IMAX laser upgrade gives World of Science theatre a sound and colour boost
The latest in IMAX technology boosts light and sound to new levels for Edmonton moviegoers when the Telus World of Science reopens its IMAX theatre Friday with a showing of Humpback Whales 3D.
They’ll be the first in Western Canada to experience a newly installed state-of-the-art IMAX laser system featuring 4K laser projection — powered by 68 lasers. It’s one only 13 such systems in the world.
The centre closed its theatre in early September to install the new projection and sound systems, along with another new IMAX screen.
Two years ago, the Edmonton science centre unveiled a $4-million theatre renovation that brought in Alberta’s biggest movie screen, upgraded seats, a new audio system and two latest-generation digital 3-D IMAX projectors to replace the aging IMAX film projector.
“When we redid the theatre two years ago, we were supposed to open it with the new laser IMAX projector,” says Mike Steger, vicepresident of marketing and communications for Telus World of Science. “IMAX was still inventing the projector. It took them several years longer, so they pretty much promised us the new projector.”
Telus World of Science is launching the new IMAX experience, promising “the sharpest, brightest, clearest and most vivid digital images ever, combined with a whole new level of immersive audio,” says a news release.
Additional side and overhead channels will enable the system to position sounds around the audience. The theatre has been upgraded with a new IMAX screen, specially designed for the new system. Telus retains bragging rights for having the largest screen in Alberta.
"We’re very excited to be among the first theatres in the world to debut IMAX’s latest projection system,” says Telus IMAX theatre manager Darren Durocher.
Brian Bonnick, chief technology officer for IMAX, says the new sys- tem takes the movie-going experience to the next level. He predicts Telus World of Science patrons will notice a dramatic different in brightness, contrast, colour and sound "which ultimately results in further suspending disbelief when experiencing an IMAX movie.”