For damaged or warped IMAX film (common with archival prints from the 90s), wet-gate scanners are avoided. Instead, post houses use custom-built units where a high-resolution medium format digital camera (100MP+) photographs the film frame on a light table. This is slow—sometimes 30 minutes per shot—but it preserves the grain structure without mechanical scratching.
: High-end scanners capture each frame individually. In some archival or restoration projects, such as the preservation of "ReBoot: The Ride," original IMAX film elements are scanned to recover visual data that surpassed the quality of original 1990s broadcast masters. 3. Aspect Ratios and Distribution
The importance of preserving IMAX films cannot be overstated. These films not only provide a window into the past but also serve as a cultural and historical artifact. They offer insights into the filmmaking techniques, technological advancements, and artistic expressions of their time. Furthermore, preserving IMAX films ensures that future generations can continue to experience and appreciate these cinematic masterpieces in their original form. imax film scan
An IMAX film scan is the process of converting the analog image captured on 65mm or 70mm celluloid film into a high-resolution digital file, typically for post-production, digital intermediate (DI) mastering, or projection in IMAX with Laser theaters.
Recently, artificial intelligence has entered the chat. AI upscaling algorithms (similar to those used in video games but far more advanced) are now used to reduce grain and sharpen edges during the scanning pipeline. While purists argue this removes the "film look," modern audiences prefer the cleaner image. For damaged or warped IMAX film (common with
The primary goal of an IMAX scan is to capture the "gold standard" of image clarity found in 15/70mm film, which offers a 1.43:1 aspect ratio and significantly more surface area than standard 35mm film.
Here is what happens during a scan:
Traditionally, IMAX films were telecined or scanned using older, analog technologies to create video masters for distribution. These early scanning methods, while groundbreaking at the time, had limitations in terms of resolution and color accuracy. As digital technology advanced, so did the methods for scanning film. Today, IMAX film scanning leverages state-of-the-art digital tools to unlock the full potential of IMAX footage.
When scanning film at extreme resolutions, even a microscopic shift in the film gate causes motion blur or frame instability. : High-end scanners capture each frame individually