 St.
Louis first, and only, flat-screen IMAX auditorium
opened to the public Friday, November 18, 2005 at South
Countys Ronnies 20 Cine. Harry Potter and the
Goblet of Fire added to the magic by being
the first film shown on the IMAX screen. Theatre
sell-outs were common as St. Louis residents found the
latest movie technologies on display in their backyards.
What makes IMAX features so stunning is the special film
used exclusively by IMAX. The film is ten times larger
than typical 35 mm film, so ten times more detail is
added to every frame of action. The movie is projected on
a screen twice the size of the auditoriums former
screen for an even more immersive experience. The
screens special reflective coating brightens the
vivid imagery, making every seat in the house an
excellent one.
IMAXs other unique feature is the amazing 3D
ability it offers for select films. The Polar Express
became the first 3D blockbuster to wow audiences at the
Ronnies 20 Cine. First-time viewers literally reached out
to grab snowflakes throughout the film. They would say
after the film it truly looked like it was snowing inside
the auditorium.
Since the success of The Polar Express, other Hollywood
hits have graced the IMAX screen, including The Ant Bully
and Superman Returns. (Superman Returns introduced the
unique feature of interspersing 3D scenes into the
primarily 2D film.)
IMAX boasts an amazing sound system as well. The upgraded
speakers and digital sound system are completely
state-of-the-art. The explosive sound meets IMAXs
strict quality standards, a must for any IMAX theatre.

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 The
first Mega Screen debuted December 22, 2004 with The
Phantom of the Opera. This also marked the debut of the
theatre, the Galaxy 14 Cine in Chesterfield, MO. The
Phantom of the Opera was the perfect film to showcase the
stunning pictures and crystal-clear sound the Mega Screen
boasts.
The massive screen fills an entire wall.
The giant screen is capable of playing films produced in
8 perf-70 MM format, a larger film type than the
traditional 35 MM format. The larger film gives a greater
area to include more detail and color than the 35 MM
film. This translates to sharper, more vibrant images on
the huge, wall-sized Mega Screen.
The sound is also truly amazing. New innovations in
speaker technology are showcased in the Mega Screen
auditorium. The speakers are uniquely designed to allow
crisp audio at higher ranges; dialogue remains easily
understood while sound effects and music are add to the
films energy without being too loud and
distracting.
Ronnies IMAX screen doubles as a Mega Screen when
films not produced in IMAX format are shown. A brand-new
Mega Screen is planned for the Galaxy Cine underway in
Blooming-Normal, IL. It will debut in 2008.

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