"Nezha 2" tops the list! What are the differences between IMAX, 2D, and 3D movie viewing?

Review expert: Zhou Yu, professor and vice dean of the School of Journalism and Communication, South China University of Technology

On February 18, the cumulative box office (including pre-sales) of "Nezha: The Devil Boy Conquers the Dragon King" topped the global animation film box office list!

With more than 1,900 special effects shots and the ultimate polishing of a team of 4,000 people, "Nezha 2" has become the "special effects ceiling" of the 2025 Spring Festival.

2D, 3D, IMAX and other screening versions have broadened the range of options available. What are the differences between them? How can you find the most suitable viewing experience for yourself?

First of all, you need to understand that in the projection system, the screen and the projector are the two key elements, one in front and one behind.

The human eye's horizontal field of view is approximately 160-180 degrees. A wider screen can fill more of the audience's field of view, making people forget the existence of the edge of the screen, thereby enhancing the immersive experience of watching the movie.

A large screen requires good picture quality, and the quality of the projection depends on the projector at the back of the theater.

The development of digital projectors has promoted the transformation of a series of technical indicators such as resolution, frame rate, brightness, contrast, 3D effect, etc. 2D, 3D, and IMAX movies also have corresponding specific configurations.

2D: Basic but accurate visual presentation

2D movies are the most traditional movie projection format, which uses flat images to present movie content. During the projection process, the movie image is transmitted from a digital source (such as DCP format) or film to the screen through a projector (usually digital projection).

Since only a flat screen is presented without depth information, 2D does not need to use any stereoscopic technology. Without the interference of stereoscopic effect, the colors and details of 2D movies are often clearer. Its direct viewing through the naked eye also makes the viewing experience of 2D movies easier, especially suitable for long-term viewing.

3D: Creating a "virtual" space for you

The human eyes observe objects at slightly different angles. By comparing and analyzing this "parallax", the brain can perceive the distance and depth of objects, which is the "three-dimensional sense".

3D movies use the principle of binocular parallax to simulate the depth effect seen by the human eye by projecting different images to the left and right eyes respectively.

The most common 3D technologies include polarized light (separating left and right eye images through special glasses) and shutter glasses technology (displaying left and right eye images separately by quickly switching the light-blocking state of the glasses). When watching 3D movies, you need to wear special glasses to achieve the three-dimensional effect through hardware.

Image source: dpreview.com

3D technology simulates the parallax of the left and right eyes, making objects in the picture seem to have thickness and depth, making the audience feel as if they are in a "virtual" space, greatly enhancing the sense of immersion in viewing.

Do you sometimes feel like you’re watching “fake 3D”?

Why do some 3D movies seem to be "fake 3D" with only three-dimensional subtitles, even though they are all labeled "3D"?

In fact, there are two ways to achieve 3D effects . The so-called "true 3D" requires the use of a dual-lens 3D camera to shoot, and the three-dimensional effect is achieved by adjusting the disparity; while "fake 3D" (post-production conversion) is achieved by post-production conversion, using software to simulate the disparity of 2D materials.

Generally speaking, there are some differences in the effects between "true 3D" and converted 3D movies. The latter cannot achieve 3D effects in many places, and the picture is darker.

Therefore, not all 2D movies are suitable for conversion into 3D versions. This is why sometimes non-native 3D movies are not as comfortable to watch as 2D ones.

IMAX: The Ultimate Immersive Experience

IMAX can be said to be the "pinnacle" of film technology. It not only provides a larger screen and higher-definition picture quality, but also brings an unparalleled immersive experience to the audience through all-round sound and picture optimization.

Image source: Movie "Nezha: The Devil Boy Conquers the Dragon King"

IMAX's features are its extra-large screen and IMAX cameras, which allow audiences to see 26% to 40% more images than ordinary screens, almost filling the audience's entire field of vision. Currently, the most widely used is digital IMAX, and the best is laser IMAX.

The projector and screen technology used by IMAX has a higher resolution, can display more delicate images than regular movies, and is much brighter than standard projection, ensuring that the images remain clear and sharp on the big screen.

Acoustic and geometric design of IMAX theaters

Image source: imax.com

The seats, screens and sound layout of IMAX theaters are specially designed to provide more accurate sound positioning and shocking bass effects. In addition, IMAX has also optimized the sound system and used customized surround sound technology.

Both picture and sound are important factors that affect the viewing experience. Therefore, compared with ordinary theaters, IMAX theaters can bring a comprehensive improvement in visual and auditory experience to the audience.

Image source: NetEase Data Reading