IMAX: Image MAXimum
The full form of IMAX is “Image MAXimum“. IMAX is a proprietary system of high-resolution cameras, film formats, film projectors, and theaters known for having very large screens with a tall aspect ratio (approximately 1.43:1 & 1.90:1) and steep stadium seating. IMAX was created by the Canadian company IMAX Corporation in September 1967 as Multiscreen Corporation, Limited. The IMAX format is generically called “15/70” film means each frame is 70 millimeters high and 15 sprocket holes (perforations along the edges of the film)per frame, which is about 10 times bigger than the standard 35-millimeter film format. This is why IMAX has a much better resolution and incredible clarity than standard movie system. Unlike conventional film projectors, the film runs horizontally so that the image width can be greater than the width of the film stock. In 1996, IMAX was awarded the Oscar for Scientific and Technical Achievement by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The award cited IMAX’s innovations in creating and developing a method of filming and exhibiting large-format, wide-angle motion pictures.