Why? Because most IMAX theaters converted to digital xenon or laser systems, which do not use film. The remaining 70mm projectors—mainly in museums (The Tech Interactive in San Jose, the BFI London IMAX) and specialty theaters—faced a crisis. Kodak no longer manufactured the "06" stock in high volume.
If a home theater hobbyist says they are "running IMAX 06," they likely mean they have four overhead speakers placed 6 feet above the listening position. They are not talking about film stock. Part 5: How to Identify Authentic IMAX 06 Collectibles For collectors, "IMAX 06" is the holy grail. After a film run ends, IMAX prints are usually stripped and recycled for silver content. However, some "show prints" are sold or given to archive houses. imax 06
The stock was the solution. It was thick enough to handle the torque of the "Roller Lap" platter system (invented for IMAX) but flexible enough to not crack in cold projection booths. Part 2: Why "06" Matters for Picture Quality For the average moviegoer, a scratch is a scratch. For an IMAX projectionist, scratches on an "IMAX 06" print are a catastrophe, but scratches on a standard print are just wear. Kodak no longer manufactured the "06" stock in high volume
The "IMAX 06" spiritual successor is actually , but purists argue that digital "1.43:1" projection lacks the "warmth" and "depth" of the 06 emulsion. Part 5: How to Identify Authentic IMAX 06