I visited IMAX halls 7 times for Oppenheimer during its original theatrical run before the TGV Laser upgrades, all Klang Valley's halls except I-City's. That and I have bought the blu ray and watched the shit out of the film. So... Oooof. Im watching the film in BJ Pav to just check the tick box la, that and assessing a true IMAX film here.

Velocity is the bomb, hope you enjoy your time there.

This post has been edited by Katharsis: Jan 20 2024, 03:21 PM

That's the big IMAX film of this year. Hope that a Laser GT hall will open alongside or during the film's air time. Other than that, it will be the best film to test out the capabilities of the 12 channel audio TGV and a small copy extend of GSC have been promoting about.

Nice! Thanks to you, we get exact numbers of screen utilization in Klang Valley's IMAX halls. For non-Selangor/Klang Valley citizens, you can check here for your IMAX screen size to do some self-calculation: https://reddit.com/r/malaysia/comments/va0t...mas_in_malaysia (wtf, Kuching's IMAX screen is also 1.43:1 and is only slightly behind the size of Velocity's)

I was referring to Dune 2, not the first but is Dune 1 actually getting an IMAX re-run in Malaysia? I was lucky enough to watch Dune in IMAX in Velocity back in 2021, it was the last screening day of it and boy was it something. I hope it gets an IMAX re-run so people can see large scale the film can be as the blu-ray is only in 2.39:1. Here's a comparison here between standard 2.39:1, 1.9:1 and 1.43:1 for Dune:



Usually, this isn't that big of a deal as some filmmakers like Nolan shoot to protect, which means the same scene in different aspect ratios will still retain key points of interests and artistic vision. However, for Dune's case...



Look at how much key objects you're missing in this shot. Granted, this is 1.43:1 vs 2.39:1 and I can't find a 1.9:1 image of this scene, but you can do a visual estimation and yeah, you still lose a small chunk of the top and bottom image. Despite that, I believe 1.9:1 for Dune is still good enough to convey the large scale of the scenes, hence why I do recommend people interested to check out Dune 1 if it's going to have a re-run in IMAX.

4DX cost the same here in KV, at least at IOI City Mall. KL side like Lalaport is RM39.50 but not much difference la. IMAX right now for Fighter is only showing in IMAX 3D at TGV, which is at RM42. GSC not showing anything in IMAX other than Oppenheimer right now, even then, the price is whack at RM31

Normal IMAX even in Johor should be RM35, lower if other age groups. The Argylle IMAX ticket prices aren't available to book in other states yet, so can wait to check the ticket prices of that one lah.

Not to say no love for 4DX, I remembered my Top Gun 2 4DX trip which was a blast with the motion seats. It's just I prefer a bigger screen, better image quality and strong surround sound. 4DX is strong mostly for the seats and "weather effects."

Ticket prices also pretty high at RM40 average, and even early bird/student prices are at RM31, so if got choice, I would choose IMAX/Big DA over 4DX. I think I'll go for 4DX if i watch a film first in IMAX/Big, after that, if the action is very strong, it specifically motion wise, I'll opt for 4DX la, but yeah, mainly ticket prices and preference dictates my choice here.

No fucking way an IMAX ticket like that would cost RM65, actually RM80 for the normal rate.

Considering the screen looks to be 1.9:1 with single laser projector and 12 audio source, the more than 2x the price of adult IMAX tickets is for what? Luxury food and more comfortable seats? I guess for this is targeted at the niche audience of couples wanting a luxury, romantic date but with IMAX? Even then, technical specs wise, you're still getting the same experience from TGV, even GSC'S IOI City Mall's IMAX Laser (granted, this hall is half the audio channels, but the screen is still 1.9:1 and modestly large). As you said, @megakeygen_zero, it's not even the largest, let alone a 1.43:1 one, and for that price premium!

I need some first party measurements of the screen, dude. Second largest while being more than twice the price of the normal rates is obscene for what it currently offers technical specs wise.

This post has been edited by Katharsis: Feb 4 2024, 09:59 PM

*Dune re-run price update TGV got back to me and has changed the price to RM20, curious if they will refund the surcharge to those who already paid RM35 for the tickets prior to the adjustment. Overall, great news and happy TGV did this.

Original post:
Huh, you're right, and it's not only Sunway Velocity, Central I-City TGV IMAX tickets for Dune's re-run is also RM35. Everywhere else at TGV IMAX is RM20. I've contacted their customer support for details, hopefully I will get a reply soon.

Hey man, while doing research for this post, I noticed some of your screen dimensions are false. The most identifiable one is Velocity's height being at 13.6m instead of the actual 19.41m. The sources I got from are from https://lfexaminer.com/theaters/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/malaysia/comments/...as_in_malaysia/. Still a nice try to identify IMAX actual movie image to screen utilization in Malaysia.

Dune re-run and Dune 2 IMAX hall recommendations

This is an update to my post here: https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...ost&p=108215249. Some info are outdated as that post was made before the TGV IMAX Laser upgrades. Main changes are that Velocity has removed their twin-seats in favour of singles at the good middle seating spots, and all TGV IMAX Laser hall seats are now Glide and have 12-channel audio. Aside from that, most of the points made in that post still hold true to this date. The main thing that is constant is that all halls can only display up to 1.9:1 aspect ratio, just like the previous Xenon projectors. I still recommend checking that post out if you're looking for hall photos and general stuff outside of technical specifications like recommended seats etc. (Pav BJ is in a future post at page 33, Post #648). Anyway, on with the post.

Dune's re-run and it's sequel in March will be the true IMAX films to properly test the 12-channel audio tech from the new IMAX locations for us to properly experience. While yes, we had other prior IMAX films that fully utilized the 12-channel audio set-up, however, to my knowledge, they are either comic book movies and/or films converted for IMAX, which originally was audio mixed for Dolby Atmos. In terms of image size, both films will only display at a 1.9:1 aspect ratio here in Malaysia since we currently do not have any IMAX Laser GT/dual laser and OG 70mm halls to properly view the films' intended full, tall image at 1.43:1.

Quick disclaimer, considering IMAX Laser, let alone with 12-channel audio is scarce and are only located in Klang Valley. The old Xenon IMAX halls are still be recommended for films like Dune as these films were made specifically to be displayed on a taller screen, ala, IMAX (and the fact that these films will be cropped at a wider 2.39:1 in other non-IMAX halls cause IMAX be monopolizing the tall screen business ooof). The only IMAX hall in Malaysia I do not recommend visiting is Sunway Pyramid's as that hall's screen is way too small for a good IMAX experience (detailed Pyramid IMAX review can be found in my previous KV IMAX hall review, link above). Other than that, any other IMAX hall should be fine for a good IMAX experience (for actual IMAX screen measurements in Malaysia, check here: https://www.reddit.com/r/malaysia/comments/...s_in_malaysia/)

Summary: the best IMAX halls will of course be IMAX Laser, ideally with 12-channel audio. The only IMAX halls that have this two criteria are TGV (rank 1) Sunway Velocity, (2) 1Utama, (2) Pavilion Bukit Jalil and the newly opened GSC (3* with caveat) Aurum TRX Exchange. (4) IOI-City Mall 2's IMAX hall is IMAX Laser, however does not contain 12-channel audio, only half of that. TGV offers the better value currently for Dune's IMAX re-run at RM20 vs GSC's RM33, though both Velocity and I-City are the only TGV halls to price their tickets at RM35. I have inquired TGV for an explanation, will update this post when I get an answer.

1. The best hall IMAX would be at TGV Sunway Velocity as it contains a big and tall 1.43:1 screen, only one in West Malaysia, and due to it's size, it has the most movie image to screen utilization of any other Malaysian IMAX halls. There will be minor letterboxing (black bars at the top and bottom) due to the fact that the hall can only project at 1.9:1 AR, thus not fully utilizing the entire screen's height, but considering how big and tall the screen is, you'll still be awed at movie image's scale. Top it off with it being upgraded to 12-channel audio and IMAX laser projection, this is currently the best IMAX hall in Malaysia for proper, made for IMAX films.

2. If Velocity is not an convenient option, 1 Utama and Pavillion Bukit Jalil IMAX are also great alternatives as they are both have 12-channel audio and laser projection. 1U's hall has the larger screen, while Pav BJ has a smaller, modest screen (similar to IOI City Mall 2's). However, Pav BJ is a newer, sleeker hall with little design distractions when movie viewing, and in my opinion, has better seating arrangements (legroom primarily) than 1U. Personally, I would still choose 1U over Pav BJ because I prefer a larger screen, but you can't go wrong with either one.

3*. There is also the brand new GSC Aurum TRX IMAX Laser hall with 12-channel audio, however do note that the ticket prices for this hall is very expensive as the cinema chain itself is designed for the luxurious and rich. Currently, the IMAX ticket prices are RM65 per person, and would go up to RM80 post launch promotion. Most of the seats are twin-seats (so the actual ticket price would be RM130/160), with only one row of single seats close to the front of the screen. There's no proper announcement of the screen's actual measurements, but from the looks of it from the promo images, it looks to be similarly sized as IOI City Mall 2's 1.9:1 IMAX. The main attraction for this hall is the more comfortable seats and an abundance of "luxury" meals served to you, and ideally, with your partner at your disposal, as justified from the higher ticket price. This offering is very similar to TGV's Indulge, but unlike Indulge, the hall IMAX.

In my opinion, unless you are looking for a romantic, high class date with your significant other, I do not recommend this hall for the general movie-goers as the halls mentioned prior to this one offers better value at a way better price, especially in Velocity's case as it has the better technical specs ala larger screen. However, if anyone here is willing to bite the bullet and visit here, do take some photos of the hall, especially the screen and post them here, please? You'll be doing a big favour for everyone in this community .

4. Finally, the last IMAX Laser hall in Malaysia, which ironically, is the first IMAX Laser hall to be introduced in Malaysia. IOI City Mall 2's IMAX, at least technology wise, was the best IMAX hall of 2023 as it had the best viewing display of all IMAX, even against Big laser halls. That lasted up until TGV's announcement of IMAX Pav BJ later that year and three future IMAX Laser upgrades at existing halls. IOI lacks the extra 6 speakers for the 12-channel audio set-up like the other halls, so you won't get to fully experience Dune's audio. That aside, it is still a great hall as it has better legroom and in my opinion, more comfortable seats than TGV IMAX's Glide. It's screen is modest and is quite similar to Pav BJ's. The current major downside to this hall is the price at RM33 vs RM20 for Dune's re-run. This honestly makes no sense value wise since it's not even 12-channel audio, unlike TGV's and with that, I only recommend this spot if the TGV IMAX Laser options are inconvenient for you to visit.

Lastly, the rest of the IMAX halls left are the old Xenon projector ones with 6-channel audio. While these Xenon halls have poorer image quality versus IMAX Laser, though really, to many movie-goers, it will still look good and most of the enjoyment will be bolstered from the screen and image's size and scale, rather than image quality. As mentioned from prior paragraphs, any IMAX halls convenient and near you will be good enough (except Pyramid's), however, these two Xenon halls of Central I-City and Vivacity Megamall in my opinion, stands above the other Xenon halls and honestly, even competes with some IMAX Laser halls due to their sheer screen size.

Central I-City wise, without the context and actual number proof of Aurum's TRX IMAX screen size, in terms of a 1.9:1 IMAX screen, I-City is the largest one in Malaysia. I freaking love this hall and I wish it would get a deserved Laser and 12-channel audio upgrade down the road as along with its screen size, the hall is very visually sleek, luxury looking with very good seat legroom. The only downside, at least for me is that it's way too far from my residence as the mall is located in Shah Alam. It took me roughly 2 hours to get there, and another 2 hours back whilst having to deal with traffic and tolls, thus it's not an IMAX hall I will willingly return to, however, it is still one of the best IMAX experiences purely because of the screen size.

Vivacity Megamall I personally haven't visited, but according to the specs found online, it surprisingly has a 1.43:1 screen. It's slightly smaller than Velocity's, but this technically means Vivacity has the 2nd largest IMAX screen in Malaysia... Huh... Sorry I-City. Most of the praise Velocity received should apply to Vivacity too, though it is still a Xenon, 6-channel audio only hall. Nevertheless, at least, according to the screen dimension, this hall should be a blast for 1.9:1 IMAX films (to any East Malaysian IMAX fans here, please do reply and share photos of this hall and its screen, you'll be doing a great service to a nerd like me xd).

Closing notes

I'm quite excited to finally experience a full 12-channel audio IMAX film since that's what TGV has been marketing about with their entry to the IMAX Laser scene. That and my IMAX Dune experience during its original run was bonkers. I do hope the Velocity ticket price gets addressed soon, but otherwise, can't wait for this film and its sequel to come out.

This post has been edited by Katharsis: Feb 8 2024, 01:28 PM

Check out post 711 in page 36 for full details but tldr Velocity is bigger with a 1.43:1 screen, but is single laser and can't display above 1.9:1. 1U's screen is 1.9:1 (actually slightly taller) so the whole screen will be filled during 1.9:1 scenes, but it is smaller in terms of overall image display size vs Velocity, still big tho.

Preference comes down to your tolerance of letterboxing/greyish bars at the top and bottom of the screen

Don't diss 1U IMAX bro. I remember my time having to take 1 hour 20 min-ish trip to 1U to get a good IMAX experience because Velocity's hall had that twin seat bs.

I would take 1U for wide aspect ratio films over Velocity honestly, since wide AR films only display like 1/3 of the screen there. However, Pav BJ opened, I prefer going there over 1U mainly due to distance, but have to drive la vs 1U easy yet long mrt ride

Honestly, with the main hall priorities here being IMAX, I hope we get to see more Dolby stuff coming out. Dolby cinema with Dolby Vision and Atmos would be gladly welcomed in my eyes but considering even some first world countries have not gotten Dolby Cinema... Well, a Malaysian can only hope.

Considering TGV has gotten into the Dolby Atmos game (only one in Pav BJ though), maybe they could also bring in Dolby Cinema. TGV has been doing a lot of right imo over GSC lately and this will seal the deal for high quality cinema halls option.

This post has been edited by Katharsis: Feb 20 2024, 07:39 PM

Ya I have that problem too with Velocity, but I tend to book seats at the middle and at the back of the hall, so I'm able to avoid the floor lights.

Booked it a day later after it started going on sale. God damn man, I cannot wait to watch this film, it's honestly frustrating cause reviews came out and I'm avoiding them, but overall glances of it online shows it to be critically acclaim. Ahhhh!

Oh wow this is your first time, congrats! You're in for a wild ride. F is quite close to the screen imo, and you may have to lean back quite uncomfortably to fully encapsulate the whole screen image, but it should be fine for your first time since you'll learn to understand your own taste in IMAX halls.

Check out post #711 in page 36. It's my extensive guide to IMAX Malaysia. Tldr the best in Klang Valley is Velocity, 1U then Pav BJ as they are IMAX Laser with 12 channel audio. The next best is Central I-City but it's Xenon and 6 channel audio only, however it's still great because that screen is large, largest 1.9:1 screen in Malaysia (3rd largest in general).

Lol sure your wife won't be jealous meh? You experiencing IMAX haha, or you testing first then bring her and maybe your kids there in the future XD?

This post has been edited by Katharsis: Feb 26 2024, 01:34 PM

That's the standard IMAX ticket price, especially for newly released films. TGV has category pricing depending of your age, so if you're planning to bring your parents or kids, you can get a good discount whereas GSC does not offer any tiered pricing.

Only IMAX Laser GT (Grand Theatre, aka dual laser)and OG 70mm IMAX can project a 1.43:1 ratio image, the rest, including Xenon can't. Currently in Malaysia, we do not have these type of tech. We used to have 70MM IMAX at Berjaya Time Square (Source: Thread's OP first post here), but was taken down a decade+ ago due to high maintenance cost. Max we can get right now is 1.9:1 for both single laser and Xenon.

Considering the big surge in IMAX goers ala Avatar 2 and Oppenheimer being major successes in Malaysia according to IMAX Corp, there are ongoing plans to open more IMAX halls in Malaysia: "Malaysia is a fast-growing market for IMAX, consistently ranking among the top 25 global markets for IMAX box office despite having only 11 IMAX locations currently in operation. The growth has spurred IMAX to move further into local films in Malaysia (https://www.imax.com/content/imax-and-tgv-cinemas-expand-partnership-seven-imax-locations-malaysia)"

According to some rumors spread by few posters here, IMAX Laser GT is in the works in Malaysia. Here's hoping it opens in 2024 but honestly, I don't know what other upcoming films will actually be 1.43:1 IMAX as we missed our chance with Oppenheimer and Dune 2. Aside from these two, there are not many films nowadays being made with that tall aspect ratio as most IMAX films go for 1.9:1, so the value of opening a IMAX Laser GT hall is certainly a risk for cinema chains not only in Malaysia, but other countries as well. This is why I'm pretty bumped out by the fact that Velocity didn't get a Laser GT upgrade despite already having a screen capable of it, especially during the period where Oppenheimer's re-run was happening, along with Dune 1 and now Dune 2.

Teens are considered student, so you get can Student price from TGV at RM20, however, this is during the weekdays only and before 6pm. Most of the time, the staff won't ask for student cards since they judge by appearance, so unless your kids look like grown adults, you shouldn't worry too much xd.

Just got out of watching Dune 2 in Velocity IMAX and God damn, I feel winded right now. That movie got me exhausted yet exhilarated in all the right way.

The audii really shines here, can really notice the extra speakers put to good use.

Kong X Godzilla next big one but honestly, I'm hoping we get a proper theatrical release of Godzilla Minus One. It's a crime that this is not released in the rest of South East Asia.

I do think Dune 1's story is more consistent in pacing, but Dune 2 had a lot going on yet still pulled it's journey off with epic grandeur. I did get this feeling where this film felt like more than 3 hours even though it's 2 hour 46 min. There's minor pacing stuff where I felt few of the scenes ended too quickly and didn't allow for a graceful uh.. "sinking in" of what had just happened, like it just transitions to the next scene right after the climax, no time to properly take it in.

It's great, check out post #599 in page 30 for my review + photos (#711 page 36 for laser update review). It's the 2nd best IMAX Laser + 12-channel audio hall in Malaysia.

Congratulations on experiencing IMAX for the first time. I do agree that Dolby Atmos has the better audio. Mainly because they have more speakers than IMAX (12 channel audio or 6 in older halls vs Dolby 64+)

In regards to your previous post with the inside out 2 trailer, wider AR/2.39:1 films will look small because of how tall the screen is vs how wide it is, hence why I don't recommend this hall for adqpted to IMAX films. However, when viewing 1.9:1 scenes, the image will look huge. Anyway, glad you enjoyed your time there.

Check out post #599 in page 30 for my review of that hall which includes seat recommendations. J is my recommendation whilst F is the max I would take. I avoid H mainly due to the safety rail in front of it as it blocks some part of the screen below.

I think Furiosa will be 2.39:1, researching a bit of it and it's mostly a Dolby focused movie adapted into IMAX. I'll probably visit Starling or MyTown BigScreen for this one.

There are films which will play at 1.9:1 regardless of whether its presented in IMAX or not. For example, last year's The Flash displayed at 1.9:1 in BigScreen (personally watched it in MyTown Big). Most of the time, aspect ratio of films will not be openly revealed to audiences, as most big budget films will always advertise "for IMAX" or "view in IMAX" etc, so best for you to search online. Typically, IMAX tends to make exclusive deals with movie publishers for exclusive rights for the taller aspect ratio (Marvel movies for example), it's pretty monopolistic but that's the cutthroat business I guess.

At that time, it should've been Maxx, no? BigScreen was introduced by MBO in 2016 I think? This was way after BTS closed that hall for good.

On a different note, you one of the lucky few who experienced what was essentially 70mm IMAX screen, lucky you.

:/. You know the movie season is dry when they are re-screening this film in IMAX like the 4th time or something. I say that even though I'm considering re-watching it in IMAX for the gazillion time lol.

This post has been edited by Katharsis: Mar 15 2024, 08:50 PM

I watched Top Gun Maverick 2 years back in 1U's Screenx hall, I made a post about here but essentially imo it's bad. the screens from the left and right messes with the middle screen's image, as the light from the screens reflect off each other at the edge angle, making the image look bad. The audio too feels like it's coming from the front side only (meaning the only speakers in the hall is behind the middle screen). The worst part is that only like 2/3 of the film uses the middle screen, as I believe the side screens are only utilized during 1.9:1 scenes.

It's really a gimmick, and only works if the film is fully filmed at 1.9:1. So maybe Marvel movies (they advertised a lot for Spider-Man No Way Home at that time as the film, though IMAX exclusive for 1.9:1, utilized the side screens fully) and special ones like Avatar 2 would benefit. Otherwise, skip it and just go to the old wing of 1U for IMAX.

I mean depends on what your preference for the best screen. If image quality over anything, Onyx is the best (Tropicana Gardens and Mid Valley). If a large screen, then IMAX, particularly in Velocity or I-City. If a combination of image quality and size, BIG DA halls for imo better audio with decent image quality (particularly Starling, MyTown and Tropicana Gardens) or IMAX Laser with larger screens and better image quality.

I like this hall a lot as well, especially the hall design, dark, non-intrusive and very comfy. I also believe the speakers are stronger and clearer but that;s because they are newer compared to 1U's and Velocity's. Sure, the screen is smaller, but this is my go-to IMAX for 2.39:1 movies instead of IOI City Mall, mainly cause of the extra speakers and better ticket pricing personally.