IMAX Blog

Were installing a new giant IMAX screen. Its a big job, so the Theatre will be closed from 6-17 February.

Julie Brown — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:00:00 AM

We are installing a brand new giant IMAX 3D screen.

It’s big (naturally), so it’s a big job, which means we will be closed from 6-17 February, reopening for business as usual on Saturday 18 February.

• The screen measures 29.5m h by 35.7m wide and weighs approx 800kg. It is the biggest cinema screen in the world.

• On the day the screen is lifted onto the frame it will require 20 riggers working simultaneously to raise it the 30m to its full height.

• It will be painted on site using 350kg of special high gain silver paint. It will need four coats and each coat requires 24 hours to dry. A special paint rig scaffold has been brought in from IMAX in Canada to perform this task.

Why Director Brad Bird used IMAX cameras when filming key scenes in Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Julie Brown — Wed, 7 Dec 2011 12:00:00 AM

When you watch Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol be sure to see on a giant IMAX screen, just the director Brad Bird intended. In this clip below, we hear why Brad Bird chose to use IMAX cameras when filming select scenes in the film, including the cliff hanger sequence which involves Tom Cruise literally hanging off the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Brad Bird talks about using IMAX cameras on the set of his latest film -

Tickets are on sale now for Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, which starts here in Darling Harbour on December 14.

The Dark Knight Rises prologue screens prior to Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Julie Brown — Mon, 5 Dec 2011 12:00:00 AM

It's official.

Screening exclusively in select IMAX theatres* around the world prior to Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol is the six minute full-screen IMAX prologue to The Dark Knight Rises, the third and final instalment in the Batman trilogy directed by Christopher Nolan due for release in July 2012.

As with The Dark Knight, the prologue will be - according to Nolan - "basically the first six, seven minutes of the film" and will serve as "an introduction to Bane, and a taste of the rest of the film."

CLICK HERE to read more in an exclusive article in Empire magazine.

Shot with IMAX cameras and screened with high resolution 70mm IMAX film, this much-anticipated prologue will fill the world’s biggest screen to create an immersive film experience unique to IMAX.

*IMAX in Darling Harbour is one of only two 70mm IMAX film theatres in Australia to screen The Dark Knight Rises prologue. The prologue will not be screening in IMAX digital or other cinemas.

Tickets for Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol are on sale now.

The Dark Knight Rises is scheduled for release in July 2012.

Early buzz from media screenings of IMAX footage in Mission Impossible.

Julie Brown — Mon, 5 Dec 2011 12:00:00 AM

The early buzz is in. Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol, when screened in IMAX, is simply breathtaking.

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocolwill feature approximately 30 minutes of scenes shot with IMAX cameras. Only in IMAX will these scenes expand on screen to reveal even more detail and highlight the jaw-dropping, explosive action.

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Director, Brad Bird:

“To me, the best example of showmanship now is IMAX. I wanted the first people that see the film to see it big with a sharp image and great sound systems, so when they went out and talked about the movie they saw, we would know that they had seen it at its best.” - Brad Bird, Director Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, Los Angeles Times, November 2011.

Here's the reaction of some of the media who've been lucky enough to preview the IMAX footage -

Ain’t it Cool News – Mr. Beaks
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/51757

“When it comes to an enhanced moviegoing experience for which I'm going to cough up a few extra dollars, I will always take a film shot in IMAX (completely or partially) over 3D.”

“I don't know how this will play on a regular theater screen, but in IMAX, this sequence feels like an instant classic. Seriously, if you're afraid of heights, make sure one of your friends brought smelling salts. It's insane.”

CinemaBlend – Eric Eisenberg
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Tom-Cruise-Defies-Gravity-More-From-Our-Mission-Impossible-4-IMAX-Preview-27585.html

“It's a shame that filming in IMAX isn’t nearly as popular as filming in 3D. As Christopher Nolan proved when he filmed select scenes of 2008’s The Dark Knight using the larger format, IMAX brings epic filmmaking to a whole new level. While Nolan’s incredible achievement hasn’t made the impact that it should have, one director paying attention was Brad Bird, a filmmaker largely known for making animated films such as Pixar’s Ratatouille and The Incredibles. Hired to direct the fourth installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise, Bird decided to film two of the movie’s biggest action sequences using IMAX cameras, and having seen the footage I can tell you that audiences are in for a real treat.”

“The first thing I’ll mention is that the IMAX truly adds to the experience. Towards the beginning of the Burj Khalifa scene there is a shot that travels over the very top of the building (if you’ve seen the trailer you know what I mean) and I literally began to experience vertigo as I felt as though I was going to fall into the screen. As for the sandstorm, because the screen fills your entire field of vision, you feel like you are right there with Ethan in the desert fighting the elements. It’s an effect I can’t imagine will work nearly as well in standard format theaters.”

Hollywood.com – Thomas Leupp
http://www.hollywood.com/news/New_Mission_Impossible_Ghost_Recall_Trailer_IMAX_Preview/8007145

“The studio had surprised many in Hollywood when it announced in September that it would be releasing the Tom Cruise tentpole five days early in IMAX theaters, but shortly after the presentation began, the logic behind the decision became abundantly clear: Director Brad Bird has fashioned this film to be seen on as large a screen as possible.”

IGN – Phil Pirrello
http://m.ign.com/articles/1210848

“Tom Cruise runs in every movie, but you haven't seen the Cruise Run until you've seen it in IMAX.”

STARTS 14 December at IMAX in Darling Harbour

Sydney born penguin skates in to the Worlds Biggest Screen in Daring Harbour this summer

Julie Brown — Thu, 3 Nov 2011 3:00:00 PM

In Happy Feet Two 3D, Mumble, The Master of Tap, has a problem because his tiny son, Erik, is choreo-phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters The Mighty Sven—a penguin who can fly! Mumble has no hope of competing with this charismatic new role model.

But things get worse when the world is shaken by powerful forces.

Erik learns of his father’s “guts and grit” as Mumble brings together the penguin nations and all manner of fabulous creatures—from tiny Krill to giant Elephant Seals—to put things right.

Actors Robin Williams, Elijah Wood and Hank Azaria were in Sydney earlier this year to lend their voices to the film. The film also has an all star cast featuring Pink, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Sofia Vergara, Common, Hugo Weaving, John Goodman, Anthony LaPaglia and of course, Magda Szubanski.

Not only is the film be screening on the World's Biggest Screen here in Darling Harbour, but the film was also in fact made right here in Sydney.

Film maker George "Miller (director of Mad Max) pointed to what he called "the most advanced motion-capture studio in the world" at the vast CarriageWorks precinct in the inner city suburb of Eveleigh, a new studio reportedly set up under a deal in which Miller's production company leases the premises from the NSW government for a year."
- Sydney Morning Herald

Screening daily throughout the school holidays.

A film nine lifetimes in the making. Sneak previews for Puss in Boots 3D from 2 December.

Julie Brown — Wed, 2 Nov 2011 12:00:00 AM

Our favourite bad kitty is back on the big IMAX screen in 'PUSS IN BOOTS 3D' which claws its way into the schedule for some sneak preview screenings from December 3 & 4.

Long before he even met Shrek, the notorious fighter, lover and outlaw Puss in Boots becomes a hero when he sets off on an adventure with the tough and street smart Kitty Softpaws and the mastermind Humpty Dumpty to save his town. This is the true story of The Cat, The Myth, The Legend…The Boots.

Puss in Boots is yet to be classifed.

Tickets will be on sale very soon...

Frequently Asked Questions, Risk Assessment and More for Teachers

Julie Brown — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:00:00 AM

Download essential information for planning a school excursion to IMAX in Darling Harbour. Click on each link below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL INFO ABOUT RISK ASSESSMENT

IMAX SYDNEY RISK ASSESSMENT FORM

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

HOW TO PAY FOR YOUR EXCURSION

Tom Cruise dives out of the worlds tallest building and onto the giant IMAX screen.

Julie Brown — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:00:00 AM

The newest behind-the-scenes clip of Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol features Director Brad Bird shooting Tom Cruise hanging off the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, using the massive IMAX cameras.

CLICK HERE to visit Tom Cruise's blog to read more here -

Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol starts 14 December. Ticket on sale soon.

Be first in the world to see Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol

Julie Brown — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 AM

Ethan is back and hanging out at IMAX in Darling Harbour.

Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol opens on December 15 and Australian cinema goers will be among the first in the world to experience the excitement and spectacle of this new film starring Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton.

Key scenes have been filmed with giant IMAX cameras using 65 mm film, which means you'll see even more of the action if you see it on the World's Biggest Screen.

You won't believe your eyes when you see the images expand top and bottom to fill the entire eight storey high IMAX screen. That's an image 35.5 metres wide x 29.5 metres tall. The biggest in the world. What better backdrop for a movie where the leading guy - who has apparently done all his own stunts - dangles outside the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.

We'll keep you posted on more news about this exciting new summer release, the first feature film since The Dark Knight to make special use of IMAX cameras in this way. The results on screen are guaranteed to blow your expectations.

Nowhere else will you see the whole picture like you'll see it at IMAX.

Come and see what you're missing....

TICKET SALES ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE IN THE COMING WEEKS.

Tornado Alley 3D storms into IMAX

Julie Brown — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:00 AM

Filmmaker, director and storm chaser Sean Casey from Discovery Channel's Storm Chasers TV series is in town this week to launch his latest IMAX film, TORNADO ALLEY 3D which opens to the public on September 29. Get set to embark on the chase of a lifetime as you enter the 'severe weather capital of the world' to experience a tornado at point blank range.

CLICK HERE to watch an interview with Sean Casey on 6.30 with George Negus.

CLICK HERE to watch an interview with Sean Casey on Sunrise.

Were you one of the first to experience this extraordinary new IMAX film? Take a look at some of the pictures from our preview events...

Club Darling Harbour Preview Event 25 September:

Film Premiere Event 26 September:

Teacher Preview 27 September:

MYMAX Subscriber Preview Event 28 September:

Teacher Preview Event 29 September:

>Tickets are on sale now, so book now for your front row (or back row!) seat in the Tornado Intercept Vehicle to drive inside the eye of a storm.

Flying Monsters Now Showing in IMAX 3D

Julie Brown — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:00:00 AM

Soaring into IMAX on 11 August is an exciting tale of monsters in our skies. Pterosaurs to be exact, the giant flying cousins of dinosaurs, with wing spans the size of a jet plane. Featuring Sir David Attenborough - in person and narrating - in his first role in an IMAX film, Flying Monsters 3D is also the first 3D film to win a BAFTA (in the specialist factual category).

Watch the trailer here -

Take the IMAX FAST-TRACK. Buy online, choose your own seat, then by-pass the Box Office on entry!

Julie Brown — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:00:00 AM

When you book tickets online at the IMAX Theatre in Darling Harbour, you'll have the opportunity to CHOOSE YOUR OWN SEAT.

So, whether you like your movies big and up-close, or viewed from the far back - or somewhere in between - you'll be just one click away from your favourite seat.

First up, the computer will offer you a selection of seats, if you are happy with these, then just go ahead and confirm the booking. If they are not the seats you would prefer you can select other seats. All you have to do is follow the simple instructions under the seating plan.

This option is only available to online ticket sales, so if you have a favourite seat make sure you book online and book early.

If you print out your ticket then there’s no need to go to the box office, just present your ticket to the usher as you enter the theatre.

So now there’s no need to queue ever again to get your preferred seats.

CLICK HERE to buy tickets online now.

*Please note that Choose Your Own Seating is not available for pre-booked school groups on excursion.

How does IMAX 3D actually work?

Julie Brown — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:00:00 AM

One of the most frequently asked questions here at the Theatre is: "How does 3D actually work?" In a nutshell, 3D film technology mimics the way our own eyes see the world, yet on a flat cinema screen. ie. When you look at an object in real life, each eye sees a slightly different view and our brain fuses these together into a single 3D image. The two lenses on the IMAX® 3D camera roughly match the distance between our eyes and so each lens 'sees' and records a slightly different view. The end result is two separate reels of film for every IMAX 3D movie (one reel with the left eye view and another reel with the right eye view). These two reels of film run simultaneously through the camera and your polarized IMAX 3D glasses fuse the two images together, creating the 3D effect on screen.

There's a great clip on YouTube that explains the concept well - and with pictures!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozTH2zIKwC0

New films for Schools in 2011 ... Itll be a TOTALLY WILD YEAR!

Julie Brown — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:00:00 AM

IMAX Darling Harbour is looking forward to an exciting year of new and classic films on the giant screen. Bookings for 2011 are open now and the teachers in the know are already calling and securing their preferred date and session time for excursions. Don't leave your booking to the last minute! Call us now for bookings right through until Dec 31, 2011.

CLICK HERE to see our 2011 SCHOOL FILM TIMETABLE BY TERM.

BACK FOR A RETURN SEASON IN TERM 4, 2011
THE POLAR EXPRESS IN IMAX 3D
Re-live the magic of this extraordinary seasonal film. A must for primary school end of year excursions.

NEW FILMS IN 2011 -

Titanic 3D: Ghosts of the Abyss (10 Feb 2011)
James Cameron’s voyage to the wreck of the Titanic is back for a return season in this special extended edition (60mins)with footage never before screened at IMAX in Darling Harbour. Ideal for studies within history, including modern exploration techniques, marine archaeology, shipwrecks, corrosion and conservation, and design and technology. Ask us about options for a joint excursion with the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Watch the trailer here:

Born to be Wild 3D (April TBC)
Due in April 2011, Born to be Wild 3D is an inspired story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. This film documents orphaned orang-utans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them - saving endangered species one life at a time. Stunningly captured in IMAX 3D, Born to be Wild 3D is a heart-warming adventure transporting students into the lush rainforests of Borneo with world-renowned primatologist Dr. Birute Galdikas, and across the rugged Kenyan savannah with celebrated elephant authority Dame Daphne Sheldrick, as they and their team rescue, rehabilitate and return these incredible animals back to the wild. Narrated by Morgan Freeman.
CLICK HERE to visit the film's website.

Watch the amazing trailer here. Highly recommended!

Flying Monsters 3D (Aug 2011*)
Brought to us by National Geographic, Flying Monsters 3D uses cutting-edge 3D technology to immerse us in a prehistoric world inhabited by pterosaurs: flying vertebrates with a wingspan of up to 12 metres that lived alongside dinosaurs. Narrated by veteran filmmaker and renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough. Release date: August TBC.

The Last Reef 3D (Sept 2011*)
From the makers of Wild Ocean 3D, The Last Reef 3D takes us to exotic coral reefs to explore biodiversity "hot spots" that are as vital to our lives as the rainforests. All are under threat as global CO2 emissions continue to acidify the ocean. Explore these cities beneath the sea through ground-breaking 3D cinematography. Release date: September TBC.

Tornados 3D (TBC)
With world renowned storm chaser and filmmaker Sean Casey at the helm, Tornados in IMAX 3D will be nothing short of breath-taking. Watch this space for news on this exciting new film.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Our library of IMAX CLASSIC FILMS is available throughout the year -

Antarctica
Australia: Land Beyond Time
Bugs! 3D
Dinosaurs Alive! 3D
Egypt 3D: Secrets of the Mummies
Forces of Nature
The Human Body
Hubble 3D
Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure
Sydney: Story of a City
Under the Sea 3D

For bookings, please contact our Education Office on (02) 9213 1600 or email education@imax.com.au

From Born To Be Wild 3D (c) Warner Bros and IMAX Corporation

From Born To Be Wild 3D (c) Warner Bros and IMAX Corporation

Dark Knight rises again in IMAX

Julie Brown — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:00:00 AM

For those lucky enough to have experienced Christopher Nolan's remarkable film The Dark Knight here on the World's Biggest Screen, you will remember the jaw-droppingly spectacular aerial shots and explosive action sequences that defined the film and set a benchmark for all IMAX features to follow.

It's noteworthy that Nolan elected to shoot parts of the film specifically with IMAX in mind, and the results on screen are still being talked about today. As we prepare for the continuation of The Dark Knight story, director Christopher Nolan gives a few insights into what we can expect...

"Nolan was most eager to talk about the fact that Warner Bros. had agreed with his argument that the film should resist the current 3-D craze and instead use high-definition approaches and IMAX cameras to strike out on a different cinematic path than the stereoscopic technology that, for better or worse, has become the dominant conversation in the blockbuster sector." - Geoff Boucher, Hero Complex, LA Times

CLICK HERE to read the story.

CLICK HERE for more on the likely villain.

James Cameron talks the future of 3D

Julie Brown — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:00:00 AM

James Cameron talks to the New York Times about Avatar, Titanic, Cleopatra and the future of 3D. "Nearly a year after his movie “Avatar” broke box-office records and opened up a floodgate of big-budget 3-D features, James Cameron is still very much immersed in his budding science-fiction franchise and the medium of 3-D filmmaking."

CLICK HERE to read the whole interview.

ITS A HOOT THIS WEEKEND AT IMAX! Win one of 50 limited edition Beanie Baby owls from Legend of the Guardians 3D.

Julie Brown — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:00:00 AM

Make this weeknd a HOOT! Come to IMAX in Darling Harbour this weekend 16-17 October and purchase a ticket to Legend of the Guardians 3D and you could win one of 50 limited edition adorable Beanie Baby owl characters from the film!

For a chance to win, simply arrive at the box office and say "It's a HOOT!" when you purchase your tickets and if you're one of the first 50 people, you'll win instantly! It's that simple.

SESSION TIMES THIS WEEKEND:
Legend of the Guardians 3D
Saturday 16 October: 11am, 3pm, 6pm
Sunday 17 October: 12pm, 3pm

One of these cute Legend of the Guardians 3D official Beanie Babies could be yours!

LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS 3D: The Owls of Ga'Hoole was actually made here in Sydney by the creative team at Animal Logic at Fox Studios, and features an all star Australian voice cast, including Hugo Weaving, Helen Mirren, Abby Cornish, David Wenham, Richard Roxborough, Geoffrey Rush, Sam Neill and Anthony LaPalia.

The film's story centres around the young owlet Soren who embarks on a quest to follow his dreams…only to discover they’re real. Stepping into the legend that he’s faithfully followed through his father’s nest-time stories, he becomes a crucial part of the next chapter in the epic tales.

Now on a true hero’s journey of self-discovery, young Soren and his friends join their mentors in an action-packed battle against the evil Pure Ones to protect not only their freedom, but the very existence of the Guardians of Ga’Hoole, who have sworn an oath to mend the broken, make strong the weak, and vanquish evil.

“Isn’t it every kid’s fantasy to become a character in his or her favourite story?” director Zack Snyder asks. “In our film, it’s a young owl who wants to find these legendary warrior owls that have been part of his personal mythology since he was born. And when the stories actually turn out to be true, it’s very powerful.”

In “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole,” Snyder and the gifted creative team at the Australian design, animation and visual effects house, Animal Logic, sought to open a window into a world that hasn’t been seen before, with mythic environments and expansive terrains like nothing they’d ever imagined, and owls so wonderfully realized that you almost forget they’re not real.

“Zack brings a visual language to his movies that is distinctive, and so do we at Animal Logic, so the marriage between Zack’s vision and our vision was easy right from the get-go,” says the film’s producer, Animal Logic CEO Zareh Nalbandian.

Harry Potter tickets on sale NOW!

Julie Brown — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:00:00 AM

IT ALL STARTS HERE.. On the World's Biggest Screen.

The hottest ticket of the year would have to be a seat on the Hogwarts Express, departing from IMAX Darling Harbour on November 18. If you'd like to be one of the first to experience the magic and wonder of this first part of the last instalment of the Harry Potter series, then you'll need to be QUICK and book your tickets online.

Tickets are on sale NOW and filling fast.

With allocated seating, you can select the specific seat of your choice. So whether it's right up close, way up in the back row, or smack in the centre middle, it's your choice at IMAX.

Remember, when you see a movie at IMAX, you're experiencing it on a screen 35 metres wide, which is nearly double the size of anything else you'll see anywhere in the world!

Meanwhile, take a look at some of these behind the scenes pictures, giving you a taste of what's in store when Harry and the gang return once agan to our screen.

Copyright Warner Bros.

Copyright Warner Bros.

IMAX Darling Harbour. Come see what you're missing.

Term 4 School Treat - Take Flight in IMAX 3D!

Julie Brown — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:00:00 AM

“Our dreams are who we are...”

Young owlet Soren embarks on a quest to follow his dreams…only to discover they’re real. Stepping into the legend that he’s faithfully followed through his father’s nest-time stories, he becomes a crucial part of the next chapter in the epic tales.Now on a true hero’s journey of self-discovery, young Soren and his friends join their mentors in an action-packed battle against the evil Pure Ones to protect not only their freedom, but the very existence of the Guardians of Ga’Hoole, who have sworn an oath to mend the broken, make strong the weak, and vanquish evil.

“Isn’t it every kid’s fantasy to become a character in his or her favourite story?” director Zack Snyder asks. “In our film, it’s a young owl who wants to find these legendary warrior owls that have been part of his personal mythology since he was born. And when the stories actually turn out to be true, it’s very powerful.”

In “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole,” Snyder and the gifted creative team at the Australian design, animation and visual effects house, Animal Logic, sought to open a window into a world that hasn’t been seen before, with mythic environments and expansive terrains like nothing they’d ever imagined, and owls so wonderfully realized that you almost forget they’re not real.

“Zack brings a visual language to his movies that is distinctive, and so do we at Animal Logic, so the marriage between Zack’s vision and our vision was easy right from the get-go,” says the film’s producer, Animal Logic CEO Zareh Nalbandian.

Drawing from his experience on the Academy Award®-winning “Happy Feet,” Nalbandian assembled a crew of more than 500 digital professionals, including a team of computer animation specialists, to bring “Legend of the Guardians” from the page to the screen, with the added dimension of a 3D film.

“We don’t think about our movies as animated, we think of them as movies. Zack didn’t come on board to make an animated movie, he came to make a great action fantasy adventure, tracking a hero’s journey, which happened to be in an animated world. It was about creating a visual feast for audiences that would be unique.”

In addition to the challenge of taking on his first entirely computer generated project, Snyder, whose previous work includes the epic action films “300” and “Watchmen,” found that his motivation for making this particular story hit close to home. “I know it sounds cliché,” the director admits, “but my kids are always saying to me, ‘Dad, when are you gonna make a movie we can see?’ And the chance to work with the animators at Animal Logic really appealed to me; there were moments in ‘Happy Feet’ that I found artistically breathtaking. So when I saw their initial ‘Guardians’ artwork, and then read the stories of Soren and his friends on this incredible quest, I looked at it as a perfect opportunity to bring my own sensibilities to a family film.”

Legend of the Guardians 3D: The Owls of Ga'Hoole starts 30 September at IMAX in Darling Harbour.Tickets are on sale now. Buy online and reserve your seat today.

The Happy Feet animation team takes flight in Legend of the Guardians 3D

Julie Brown — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:00:00 AM