Skip to main content

IMAX is going VR, so put on your headsets and hold on

imax vr 50 million screens get smaller
Image used with permission by copyright holder
For years, IMAX has presented audiences with cinematic experiences that were larger than life. But now, instead of just showing you enormous dinosaurs on some of the biggest screens in the world, IMAX wants you to walk alongside them. That is, if the firm can get their ambitious virtual reality project off the ground. And now that it has raised $50 million to do just that, it looks like your next IMAX experience may be out of this world — or at least, this reality.

Late last week, IMAX announced that it had “completed the first phase of a $50 million virtual reality fund between IMAX and other strategic investors to help finance the creation of at least 25 interactive VR content experiences over the next three years for use across all VR platforms including in IMAX VR centers.” That means that at some point in the near future, we’ll be able to enjoy higher-quality VR content on really, really giant screens.

Recommended Videos

IMAX’s partners in its ambitious VR endeavors, which will ultimately focus on “premium, event-style productions,” include such industry heavyweights as Acer, Creative Artists Agency, China Media Capital, WPP, and The Raine Group.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

“IMAX has built its legacy on using innovation and creative collaboration to drive the further adoption of new technologies. Today, we are expanding upon that legacy by teaming up with leaders across the media, entertainment and technology space to unlock a new level of premium, high-quality content for use throughout the VR ecosystem,” said IMAX Corporation’s CEO Richard L. Gelfond in a statement. “We will be leveraging our collective relationships with world-class filmmakers and content creators to fund VR experiences that excite and attract a larger user base to capitalize on opportunities across all VR platforms including IMAX VR.”

Ultimately, the hope is for IMAX audiences to “see, feel, move, and play in new worlds in a powerfully immersive and realistic way,” the company says. “With VR in its ascendancy, this initiative is a key step in ensuring that more high-quality content makes its way to various VR platforms, including IMAX VR centers,” added IMAX’s chief business development officer Robert D. Lister. “We were extremely pleased with the significant interest we received from such a prominent group of investors, and together, we look forward to helping usher in the next generation of highly differentiated, highly immersive VR content experiences to audiences worldwide.”

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
This new VR headset beats the Vision Pro in one key way and is half the price
Pimax Crystal Super and Light VR headsets appear on a dark background.

While the Apple Vision Pro offers ultra-high-resolution displays with 23 million pixels, the staggering $3,500 price might inspire you to look for Vision Pro alternatives.

Good news: Pimax just announced two new VR headsets, including a budget model that costs as low as $799 and a more advanced version starting at $1,799. Both are based on the design of one of the best VR headsets currently available -- the Pimax Crystal that launched in May 2023 for $1,599 -- but come with a serious upgrade in terms of resolution.
Pimax Crystal Super

Read more
Meta Quest 4: here’s everything we know so far
The Quest Pro has great hand-tracking capabilities.

Ready for the Meta Quest 4? Considering how big of an upgrade the Quest 3 was when it launched in 2023, Meta’s next release could have amazing new features that end up making it one of the best VR headsets yet.

Meta is still probably a couple of years out from releasing the successor to the Quest 3, but with all the new competition, it's worth considering what to expect. There haven't been many rumors yet, but here's what hope to see in the Meta Quest 4.
Quest 4 launch date
The Meta Quest 3 (left) and Quest Pro Alan Truly / Digital Trends

Read more
Your Quest 3 just got so much better — for free
First Encounter is the perfect introduction to mixed reality on Quest 3.

First Encounter is the perfect introduction to mixed reality on the Quest 3. Meta

The Quest 3 already boasted the best mixed reality experience of any VR headset other than the Apple Vision Pro. Now, as part of the v64 update, the Quest 3's passthrough quality is about to get even better, with less graininess in lower light, more detail, and better handling of phone screens.

Read more