The Dark Knight Rises is easily the summer’s most anticipated movies. Not only does it complete director Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins trilogy started in 2005, but it utilizes IMAX film making techniques like no other mainstream Hollywood to date.

And if you want to see Nolan’s extraordinary film this Thursday in all its IMAX glory, the way he wants you to see it, one of your only options in the country (yes the entire United States) is right here in Huntsville, at our very own Space and Rocket Center’s Spacedome IMAX.

Iwhat?

A popular buzzword in the entertainment industry these days is IMAX. But what exactly does it mean?

When most people refer to IMAX, they are talking about the giant screens, but IMAX has evolved into much, much more.

It is chiefly it is a way of making films that utilizes special cameras and large-scale film. Batman director Christopher Nolan brought this technique into mainstream Hollywood. Prior to Nolan this technique was used almost exclusively by documentary filmakers for subjects such as ocean life and space travel.

Why IMAX?

Why should you see The Dark Knight Rises in IMAX? Sure, it’s a big ol’ screen. But really, is it anything more than a ploy by the CEO’s to get a few extra bucks from you? Here’s what Nolan has to say about the experience of the film and IMAX:

“Having shot almost half the picture with large-format IMAX film cameras, it is very important to me that we show The Dark Knight Rises in the IMAX film format wherever possible. Audiences everywhere should be assured that every presentation of the film will be of the highest standard—having benefited from the clarity and depth IMAX cameras offer. However, these 102 screens will showcase the original IMAX film photography in its optimum form, and I hope anyone who has an opportunity to experience the film in these theatres will seek it out.”  from Warner Brothers

Not enough for you? How about these IMAX specs: [pullquote align=”right”]”It is very important to me that we show The Dark Knight Rises in the IMAX film format wherever possible.[…] I hope anyone who has an opportunity to experience the film in these theatres will seek it out.” -director Christopher Nolan [/pullquote]

• Screen is roughly as tall as an eight-story building
• The format involving special cameras and large-scale film
• IMAX version of the frame is about 10 times larger with 10 times the resolution
• a home HD television screen with 1,920 pixels of horizontal resolution. An Imax frame, meanwhile, has a resolution upward of 18,000 pixels,

David Keighley, chief quality officer for IMAX, told the New York Times, “[IMAX] helps make the audience really feel like they’re in the picture.”

IMAX in Huntsville

Think you’ve got a lot of options when it comes to IMAX theatres? Think again! Film IMAX theaters are few and far between: 103 in America and of those only 67 will be showing The Dark Knight Rises. And if you want to see the film at midnight on Thursday, you better hurry. According to the Huffington Post, of all the IMAX theaters showing Dark Knight, six don’t have midnight showings and 49 others are already sold out at midnight.

But guess where you can still get seats? The Spacedome IMAX at the Space and Rocket and Center in Huntsville.

Here’s what midnight movie-goers in Huntsville will enjoy at the Dark Knight show:

• All ticket holders receive an exclusive limited edition Bane print
• Cost: $10 for general admission
• OR $14 for VIP seats, which includes the best seats in the theater and a medium popcorn with soda. (Note: as of 7/16 all VIP seats are sold out for the midnight show, but VIP seating is also available during the entire 1st and 2nd weekend run of the Dark Knight run)
• Click here to get your tickets

The Dark Knight Rises: The Movie

In case you’ve been living under a rock and need the plot:

Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “The Dark Knight Rises” is the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy.

It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anti-crime Dent Act.

But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane. Synopsis from Warner Brothers.

Event Information

Event: The Dark Knight Rises: Midnight Screening
Date: Friday, July 20th
Time: 12:01am
Location: US Space and Rocket Center Spacedome IMAX Theatre
Cost: $10 general admission; $14 VIP
Purchase tickets: Click here

Event: The Dark Knight Rises IMAX Schedule at US Space and Rocket Center
Dates: July 20th-August 16th
Times: Monday-Thursday: 1pm, 4pm and 7pm; an additional 10pm show Friday-Sunday
Location: US Space and Rocket Center Spacedome IMAX Theatre
Cost: $10 general admission; $14 VIP 1st & 2nd weekend ONLY (limited number. check website for  availability)
Tickets: Click here to purchase