For the past few years certain big name Hollywood movies have been ‘upgraded’ to the IMAX (Image Maximum) format, making for occasionally head-spinning and almost always awe-inspiring cinematic experiences. With the recent release of Beowulf, IMAX 3D has been talked-up as the future of cinema; Shrek Goes Forth will be made chiefly with the “3D” postfix in mind.
Talk of revolution may be premature, as we’re still required to wear colourful specs to enjoy the show; an especially retro barrier to increased box office, though it’s true that IMAX is generally growing in popularity. Although there are only 280 IMAX screens across the globe, films as diverse as Spider-man 3 and Shine A Light have received the big-big-screen upgrade, and are meeting success. Upcoming summer hit The Dark Knight is even being filmed, in part, with IMAX cameras – the first major feature film to do so.
Concurrently, an antiquated form of the cinema going seems to have made a comeback, though in a spectacularly modernised fashion. Blue Planet Live has just ended its first UK tour, the celebrated BBC project visiting Manchester en route. Extended footage was projected onto a big screen and accompanied by a live orchestra, playing pieces composed especially for the film by the highly acclaimed George Fenton. The mixture of stunning footage and beautiful music created a mystifying experience and hopefully all future screens – IMAX or not – may feature an orchestra pit.
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