Are you confused about how many IMAX screens are in operation across the world? Are they in their tens or hundreds? Why do we keep hearing contrasting numbers? Here is the dissection.
There are about 1,829 IMAX screens in operation globally across 89 countries. The overwhelming majority of these are digital retrofits located inside commercial multiplexes. However, the format varies drastically by projection type. Most screens use either IMAX's standard dual-xenon digital system or newer "IMAX with Laser" setups (like CoLa or XT). These typically project in a 1.90:1 aspect ratio. All but one of India's commercial IMAX screens fall squarely into the digital category.
Only a select subset of theaters feature the towering 1.43:1 aspect ratio screens. "To display this format digitally, theaters must utilize the specialized dual-laser GT projection system," a report says. The Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad, screen belongs to this category. This venue houses a traditional 1.43:1 screen. It has the physical capability for 15/70mm film projection.
Then, there is the most superior category. The ultimate high-resolution, analog experience is provided only by 41 theaters in the entire world. Only these are capable of projecting traditional 15-perforation, 70mm film.
India's numbers are growing:
"India has ranked among Imax’s top 10 markets for the past decade, with the country’s network expanding by nearly 60% since 2020 to 34 open commercial locations today, with at least four more expected to open this year," a report by Variety today said.
A new one is coming up in Hyderabad. Asian Group is collaborating with three actors for its first IMAX property. It is uniting with Mahesh Babu, Venkatesh Daggubati, and Rana Daggubati for the only IMAX property (as of now) in the Telugu States. They will launch a new IMAX screen at the upcoming AMB Classic Victory multiplex at RTC X Roads, Hyderabad.
