So, How Would You Like to View This Movie?

 If you haven't noticed, your movie admission can be purchased at different prices in different formats. 

• There is the basic, or standard, format which as a digital presentation with a 5.1 sound system. This format can be enjoyed at a large circuit to a small-town cinema.
• Next, is a 3D version with glasses. Usually marketed as RealD-3D. This makes the movie more immersive, but many moviegoers find it disorienting or just plain not worth the extra up-charge and this format has lost favor with the public.
• Dolby Digital Cinema, the next format, uses dual 4K resolution laser projectors. This system provides 500 times the contract ratio and twice the brightness of a standard single projection system. Again, is it worth the up charge?
• Dolby Atmos Sound. Over 90% of cinemas use surround sound, or 5.1 channel sound. This consists of a left, center, right stage speaker channels, left and right surround channels, and a subwoofer channel. The Atmos System carries sound to a new dimension. It can handle up to 64 channel feeds and is calibrated to the specifics of each auditorium - including ceiling, side, and height speakers in addition to five stage channels and three surround channels. 
• Then there is IMAX. This format has been around since the 70's, but not every IMAX Theatre is the same. The largest ones boast a 60'h x 80'w screens but there are plenty with much smaller screens. Most use dual 4K laser projectors with behind the screen speakers, surround speakers, and some utilized 'top center' speakers to take advantage of the large screen height. Is the IMAX worth the admission price? The average admission is between $15-20. It's really up to the viewer.
• Then there are circuit specific formats. For example, Regal Cinemas have the RPX, which is their version of a large-screen format. Basically, the RPX is better than a standard system, but it is not a premium system, such as IMAX, Dolby Digital Cinema, or Dolby Atmos - so it's really not worth the up charge.  

Let's face it, bigger screens, laser projectors, enhanced sound systems do make a difference and provide for a better viewing experience. But one thing that will be noticed is the comfort level of the theater. Moviegoers want comfort and this could be more significant than a larger screen and improved sound.

Different formats for the same film come with different price points. The average movie admission is now about $9 nationwide for standard format viewing. What's nice about all of these format options is just that, they provide choice. And they are all much better than in-home viewing.

By: Jim Lavorato