As the world of cinema evolves, we stand on the precipice of a new era defined by immersive experiences. With the arrival of cost-effective LED displays, the resurgence of immersive cinema has become imminent. Themed parks, full dome theatres, themed attractions, and innovative flying theatres are captivating moviegoers, providing a thrilling alternative to traditional film-viewing experiences. However, to capitalize on this transformative potential, early investment in high-quality content production is essential when constructing any new immersive cinema venue.
Historically, traditional giant screens have struggled to maintain relevance, especially after the shift away from 15-perf 70mm film. This change marked the beginning of a “race to the bottom,” leading to unsustainable business practices that rely on donations, sponsorships, and government tax incentives rather than offering compelling viewer experiences. As audiences seek more engaging content, the traditional model struggles to keep pace, often leaving cinema-goers disappointed.
In stark contrast, modern immersive cinema leverages LED technology to deliver unprecedented image quality, exceeding 8K resolution with high frame rate (HFR) and high dynamic range (HDR) experiences. This new technology doesn’t just push the envelope; it transforms it, providing audiences with an experience that transcends traditional viewing.
Unfortunately, a common pitfall for large venues, such as MSG Sphere and COSM LED domes, is the lack of compelling content upon opening. Though millions—if not billions—are invested in these state-of-the-art venues, they often debut with repurposed content from traditional giant screens that fails to illustrate the technology’s full capabilities. This oversight can lead to a lackluster experience that profoundly impacts profitability and audience retention.
To achieve success, new immersive cinema venues must prioritize high-quality content from the very beginning, ideally before construction even begins. Repurposing old giant screen films is not a viable solution; those titles were never crafted with the advanced imagery and audience engagement that immersive cinema demands. Similarly, simply adapting Hollywood films, even those shot on 70mm, will not suffice. Their original pacing, framing, and storytelling styles often leave modern audiences feeling disappointed or even motion sick.
Creating immersive films often requires specific considerations for each unique venue—geometry, seating arrangement, and venue size all play crucial roles in the film production process. Typically, producing a high-quality immersive film can take about two years, often longer than the construction timeline of the venue itself.
