Kramer IMAX Theatre’s 70mm projector down for ‘Oppenheimer’ opening night, Friday’s shows

The opening night of “Oppenheimer” at the Kramer IMAX Theatre didn’t go off with the bang most people wanted.

Right before the screening was about to start Thursday, staff informed viewers the 70-millimetre film projector wasn’t working and the movie would be shown with the new laser system instead.

Ryan Holota, the chief operating officer of the Saskatchewan Science Centre, said moviegoers didn’t seem to mind.

“Most of the people that went to the show (Thursday) night were really impressed with the laser system and said that they were very happy,” he said Friday.

Holota said that early Thursday morning, staff tried to turn on the system and were greeted with flashing lights and numerous error codes. He said the issue most likely has something to do with the programming or a sensor.

Technicians have been working since Thursday to repair the issue, Holota said. He isn’t sure when the projector will be up and running again.

“These projectors are large pieces of machinery and they do break down sometimes,” he said. “We are disappointed about it but everybody is doing everything they can to get them up and running again.”

The screenings Friday are to be shown with the laser projector.

“Oppenheimer” was captured using 70mm film. The Kramar IMAX Theatre is one of only six theatres in Canada and 30 in the world presenting the film in IMAX 70mm.

“We happen to not only be one of those locations, but we also still have projectionists and technicians that are able to operate that system and keep it running,” Holota said.

He’s aware that people have travelled long distances to see the movie. One man travelled from Winnipeg to see the film; he was told to speak with staff afterwards about fair compensation.

“We are looking for ways to make that right with them,” he said.

Holota said the film is worth the wait.

“If you don’t need to see it this weekend, there’s plenty of opportunity to see it in the future. Those shows in the future will be on IMAX film,” he said.

Holota said ticket sales have been really strong and this weekend’s screenings are almost completely sold out. The last screening is set for Aug. 10.

The Kramer IMAX Theatre has the largest movie screen in the province at 50 feet tall and 70 feet wide. It also has IMAX 12-channel surround sound.

“You really do need to turn your head to see all of the corners. Everything around you just kind of disappears and what’s on the screen fills your whole field of view,” Holota said.

The film projector uses giant rolls of film called IMAX 15/70mm film. Each frame is 70mm and there are 15 sprockets per frame. A sprocket hole is a small rectangular hole found on film strips on the top and bottom. They are used to guide the film through the camera.

“Oppenheimer” is just over three hours long. It’s the longest IMAX movie ever made.

“We actually had to get extensions on the film platter so that the film would fit on the film platter, on the machines,” said Holota.

The film came in 53 pieces that needed to be assembled.

The theatre itself also has a new look after completing its renovations on July 14. The auditorium has new, wider seats and improved carpets and the biggest addition is the laser projector.

Moviegoers with tickets to upcoming shows who want the 70mm film experience should contact the Kramer IMAX Theatre with any questions.

— With files from 980 CJME’s Lisa Schick