Going to the movies used to be a straightforward experience. You’d walk in, buy your ticket for the movie you want to see, grab your snacks, sit down, and enjoy the show. Now, it’s not so simple. Do you want to watch it in IMAX? What about UltraAVX? Maybe ScreenX? Perhaps D-Box? How about 70mm? Oh, what about 3D? Or maybe 4DX? There are countless ways to experience a movie today, and that list doesn’t even cover them all. 

When Dune: Part Two was released earlier this year, I thought it would be a good opportunity to see it in as many different formats as I could and decide which one is the best way to experience a movie once and for all. In that article, I concluded that only two of the six formats were truly worth the cost. The formats? UltraAVX and IMAX. 

Both formats are designed to give audiences a more immersive moviegoing experience with better sound and bigger screens. Let’s talk about them in more detail so you can decide for yourself what the best format is for you! 

Screen Size

They say that size doesn’t matter, but whoever says that clearly wasn’t talking about watching movies! Size most definitely matters. The bigger the screen, the more it captures your attention and immerses you in the film. 

IMAX has long been known for its massive, wall-to-wall screens, offering an almost overwhelming sense of immersion. Its taller aspect ratio (1.43:1 for true IMAX screens) fills your entire field of view, which gives you the illusion that you’re not looking at a screen and that you’re physically there. In top-tier IMAX theatres, the screen is taller and more squared compared to standard cinemas. 

UltraAVX, on the other hand, features large, widescreen displays but doesn’t quite measure up to the colossal dimensions of IMAX. Still, UltraAVX boasts larger than normal screens. So while still impressive, the UltraAVX screen leans toward a more traditional widescreen (typically 1.85:1 or 2.35:1), which might not deliver the same jaw-dropping vertical immersion that IMAX does.

 

As you can see here, there’s a lot of range, but they’re consistently larger than normal screens.

It’s also worth mentioning, but not every IMAX or UltraAVX screen and theatre are the same size. In my research for this article, I couldn’t find any instance where an UltraAVX screen was larger than an IMAX screen in the same area. If you live somewhere with multiple different IMAX options like me, a quick Google will help you find the biggest and best one in your area!

Winner: IMAX

Sound Quality

Sound plays a crucial role in any immersive movie experience, and while IMAX dominates screen size, sound quality is much closer.

In both cases, the audio experience in either theatre is better than what you’ll find in a standard theatre, but like with the variations in screen size, not every IMAX or UltraAVX theatre is built to sound the same.

Some UltraAVX theatres feature Dolby Atmos sound, which provides a robust and dynamic listening experience. The sound is layered and can offer 360-degree audio that makes action sequences feel more intense and dialogue more grounded. Most standard UltraAVX theatres though seem to sport Dolby Digital surround sound, which still is a noticeable improvement over your standard theatre. 

IMAX isn’t sitting back when it comes to the audio experience, though! IMAX uses its own proprietary audio technology and their theatres are equipped with a specially tuned sound system, which is not only loud but also precise, delivering clear dialogue and dynamic sound effects. Whether it’s a pin drop or an explosion, the audio in IMAX theatres feels rich and more encompassing, making it a great tool to further immerse viewers in the movies they’re watching.

If you look online, there’s a lot of disagreement about whether UltraAVX or IMAX delivers a better audio experience. Unfortunately, a big reason for this divide is the lack of consistent standards across theatres. In Montreal alone there are three different IMAX theatres and as many UltraAVX theatres if you include nearby Laval. 

I’m really splitting hairs here, but if you have an UltraAVX theatre that has Dolby Atmos, I would say that’s going to be the best sound setup. If you have a standard UltraAVX theatre with only Dolby Digital, I’d give the edge to IMAX. Ultimately though, either option gives you better sound compared to a standard theatre, so there’s no wrong answer here. 

Winner: Draw

Image Quality and Projection

When it comes to image quality and projection, both formats again remain competitive with each other. Each format boasts better image quality than a standard theatre, but again, this varies significantly from theatre to theatre.

Some IMAX theatres use laser projection technology, which can deliver an incredibly sharp image, higher contrast, and a wider color spectrum. This results in brighter whites, darker blacks, and an overall visual fidelity that is hard to beat. However, not all theatres support this. For example, the projector at the Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre in Montreal that I frequent uses dual 2k Xenon Digital Projectors that aren’t as good at delivering a vibrant and clear image. If you live in Toronto, you have more choices for certain movies. Oppenheimer was available in two different IMAX formats, including the dual laser projectors and 70mm IMAX. Personally, I’m a sucker for film prints, so I would go for the 70mm IMAX, but you really can’t go wrong either way!

 

Standard UltraAVX, does offer impressive visuals in its own right. It provides a clear, high-resolution digital projection that is crisp and vibrant. Like IMAX though, standard UltraAVX can occasionally feel less vivid, especially during dark or complex scenes, when compared to laser projection IMAX movies. However, laser projection is available in select UltraAVX theaters, including the Cineplex in Laval, Quebec. With that laser projection you can expect the same sharp image, higher contrast, and wider color spectrum that will really make your movie pop. 

In most cases, though, I would give the edge to IMAX. While UltraAVX laser projection would definitely pack a punch compared to a lesser quality IMAX theatre, I haven’t found many other UltraAVX theatres in Canada that sport laser projectors. Definitely be sure to research what is available to you in your area, but for most people, IMAX will likely have the best visuals for any given film. 

Winner: IMAX

Price and Accessibility

Typically, when it comes to price, IMAX is generally the more expensive option. UltraAVX tickets, while still priced higher than standard formats, typically cost less than IMAX, making it a more affordable choice for those who want an enhanced experience without breaking the bank. 

UltraAVX is sometimes bundled with other formats, which can make it more expensive than IMAX. For example, a standard IMAX ticket will set you back $21.25 (CAD), while a ticket to an UltraAVX and ScreenX theatre is $23.75. Not all combinations are more expensive, though, as a ticket in an UltraAVX theatre with Dolby Atmos will only set you back $17.50. For reference, in Canada right now, a general admission movie ticket at Cineplex costs $14.25. 

It’s also worth noting that prices fluctuate at Cineplex because they will increase ticket costs of popular movies, so the prices I outline here may be somewhat different. I’ve already discussed that predatory behaviour from Cineplex at length before, though (spoiler, I’m not a fan, and that’s not their only predatory tactic). 

Accessibility is also a big factor for people as IMAX theatres are not as widely available, and sometimes you’ll need to travel farther to find a true IMAX screen. UltraAVX is more common in multiplexes across the country, so that’s something to consider as well. 

Winner: UltraAVX

Conclusion

In the end, both IMAX and UltraAVX offer impressive movie experiences, that are worth the increased ticket cost. IMAX reigns supreme for me, though, largely due to its expansive screen. That larger screen combined with comparable sound and visual quality to most UltraAVX theatres delivers an immersive spectacle that’s hard to beat, especially in theatres equipped with top-tier projection systems. On the other hand, UltraAVX is more accessible for more people and is the more cost-effective option. It also boasts strong sound setups, particularly in venues that feature Dolby Atmos.

Ultimately, the best format for you depends on local availability and personal preferences. If you’re seeking the most immersive visual experience possible, especially for films shot in IMAX, that’s likely your go-to. But if you’re looking for a premium experience that’s more budget-friendly and perhaps closer to home, UltraAVX is a solid alternative. Either way, you’re getting an upgrade over a standard cinema—so whether you choose IMAX or UltraAVX, your movie experience is bound to be a memorable one!