Watching movies is both a relaxing and entertaining experience. Are you a frequent moviegoer? Perhaps you appreciate it best when moviehouses or cinemas present the films you watch in high-quality visuals and crisp, clear sounds, among many other qualities. Nowadays, moviegoers are demanding more when they watch their preferred movies. After all, spending in watching movies is an investment from their hard-earned money. And if you are a moviegoer who just goes with the flow, isn’t it great when you can watch movies with visual, sound, and other qualities that take it to the next level?
In this article, we will take a look at two movie formats that are becoming increasingly popular nowadays, RPX and IMAX. You are lucky if you have heard these before or have tried watching in these venues. But which one is better? We will also delve deeper into each of these movie formats and provide you with a detailed comparison.
Get To Know RPX
First and foremost, let us take a look at the overview of the two movie viewing venues and define each. We begin with RPX. What is RPX?
As you can see, RPX is an acronym. RPX stands for Regal Premium Experience. It refers to a project technology that delivers an immersive, ultra-high-definition experience at movie theaters with uncompressed surround sound and bright, eye-popping images. It also utilizes laser light to create more radiant and vivid colors on the screen, offering a sharper and crisper image than traditional project systems.
This state-of-the-art technology is perfect for watching action movies, documentaries, or other films with impressive visuals.
When you are looking for an unforgettable cinematic experience, RPX will provide this to you.
On The Other Hand, What Is IMAX?
Now that you have learned about RPX, let us take a look at its counterpart, IMAX.
If you are a big fan of filmmaker Christopher Nolan, here is a little trivia for you. Did you know that Christopher Nolan is a major proponent of IMAX? He started screening his movies in IMAX theaters and then started shooting more and more of his films with IMAX cameras. Sounds intriguing, right? But what is and why IMAX?
IMAX is a company that has its own line of high-resolution cameras, film formats, projectors, and theaters. Its name often refers to the film format and the experience of watching the film. The differences between a regular movie theater auditorium basically come down to the size of the screen and the venue itself.
Furthermore, IMAX also uses speakers behind the screen and adjusts their stadium seating always to be facing the taller screen face-first, no matter where the patron is seated.
Finally, IMAX offers the highest quality imagery available, especially in the case of their physical 70mm film prints.
Now that you have the overview of these two film formats, let us begin with the comparison.
RPX Vs. IMAX
In this comparative guide, we will take a look at RPX and IMAX based on various categories, from comfortability to sound system. Let us get started.
1. How Comfortable Is It To Be In These Movie Venues?
Odd as this may sound, IMAX cinemas feature comfortable seating with excessive paddings. Basically, seating at IMAX theaters is more relaxing than at a standard moviehouse.
However, the seats in an RPX cinema are even more comfortable and leathery. Their seats are luxurious with higher back and headrests.
2. How Do They Fare When It Comes To Their Infrastructure And Technology?
From the earlier category, it may seem that RPX emerged as the winner. But this time, we take a look at their infrastructure and technology, beginning again with IMAX cinemas.
IMAX cinemas have unique screens and infrastructure. Their screen is curved in the center and mimics the shape of a vast dome.
This structure provides a 3D effect with popping images. Not only these, but IMAX theaters also use dual 4K and 2K laser projectors, high-resolution cameras, and 12-channel sound systems.
The image is projected on a silver-coated screen vertically and horizontally, and superimposed to create that immersive effect.
However, the seats are a bit steep when watching in an IMAX theater. This setup, though, ensures that viewers are directly facing the center of the screen.
Moreover, the seats are placed at height and closer to the screen. In this way, the viewers can enjoy the movies in their best formats.
How about RPX cinemas? They are known to use cutting-edge technology. They use digital projectors and sound systems.
The image quality is generally the same as that of IMAX, but the aspect ratio differs.
3. What About The Screen Size?
Right here, we are going to tell you that RPX and IMAX differ when it comes to their screen size.
IMAX screens measure 70 to 100 feet in length and 53 feet in width. They are also six times bigger than regular screens. The largest IMAX screen is in Sydney, Australia, at 177.2 by 97 feet.
What about the screen size in RPX theaters? Well, the RPX screen is bigger than dual 2K IMAX screens. Generally, an RPX screen measures 40 by 60, but it is wider than the taller IMAX screens.
The aspect ratio of the IMAX screen is 1.90:1, and RPX is bigger than the dual 2K IMAX.
4. How Do They Differ When It Comes To The Movie Experience?
IMAX cinemas consider themselves to offer a real and immersive movie experience. The audience can feel they are part of the movie. The on-screen images seem to approach the viewers.
Sound in IMAX cinemas is also enveloping, and everything seems to happen in reality. Plus, the best things about IMAX theaters are their outstanding clarity and brightness.
IMAX also uses advanced laser technology to ensure vivid and accurate images. It uses a 70mm film format that produces extraordinary images.
Meanwhile, RPX by Regal Cinema intends to provide improved movie effects with premium audio systems and high-quality visual formats.
You can watch both 2D and 3D movies in an RPX venue.
5. Lastly, What About Their Sound Systems?
This time, we start with the sound system of RPX cinemas. RPX theaters have a 7.1 channel audio system. Additionally, they have installed low-frequency transducers in reach set to enhance the sound effect.
However, some moviegoers find these transducers distracting because of unpleasant harmonics. Plus, their sound effect is not comparable to Dolby Atmos and other high-resolution audio formats.
IMAX cinemas, meanwhile, have installed a 12-channel audio system. This sound is enveloping, and speakers are installed up-head as well. Some IMAX cinemas use Dolby Atmos.
The Verdict: Which One Is Better?
You have taken a look at the differences between RPX and IMAX across various categories. Now, it is time to find out which is better for moviegoers who are invested in watching movies. Here is our no holds barred verdict.
IMAX theaters are the most recommended when you want to watch movies in 3D and documentaries about nature like wildlife and oceans. However, this is not to say that you cannot watch other movies in IMAX.
Nonetheless, story-oriented films are not very well recommended to watch in IMAX theaters because these focus on dialogues and scenes more than the panorama where IMAX excels.
Surprisingly enough, RPX is suitable for all kinds of movies, whether these are 2D or 3D films. Aside from this, RPX is actually a brand name and claims to provide an enhanced movie experience.
The brand has upgraded some of its theaters with the latest technology and named it RPX. However, IMAX movies are also displayed in RPX theaters.
Note also that your movie-watching experience in an RPX cinema also depends on its location. Some RPX theaters are really worth your investment because of their larger screens and full-fledged technology, but not all. Others may give you the standard movie effect, and your sitting position affects the entire watching experience. The seats in the front row offer a better view compared to the back rows.
Moreover, the pictures in RPX are less bright than those in IMAX. However, they are softer for your eyes.
IMAX venues also require viewers to wear polarized glasses to reduce the lighting effect and enhance the 3D effect.
And of course the budget. Watching in RPX costs more than watching in IMAX. For those conscious about their budget, IMAX is the better choice.
Beyond these, the choice of the movie format and theater technology will depend on your individual preferences.
