Entertainment
Scarcity of projectors limits 70mm movie format despite surging sales
Engadget reports that IMAX recorded record growth, but only 41 theaters globally support its 70mm film format.
The short version
- IMAX had its best year in 2025 with sales rising about 40 percent year over year despite broader theater industry stagnation.[Engadget]
- The 70mm film presentation format uses horizontal film feeds and 15 perforations per frame, delivering significantly higher image resolution.[Engadget]
- Only 41 theaters worldwide support 70mm IMAX screenings because no new film projectors have been built in roughly 50 years.[Engadget]
Key facts
- IMAX achieved its highest sales year in history in 2025, increasing revenue by roughly 40 percent year over year.[Engadget]
- Only 41 theaters worldwide, including 32 in North America, are equipped to project IMAX 70mm film.[Engadget]
- IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond stated that the company has not manufactured a new film projector in approximately 50 years.[Engadget]
- IMAX utilizes aspect ratios of 1:90:1 for digital showings and 1:43:1 for film projection.[Engadget]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unclear whether modern engineers will be able to recreate original 70mm film projectors due to missing blueprints, scarce parts, and lost institutional expertise.[Engadget]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.