IMAX vs. RPX: Differences Explained

IMAX and RPX are the two super-advanced movie formats that have been on the top of Everest these days. This technology comes with lots of cinema comforts like a larger screen, higher picture quality, good sound, etc. 

Raise your hand if you’ve ever regretted going to the cinema on your way home because your home TV experience would have been far better than the cinema. I’m sure you are raising both hands in your mind. 

Because for moviegoers like us, there’s nothing more ridiculous than a poor cinema experience. However, if you want to enjoy every movie like your favorite one, you should know about IMAX and RPX. 

So, let’s dive into IMAX and RPX comparison 2022; since this year, we don’t want you to sit in an auditorium on a crappy seat with poor projection.

IMAX vs. RPX – Short Understanding

IMAX, aka Image Maximum, is huge cinematography, providing a ten-times-larger-than-normal film format in 3D with superior audio and video quality. On the other hand, RPX, aka Regal Premium Experience, is freaking more than IMAX. It’s the largest and the PREMIUM movie screen your eyeballs can process. 

RPX is also known for its good projection, larger screen, and awesome sound quality like IMAX. However, as the context shows, RPX has some extraordinary features like premium quality projectors, bright-eye-popping images, and powerful sound. 

IMAX vs. RPX – Comparison in Contrast Table

Comparison Benchmark	IMAX	RPX
Screen Size	A typical IMAX screen measures 16 meters in height by 22 meters in width ~52 by 72 feet. But It also could be much larger than this.	A typical RPX screen measures 40 feet in height and 60 feet in width, which is smaller than IMAX.
Projection	IMAX uses a curved screen with a 2K digital laser projection at a wider resolution of 2048x1080p.	RPX’s screen is flat but pretty less wide than IMAX and uses digital forecast too.
Sound Quality	IMAX theatres feature 12 channel sound, which is roughly similar to a 7.1 surround format.	RPX only has a 7.1 channel surround sound system, with built-in speakers in the chairs.
Auditorium Comfort	IMAX theatres provide comfortable soft seats with a large leg area. They are more comfortable than Stranded theatre seats.	The chairs in an RPX theatre, on the other hand, are even more leathery and comfy. Their seats are plentiful, with high backs and headrests.
Cost	IMAX costs 20$ more than a standard cinema screen. But your money’s every dime is worth it.	RPX costs 20$ and above but trust me; you will get addicted to it. Viewers feel like they are a part of the film. Yes, it’s that good.
Better one?	Since the audio quality of IMAX is not as good as RPX, so certain films where the primary focus is on dialogues, such as romance and drama, are not appropriate for IMAX.	In RPX cinema, you can watch any type of film. It supports Real 3D, 2D, and other movie formats.

IMAX vs. RPX – Detailed Review Comparison

So, now we’ll review two viewing formats in-depth: RPX and IMAX. We’ll look at the similarities and distinctions between them to help you make a well-informed conclusion on which format is ideal for you and your interests, so you’ll know which one to book the next time you go to the cinema.

1. Display Screen Size 

A significant thing you need to consider while selecting between IMAX and RPX is the display screen size. Because  It makes sense to hope for the biggest screen possible when heading towards the latest movie, however, It is worth noting that screen sizes vary, depending on where you live and, more precisely, on the IMAX or RPX cinema itself.

A typical IMAX screen measures 16 meters by 22 meters in width ~52 by 72 feet. But it also could be much larger than this.

On the other hand, a typical RPX screen measures 40 feet in height and 60 feet in width, which is larger than IMAX. Although the RPX screen size is smaller than IMAX but remember, RPX screen size is standard; you will probably find the same size everywhere. However, IMAX screen size relatively varies from place to place.

Nonetheless, these two screens are substantially larger than your typical movie theatre experience. Also, read a comparison of 4DX VS IMAX.

2. Projection Quality

Most individuals don’t complain about projection because they do not understand what high projection quality means. They’ve never seen how the projection should be made properly; this poor scratchy screen is all they’ve ever known.

But both IMAX and RPX formats have now got your problems covered.

IMAX theatres have one-of-a-kind screens and technology.

IMAX features a curved dome-like screen with a 2K digital laser projection and a higher resolution of 2048x1080p. The image is displayed vertically and horizontally on a silver-coated screen and layered to create an immersive experience in IMAX.

On the other hand, the RPX screen is flatter but less wide than the IMAX screen, and it also incorporates digital forecasts. The image quality of RPX is pretty the same as the IMAX. 

3. Sound Quality 

IMAX theatres feature 12 channel sound, which is roughly similar to a 7.1 surround format.

Whereas RPX offers only has a 7.1 channel surround sound system, with built-in speakers in the chairs.

Although RPX considers a better format, some moviegoers still find it hard to concentrate on the movie because of excessive harmonics due to in-built seat speakers. 

Having said that, while IMAX is the best option, you may still have a wonderful experience at RPX if you choose to watch a movie there and besides, both watching platforms continue to outperform traditional movie theatres.

4. Seating Comfortability 

Most often than not, in regular cinemas, auditoriums are packed with as many seats as possible, without regard for providing the best possible experience for moviegoers. Almost all of the time, the unpleasant seating and narrow rows with insufficient leg room make all the movie scenes horrible. Then there are the theatres where the seats are all on the same slope; unfortunately, if it’s crowded, someone will most likely block your view by sitting in front of you. 

But surely, you will not face these issues in IMAX or RPX cinemas. IMAX theatres provide bigger comfortable chairs with quite a good leg space. They are more peaceful than Standard theatre seats.

On the other hand, the seats of an RPX theatre are even more luxurious and comfy. Their seats are lavish, with elevated backs and headrests. The theater’s atmosphere is both cozy and sophisticated. In general, RPX theatres have 150-300 seats. The cinema is of acceptable size.

Overall Experience of IMAX and RPX

Both IMAX and RPX cinemas provide a really immersive movie experience. The audience feels as if they are a character in the film. The images on the screen appear to be approaching the audience.

The sophisticated laser method guarantees that the visuals are vibrant and accurate. The audio is also encompassing, and everything appears to occur in real-time.

The best feature of the IMAX and RPX cinemas is their exceptional transparency and luminance.

Cost per Ticket 

Lastly, don’t hesitate to factor in the cost of your tickets. Because RPX and IMAX theatres are premium cinema formats, they will certainly cost more than the ordinary cinema ticket. 

IMAX costs 20$ more than a standard cinema screen. But your money’s every dime is worth it. IMAX theatres are quite expensive, but RPX can cost even more depending on a variety of factors. But trust me, you will get addicted to it. Viewers feel like they are a part of the film. Yes, it’s that good.

Which is better? RPX vs. IMAX

IMAX films can be shown in RPX cinemas. IMAX films can be shown in RPX cinemas. RPX stands for “Regal Premium Experience.” RPX is just the premium brand for their finer line of theatres, which have superior sound systems, gorgeous leather couches, and a price that is $5 more expensive than IMAX. Many RPX theatres show IMAX movies so that you can get the perfect blend at an exorbitant price.

IMAX cinemas are the ideal places to see 3D movies, especially those about environments, such as animals and oceans. You can view other films in IMAX as well. However, story-driven films are not worth seeing in IMAX because the attention is on the conversation and scenes rather than the panorama.

Your cinema experience in RPX or IMAX is greatly affected by its locale. Some RPX theatres are well worth the money because of both larger displays and advanced technology.

For the first time, you can try both and then conclude which one is better off with your preferences and which is not. 

Final Thoughts about RPX and IMAX Comparison

We hope that we have provided you with sufficient information on RPX and IMAX theatres to enable you to make an informed choice. The only substantial difference between the two, as far as we can discern, is the seats. As previously said, RPX is designed with luxury in consideration, and its seats may be comfier than those offered by IMAX. However, if you don’t consider the seat thing in IMAX much, which is still rather comfy, there isn’t much of a contrast between the two formats; IMAX and RPX.