Is there a central listing of projectors used at movie theaters?

January 22, 2024 6:07 PM

I've found that my enjoyment of a movie at the theater tends to depend on the quality of the projection, or projector. For instance, some laser projectors have a "screen door effect," fringing, and aliasing. Do you know of a resource for finding out exactly what model or type of projector is used by a given theater or screen?

I found this interesting one for IMAX, but none for traditional film/digital projection at ordinary theaters. I've looked at a few chains' sites, but they tend to only divulge resolution or some other gimmick, like "4DX" or what have you.

Sadly I'm worried that because the art and science of projectionists is dying out, that information may be considered irrelevant to the modern moviegoer. :(

posted by BlackLeotardFront to Media & Arts (1 answer total)

I don't know the answer, but would point you in the direction of NATO (no, not that one; the other one). They would plausibly have data on such things. I've reached out to them more than once when conducting scholarly research, and they were entirely professional and helpful.

They have, for instance, data on the number of movie screens, which suggests they may have the more granular data you're looking for.
posted by Dr. Wu at 10:38 AM on January 23