Movie run in my fav cinema

^(image: ©) ^(https://x.com/JohnnyFocal)

Disclaimer: I'm not 100% sure if this will apply to PH Theaters T_T but if yes then... (This is Similar to how Project Hail Mary is presented)
If no! Watching it in IMAX vs Standard cinemas are different

Mandalorian will be having a Shifting scenes!!

1. What are "Shifting Scenes"?

The movie starts in standard widescreen (Scope). But at the 38:55 mark, the image "opens up" vertically. If you are on the right screen, the black bars disappear and the movie fills the entire height of the screen. (This is the usual gimmick in IMAX Films)

Similar to Project Hail Mary Earth and Space Shifting Aspect ratio scenes

2. The "Flat" vs. "Scope" Screens

• Scope Screens (Standard Cinemas): If the cinema only has a Scope screen, you will not see the shift. The movie will stay widescreen the whole time. You are essentially "losing" the top and bottom of the image during the big action sequences. (IMAGE 2)
• Flat Screens (1.85:1): If you watch it here, you get the full experience! The image will expand to fill the screen. Similar to IMAX Screens. (IMAGE 3)

3. Why this is basically "IMAX" in a regular theater

Since all of IMAX screens in the Philippines are IMAX Single Laser (1.90:1), the "Flat" version of the movie is almost identical in height. You’re getting the same amount of picture as an IMAX screen but in a standard theater.

Yes! its FILMED FOR IMAX, but its totally for 1.43:1 Screens/Dual Laser Theaters (which we dont have here) so watching it on FLAT Screens cinemas are the same to what youll see in IMAX Screens here in the Philippines.

4. Best place to watch (if hindi mo bet manood sa IMAX)

Since we don’t have an IMAX 1.43:1 (Dual Laser GT) in the Philippines, and our local IMAX is currently limited to 2D for this release, and Im not sure kung 3D presentation sya sa ibang sinehan.

• You can try Trinoma A-Giant: This theater uses a FLAT Aspect Ratio screen. You will get the shifting scenes and the tall image without paying the premium IMAX price. (And kung manonood ka lang din sa SM North Edsa IMAX T_T IM SORRY PERO, SAYANG PERA!! AND LIIT NG SCREEN! IMAGE 4 © FB/SM Cinemas)

But if here are some cinema recommendations:

• Best for Content: IMAX (MOA) (Image 5) or Trinoma A-Giant (Flat screen). (Image 3)
• Best for Width (but cropped): Glorietta A-Giant. Great for sound and width, but you will lose the expanded vertical footage. (IMAGE 2)
• General Rule: If the theater looks like a long, thin rectangle, you’re stuck in Scope and losing content. If it looks like a giant tall square, you're good to go!

A quick note on the 3D situation

It definitely sucks that we aren't getting the 3D IMAX version locally.

EDIT: Some users pointed out seeing the film listed in IMAX 3D on the SM Cinema app (like in SM Aura). I am pretty sure it will be in IMAX 3D across all local IMAX theaters, since SM Cinemas rarely divides 2D and 3D screenings for the same IMAX title.

Note on this guide: Consider this post a definitive guide for the differences if you specifically want to watch the film in non-3D (2D) or just want to find the absolute best standard ticket experience!

Trinoma Offers 3D and 2D screening too

​The new A-Giant by Ayala Malls Cinemas is already here at Glorietta Cinema 5! I got to check it out, and here’s my honest breakdown xd

​Cinema Specs

• ​Projection Screen: 2.39:1 (Scope Aspect Ratio)
• ​Sound System: Dolby Atmos. The setup is great for the cinema layout. The hall feels tiny: 12 overhead speakers (6 left, 6 right), 21 surround speakers (7 on each side, 8 in the rear), plus 4 huge side speakers (2 per side). Check images 3 & 4.
• ​Projector Unit: CHRISTIE CP-4415 RGB Pure Laser Projector. It also includes a 3D panel, so it’s fully equipped to handle 3D films. (Its not confirmed for the exact model but it is based on how it looks and on my research about Christie projectors. This is also yhe projector of Trinoma's A-Giant) image 5

​First Impressions & Layout

​It's a cool cinema overall, but the layout is not giving.

• ​Scope Only: It kind of sucks that this cinema is strictly limited to the Scope aspect ratio. I think it can handle FLAT but theres no visible curtains that can convert the projection screen. Also if they will preview Flat aspect ratio films here there will be pillarboxing (black areas left and right)
• ​Ground-Level Projection: The projection booth is on the ground floor. Honestly, if a 7-foot-tall person walks past it, they might actually block the projection! The Projection booth is near row K too but theres no sound leaking from the booth.
• ​Seating & Legroom: The seats are exactly like the ones at Trinoma’s A-Giant (check image 7), which I'm not a big fan of because they feel stiff. The legroom isn't great either. It reminds me of the old IMAX Megamall seating—if you're sitting in the middle and the row is full, the amount of walkable space to squeeze past people is a struggle.

​The Viewing Experience

​I watched The Devil Wears Prada 2, which honestly wasn't the best film to test out a Dolby Atmos setup. But! When the Dune: Part Three trailer played, I could really feel that this Atmos setup is nice!

• ​Light Bleed Flaw: The projection screen does have a noticeable flaw. Since the lounge lights stay active while the film is playing, there is some visible light bleed onto the screen during dark scenes. It's not blindingly bright, but it definitely bothered me. (Image 11)
• ​The Screen: This cinema is absolutely great for Scope aspect ratio films. The projection screen is FREAKING WIDE. It's not toweringly huge or tall like Trinoma's A-Giant, but the width is incredible. Plus, the screen-to-seat distance isn't very far, making it a super immersive experience!

​Quick Q&A

1. ​Is the Dolby Atmos actually good? I can definitely say yes! However, I don't think it quite matches the Atmos setups at Trinoma A-Giant or Greenbelt Cinema 2. Trinoma's Atmos hall is just on another level.
2. ​Ticket Price? ₱570 (Same price as Trinoma's A-Giant).
3. ​Recommended Seats? I highly recommend Row F or higher. The thing with this cinema's layout is that there is no natural "eye-level" sweet spot like other theaters. The viewing experience naturally forces you to look up, so sitting further back helps.

​Final Verdict

​Will I recommend this cinema? Definitely! Especially if the film you're going to watch is shot in Scope. The sheer width of the screen and the immersive distance make it a great time.

​If you guys have any more questions, let's talk about it in the comments!

Cinema rating: 8/10