Laser projection technology coming to the Chattanooga IMAX

January 3rd will be the last day the IMAX will show film, and then it will be closed for 4 weeks to upgrade the theater and remove the film.

The theater will reopen in early February and be the only IMAX with Laser system in the Southeast!

Aquarium staff members traveled around to several cities over the past four years looking for the right system.

“Many of the digital projection systems threw a lot of light on the screen, but the colors looked washed out and the images weren’t sharp,” said Don Walker, the Aquarium’s director of guest services. “The IMAX with Laser system showed us something we hadn’t seen before. This system fills the screen with amazingly crisp, bright and colorful images.”

The Aquarium’s chief Chief Projectionist Corey Cobb will become their Senior Operator.

“The first time I saw an IMAX film in laser, I was blown away,” said Cobb. “I’m really excited for people to come to our theater to experience all of the new upgrades we will be making.”

Cobb will be one of a few people in the world trained on this new system.

The new laser system will have better resolution than the best 4K tv’s available and provide more vivid, life-life colors.

Plus, the theater is installing new six-story screen and new 12 channel audio system with speakers in the ceiling.

Overall the upgrades will cost $1.2 million.

Officials are also looking into the possibilities of providing live screenings of events like sports, concerts, and educational programs with the city’s hi-speed Internet.

For the last days of using film, the IMAX will give visitors a clip of 70mm film stock as a memento.