We’re going to see Blade Runner 2049 this weekend and wondered if the RPX format is something worth considering.
No IMAX in our vicinity, although I understand it was filmed in that format.
We do like the occasional film spectacle, but looking around, can’t seem to find much specific info.
So, any Dopers that have experience, advice, &c, I’d love to hear about it.
Thanks for looking.
-mods, no idea if this is better suited for Cafe Society. Move at will.
Moderator Action
Yep. Moving thread from GQ to Cafe Society.
RPX is Regal’s Premium Large Format (PLF) brand, basically an IMAX-like (or lite) upgrade. The screen will be a little larger, the image a little brighter, the sound system a little better, and the seats a little cushier, than their regular auditoriums, for a premium of $1-2 per ticket.
Not quite as good as IMAX, but a little cheaper, too. If you find IMAX worth the upcharge, you might like RPX.
You could try it and then see if the same show is playing on a standard screen on the same day, and stick your head in there for a few minutes before or after your show to note the difference.
Basically, theater chains saw how well IMAX was doing and realized that in the digital age it was easier to make their own IMAX lite and upcharge people who wanted a premium experience. They keep all of the upcharge, and can choose which films show on those screens instead of being at IMAX’s mercy. So almost all chains now have their own PLF brand. RPX for Regal, XD for Cinemark, etc.
More about PLFs.
The exception is Dolby Cinema, which is exclusive to AMC for now. It uses completely different technology that is far brighter and has a much greater dynamic range than any other format, including IMAX. It is simply amazing! If there is a Dolby Cinema location near you, you owe it to yourself to check it out.
Thanks for responding, comasense, but I’m not near anywhere for the purposes of this subject. >50 miles to the neares Dolby theater, >> 50 miles to the nearest IMAX. hence the question.
*commasense, eek, missed the edit window, sorry.