Wogs

[Wogs @_Wogss]

Planning to watch The Odyssey this weekend? This guide is for you!
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TL;DR

Best overall experience: MOA IMAX

Best value for money: Any good Flat (1.85:1) cinema

If you only care about seeing the expanded IMAX framing, a Flat (1.85:1) screen is close to what PH IMAX theaters show because our IMAX venues are limited lang to 1.90:1.

If audio immersion naman is your priority, MOA IMAX since well mixed s'ya and thanks to its 12-channel IMAX sound system.

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I'm not a movie critic :')

I just love watching movies in cinemas and comparing different theater formats.

I watched the film twice:

• Trinoma A-Giant (Dolby Atmos)

• MOA IMAX
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A QUICK EXPLANATION ABOUT IMAX

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX film cameras.

Pero unfortunately, none of our IMAX theaters in the Philippines can fully present the movie the way Nolan intended.

To experience the film exactly as intended, you'd need to watch it in IMAX 70mm or IMAX GT Dual Laser (1.43:1).

Here in the Philippines, every IMAX theater uses Single Laser projection and is limited to a 1.90:1 aspect ratio. Or most ppl say na LieMAX, but for me, 1.90:1 is still IMAX and its beautiful! Maybe you can consider films that are presented in Scope 2.39:1 as LieMAX.

Here's something many people don't realize.

(Check image 2 for comparisons.
Image: © @_g10draw)

A Flat (1.85:1) cinema screen is very similar to IMAX's 1.90:1 exclusive expanded aspect ratio.

That means if you're watching on a Flat screen (mostly Ayala Malls Cinemas and SM Director's Club), you're seeing nearly all of the expanded image that Philippine IMAX theaters can show.

The biggest advantages IMAX still has are:

• A much larger screen (especially MOA IMAX)

• The IMAX-exclusive audio mix / IMAX 6-track

If you watch on a Scope (2.39:1) screen, you'll lose a noticeable amount of the expanded image because the movie has to be cropped to fit the wider screen (Mainly most regular cinemas.)
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FIRST WATCH - Trinoma A-Giant (Image 3)

Price: ₱580

The movie is presented in Flat (1.85:1), which perfectly matches the screen.

Projection is 4K Laser, just like our IMAX Laser theaters, so the image is bright, sharp, and detailed.

The screen isn't as large as MOA IMAX, but it's kinda bigger than SM North EDSA IMAX.

The hall is equipped with Dolby Atmos, and the calibration is excellent.

Pero...

Christopher Nolan did not mix this film in Dolby Atmos.

The movie is only available in Dolby 5.1, which is also listed in the end credits.

Because of that, don't expect much overhead activity.

Most of the sound comes from the front channels.

Despite that... it still sounds fantastic.

The film was LOUD.

Quick Q&A:
Best seats?
Rows H, I, and J are the sweet spot for me.
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SECOND WATCH — MOA IMAX (Image 4)

Regular: ₱860

Premium: ₱990

MOA IMAX is currently the best IMAX theater in the Philippines.

It's the only SM IMAX equipped with:

• IMAX Commercial Laser projector (2 lenses so expect bright and crisp image)

• 12-channel IMAX sound system

Nolan didn't mix the movie in Dolby Atmos, so the IMAX-exclusive audio mix is noticeably better than what you'll hear in regular cinemas.

The surround effects are much more active and accurately placed throughout the movie.

MOA IMAX also has the largest cinema screen in the Philippines.

The theater was originally built to support IMAX 70MM and IMAX GT Dual Laser (1.43:1).

Pero we don't have the projector anymore so sadly we're limited to 1.90:1.

Even so, it's still the best overall presentation currently available in the Philippines.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What about the other IMAX theaters?

The rest of the SM IMAX locations use the IMAX Laser XT system.

(Or eto yung Single Lens projector ni IMAX which is the budget version ng IMAX with Laser. Hindi sya ganon ka bright as the MOA IMAX but it's still nice. There's a lot of content that are capable sa IMAX Laser XT compared sa lumang IMAX projectors.)

Isipin niyo nalang na si MOA IMAX is parang iPhone Pro, then the rest of the SM IMAX theaters are the base model. ?????????????

Compared to MOA IMAX, they have:

• Smaller screens (but still bigger than your usual regular cinema)

• 6-channel sound system

• No dedicated side surround speakers

• No overhead speakers

• Less immersive audio (at least for me)

They're still good theaters, but MOA IMAX is on another level.
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Will you experience The Odyssey exactly as Nolan intended?

No.

To experience the movie exactly as intended, you'd need an IMAX 70mm or IMAX GT Dual Laser (1.43:1) theater.

Unfortunately, we don't have either in the Philippines.

Closest IMAX GT? IMAX Miramar - Taipei, Taiwan

Closest IMAX 70MM? IMAX Melbourne, Australia

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Hanggang July 21 lang ba si The Odyssey sa MOA IMAX?

No.

The Odyssey secured an unprecedented 4-week IMAX-exclusive run worldwide.

Because of that agreement, some movies including Spider-Man: Brand New Day, didn't receive IMAX releases in certain markets.

Available naman siya sa ibang countries, pero dito sa atin ScreenX and 4DX lang yung ibang premium formats.

As long as demand remains high, expect The Odyssey to remain in IMAX for several weeks.

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What's the difference between Regular (₱860) and Premium (₱990)?

Regular

• Standard seating

• Free Lay's Chips

• Bottled Water

Premium

• Recliner seats

• Located at the very back

• Large Popcorn

• Large Soda or Bottled Water

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Best seats at MOA IMAX?

For Regular seating...

Rows K, L, and M (center seats) are the best.

If your budget allows, the Premium Recliners are also an excellent choice.

Because the screen is enormous (around 3-6 stories tall), I personally think sitting farther back gives you the best overall viewing experience.

Pero kung gusto mong tumingala for dagdag immersion... pwede rin naman sa unahan.

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So... Should You Watch It in Dolby or IMAX?

If your goal is to experience The Odyssey's expanded IMAX framing...

You DON'T necessarily have to watch it in IMAX.

Since Philippine IMAX theaters are limited to a 1.90:1 aspect ratio, you'll get a very similar image on any cinema with a Flat (1.85:1) screen.

That includes many:

• Ayala Malls Cinemas

• SM Cinemas Director's Club

• Other premium auditoriums using a Flat screen

Just make sure you're watching on a Flat (1.85:1) screen and NOT a Scope (2.39:1) screen.

A Scope presentation crops a noticeable amount of the image, so you won't see as much of the expanded IMAX framing.

(A-Giant Glorietta is limited to Scope only, so I don't advise watching it there if you want the same aspect ratio as IMAX.)

If your priority is simply seeing as much of the picture as possible...

A Flat screen will do the job surprisingly well.

Pero...

If you're after the BEST overall presentation, especially the audio

I'd still recommend MOA IMAX.

While the image is very similar to a Flat presentation, MOA IMAX's 12-channel IMAX sound system and IMAX-exclusive audio mix create a noticeably more immersive experience than what you'll get in a standard Dolby Digital 5.1 presentation or sa IMAX 6-channel ng ibang IMAX ni SM.

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MY RECOMMENDATION

Best Overall Experience : MOA IMAX

• Largest screen in the Philippines

• 12-channel IMAX sound system

• IMAX-exclusive audio mix

• Most immersive presentation currently available

Best Value for Money: Any good Flat (1.85:1) cinema

Examples include:

• Trinoma A-Giant

• Ayala Malls Cinemas with Flat screens

• Director's Club locations with Flat screens

• Other premium auditoriums using a Flat screen

You'll still get:

• Nearly the same expanded framing as Philippine IMAX

• Bright laser projection (depending on the cinema)

• Comfortable seating

• Lower ticket prices

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Para sakin, The Odyssey ay isa sa mga films na talagang importante kung saan mo ito mapapanood.

Hindi lang dahil sa sinehan or sa overall audio niya, kundi pati na rin sa aspect ratio ng screen. (take note)

I didn't mention Evia IMAX kahit isa rin siya sa IMAX CoLa and 12-channel sound system sa Pilipinas kasi hindi na siya operational.

I have no idea kung under renovation ba siya or tuluyan nang nagsara.

Kung nasa Pilipinas ka at hirap ka makakuha ng IMAX tickets sa MOA, or baka malayo lang talaga sa area mo, huwag mong isipin na sobrang laki ng mami-miss mo.

Basta Flat (1.85:1) ang screen ng sinehan, okay na okay na. Makikita mo pa rin halos lahat ng expanded image na kaya ring ipakita ng mga IMAX theaters natin dito sa Pilipinas.

Pero kung gusto mo ng BEST overall experience, lalo na pagdating sa huge screen at mas immersive na audio...

MOA IMAX pa rin ang personal kong maire-recommend.

(Hindi ako sponsored ah... eto lang talaga opinion ko.)

Hopefully this guide helps anyone who's deciding where to watch The Odyssey here in the Philippines.

I'm not a movie critic, but this is the kind of film na minsan dapat mo talagang i-treat ang sarili mo sa sinehan.

Watching this one on the big screen is an experience.

Thank you! That's all for me. #filmtwt #Odyssey

[Wogs @_Wogss]

Sabay nag post naman T_T pero sige okay po xd W ka parin sakin sir Cinema Manager 🫡

[watchdotph @watchdotph]

we have some screen size confirmation of A-Giant from Ayala Malls Cinemas... pa-compute na lang salamat

[Wogs @_Wogss]

May Avengers Trailer before Spider Man kanina! Sana sa A Giant din mamaya. Gusto ko lang ma feel po sana po.

[Wogs @_Wogss]

You can clearly see the difference!!
But luckily I got my tickets for A Giant tomorrow again.

[Wogs @_Wogss]

Ayala Malls Cinema 6. Flat Aspect ratio Finally

[Wogs @_Wogss]

@unknown_noir @mondaycleaners Eto huge fan ako ng Cinema 7. And Luckily blockbuster films madalas Cinema 7.

[Wogs @_Wogss]

Back to back na to pards matutulog lang tas manonood ulet

[Wogs @_Wogss]

@unknown_noir Facts bruh, but I think maybe sa distribution din ni Columbia PH 😭

[Wogs @_Wogss]

Sana may ganto pa sa Taiwan pag nanood ako!

[Cineworld @cineworld]

Celebrate Global Spider-Man Day with a FREE Spider-Man Pin! 🕷️

See #SpiderMan: Brand New Day at Cineworld on August 1 and take home an EXCLUSIVE Spider-Man Pin Badge. Available while stocks last! 🕸️

Terms apply: https://t.co/evp5zPFtpS

[Wogs @_Wogss]

@ianbischoco HOLY!!! THANK YOU!!

[Wogs @_Wogss]

SABI FLAT NA RAW SA TRINOMA!?? Pero nauna kong i book yung Manila Bay T_T

[Wogs @_Wogss]

Maliit po kasi naka scope lang </3 pero san galing yung madilim?? napundi bigla yung laser? T_T

[Julius @jooolyooos]

Sorry pero A-Giant cinema ng Trinoma is a hassle. Sobrang haba ng pila ng pagclaim ng popcorn at poster. 10:40pm screening for Spider-man, nagstart pa-11:30 na. Was also expecting a good screen pero nadidiliman at naliliitan ako haha. Paayos naman Ayala. Mahal ng tickets niyo.

[Wogs @_Wogss]

May ambag ako dyan sa Trinoma!

[CBO | Movies, TV @cbo_channel]

Box Office: 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day Now' holds the third-highest opening day gross record in the Philippines.

From Davao to Cebu to Manila, audiences were united in choosing to watch Spider-Man. #SpiderManBrandNewDay

(https://t.co/BUlVH2sNXV)

[Wogs @_Wogss]

@havonooo Hopefully! inaask daw nila e

[Wogs @_Wogss]

Available naman daw pala both AR!! pero pang scope na key palang daw binigay sa A-Giant Trinoma T_T

[Wogs @_Wogss]

Dolby Cinema when? Ayala Malls??? Convert niyo na si A-Giant Trinoma, capable naman e!

[Balaji @CINE_Theatre]

India's First Premiere Showtime: #SpiderManBrandNewDay

Allu Cinemas, Hyderabad | Dolby Cinema Screen 🔥🔥

Dual 4K 🎥 | Dolby Atmos 🔊 | Dolby 3D 🕶️

FLAT Content ✅
Minimal Black bars on top and bottom (Unable to notice)

Subtitles ✅

[Wogs @_Wogss]

Sana all! sana all!

[Wogs @_Wogss]

May nakapanood na po ba sa Manila Bay Cinema 6? Flat din yun e T_T Naka scope po ba or Flat? Gusto ko lang sana mapanood ng Flat aspect ratio T_T

#SpiderManBrandNewDay

[Wogs @_Wogss]

Saya ko na e, flat aspect ratio orientation ng screen. Pero GGs! shoutout sa nakaupo sa likod ko, pakaingay niyo. Kita naman sa screen nangyayari bat mo pa sasabihin