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Today, IMAX can be found almost everywhere. From blockbusters like “Avengers: Endgame” to indie films such as “Sinners” and “Megalopolis”, IMAX’s large-screen format has become the preferred choice for viewing a wide variety of movies. This immersive, expansive cinema experience captivates viewers so deeply (not to mention its ability to showcase stunning visuals) that it’s become irresistible to both moviegoers and filmmakers. It’s surprising to think back to when IMAX wasn’t a standard part of traditional narrative film viewing.

It wasn’t until the beginning of the 20th century that this space began showing movies that weren’t just original documentaries specifically created for IMAX screens. Films like “Fantasia 2000” and “Treasure Planet” significantly changed people’s idea of what an IMAX movie might be. In the end, five specific films played a crucial role in shaping IMAX’s reputation and establishing it as a dominant force in film exhibition. The current cinematic world owes much to these five movies.

1) The Matrix Revolutions

Around 2003, fans were already incredibly excited about what would happen next in the Matrix saga. When it was announced that both The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions would be released in IMAX, their enthusiasm only grew. The Matrix Reloaded hit IMAX cinemas a few months after its May 2003 premiere, while The Matrix Revolutions became the first live-action movie to debut simultaneously on IMAX and regular 35mm screens. Nowadays, it’s standard for major live-action blockbusters to be shown in both conventional movie theaters and IMAX. However, The Matrix Revolutions was the pioneer of this release strategy.

2) The Polar Express

Back in November 2004, the movie “The Polar Express” did more than just scare a generation of children with its eerie motion-capture animation. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, it was also the first narrative film to be shown in the IMAX 3D format. Although IMAX 3D is not as popular for non-James Cameron films today, seeing “The Polar Express” in IMAX 3D was an incredible experience that reshaped what movies could achieve on those massive IMAX screens. The movie’s impressive use of IMAX 3D also had a significant impact on the film industry, influencing former DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg to make all of the studio’s animated features in 3D from that point forward.

3) The Dark Knight

In the 2000s, Christopher Nolan’s film “The Dark Knight” significantly boosted IMAX’s standing within the movie industry. Before “Avatar,” it was the biggest film ever displayed in the IMAX format. However, what truly set “The Dark Knight” apart was its innovative use of IMAX cameras. Unlike previous films like “Matrix Revolutions” and “Speed Racer,” which were converted to IMAX post-production, “Dark Knight” was filmed using special IMAX equipment during principal photography. This shift in methodology forever altered the perception of what movies could achieve with IMAX technology. Furthermore, director Christopher Nolan’s admiration for IMAX deepened as a result.

4) Avatar

In a groundbreaking turn of events, The Dark Knight paved the way for IMAX to expand its horizons with high-profile movies, and only 17 months later, Avatar gracefully stepped through that door. James Cameron’s visionary mind perfectly complemented the grandeur of the IMAX screens. Audiences worldwide found themselves captivated by Avatar in IMAX. Moreover, Avatar not only rekindled interest in IMAX in various international locations, such as China, but also confirmed its appeal. It is important to note that six years prior to Avatar, no live-action film had ever premiered concurrently in standard theaters and IMAX screens. After Avatar’s record-breaking box office success, this dual release strategy would become the standard for all future blockbusters.

5) Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol

In one of the 30-minute segments from “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” IMAX cameras were employed to film key scenes, most notably the renowned sequence at Burj Khalifa. This scene, where Ethan Hunt scaled the world’s tallest building, made viewers feel the intense vertigo he was experiencing. Unlike movies like “The Dark Knight” set in Gotham City and “Avatar” on Pandora, “Ghost Protocol” showcased the breathtaking real-world capabilities of IMAX technology. Initially, for its first five days in North America, it was screened exclusively in IMAX theaters, resulting in impressive earnings. This exclusive release strategy is not often repeated (except for rare instances like “Everest” or “The Walk”), but it underscored the growing significance of IMAX in major studio productions. Moreover, it signaled that Tom Cruise, a true movie icon, was now starring in IMAX movies.

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol is now streaming on Prime Video and Paramount+.

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2025-05-20 19:42