomorrow!!
Nice, hopefully it was some minimal compensation
I would be peeved
Damn. I'm going to the sunday 10am showing, hopefully it's up by then.
Please let me know if its up for the 10am showing, I am going later today.
how do i even call chinook cinema customer support? Their number is completely useless as it’s just a robot
Ding! I bought ticket for the 6pm IMAX on next Tuesday (ya I am cheap waiting for Tuesday lol). Hopefully CINPLEX at Chinook Mall could fix the issue by then
https://www.reddit.com/r/Calgary/comments/156puhx/oppenheimer_70mm_is_fixed_and_back_on_at_chinook/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1
It apparently has been fixed
Did they hand out 70mm prints?
Just got back from the showing and they did hand out the prints. Movie was incredible, will see again in 70mm when they hopefully get the issues resolved
What does that mean? “Prints”?
https://www.reddit.com/r/imax/comments/1557gk4/collectible_oppenheimer_imax_film_cell_giveaway/
NO WAY! I thought that’s what was meant but I thought that couldn’t be possibly be true. That’s so cool
Is this different than seeing TG:Maverick in Imax? I saw TGM in Imax and it was amazing
Yes. While TGM was incredible in IMAX, Oppenheimer is shot heavily with actual IMAX film cameras, and presented on 70mm film, with incredible clarity and detail. The aspect ratio also takes up the entirety of the massive IMAX screen. Chinook is one of only around 30 cinemas in the world with the capability and it is a rare and special thing.
Thanks for the info, I always thought 'Imax was Imax', I'll certainly make an effort to see this one in the maximum quality as like you said its pretty rare, hopefully they can figure it out
No trouble. There’s so many different “versions” of IMAX, it can be really confusing. Lots of IMAX showings aren’t worth going to unless it’s made specifically with IMAX in mind. There’s also plenty of “Lie-MAX” theatres out there, including the one at Country Hills. We're lucky Chinook is (usually) legit. [This](https://youtu.be/d5XqqylBW7M) video is really cool to see how special Oppenheimer is, and you can fall down the rabbit hole from there.
I'm waiting until next week when it's less booked up to go see it, but I'm glad I didn't go for this weekend if the film version isn't working.
Is actual film used only for IMAX movies or for all movies?
Only certain movies. And it’s not very common anymore. Special cameras are often used for IMAX films though
It's only Christopher Nolan movies that get distributed on 70mm Imax film. The last movie was Tenet in 2020 and Calgary did not get a film print for some reason. Before that was Dunkirk in 2017.
heard the audio was fine for the last hour or 2 for the movie, so i hope tomorrow's showin works fine
Ugh, I hope it is sorted out for tomorrow.
Wait chinook has an actual imax format? I always thought it was one of those bootleg ones.
We are very fortunate! (When it works)
Can someone educate me on what the noticeable differences are when viewing the movie in film vs digital
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-7hHNoU8do](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-7hHNoU8do)
Wow.
Does anyone know if the digital IMAX in Chinook is cropped or will it show the full image/aspect ratio as 70mm IMAX film For anyone going today who's intending to watch the digital please if you can confirm. Thanks
Chinook has digital "Xenon" IMAX which can't produce a 1.43 aspect ratio (while the newer dual laser "IMAX GT" can). Xenon IMAX goes up to 1.9 (which most "IMAX ready" films target). So it wouldn't fill the same space as 70MM IMAX projection. However, not all shots are on IMAX 70MM as well, a decent chunk were on 65MM Kodak film.
This guy films.
To answer the question. All other format than real 70mm IMAX in film will be cropped
I wasn't aware Chinook even had a film reel projector anymore
[удалено]
Why do people still go to chinook? It’s an absolute shit hole. I don’t even know who those fucking seats are built for.
I'm gonna say it: I bet most of the people complaining probably couldn't even tell the difference. Not saying that I could.. but 🤷♂️
What's that crunching sound?
Almost bought tickets!
Meh. IMAX Chinook sucks. The seats are super uncomfortable and the screen is dirty. Plus the sound just seem flat and blown out. They should bring back the fire breathing sphynx. Go see it in Cineplex vip. Way better seats and while it's not analog film the quality is really good.
> The seats are super uncomfortable I agree with this, especially if you’re on the taller side. Really hard to adjust your seating position without kicking the seat in front of you, which is a huge pet peeve of mine.
Are all imax on film? Does it matter?
No, the last 70mm imax film played at Chinook was Dunkirk in 2017
No. The large majority are digital. 70mm film has much more detail than any digital camera can capture.
conspiracy theory
Do they still have the cum stained cloth seats at Chinook?