Movie Theaters Key Terms

Watch for new trends by studying movie theaters key terms

By Tara McClendon, Freelance Writer/Editor Tara McClendon

Going to movie theaters is a popular way of relaxing for millions of people, and as such, the industry continues to evolve with new technology designed to pack the house. Movie theaters key terms can help you keep current with trends, and in some cases, explain why one movie theater charges more than another. For example, an IMAX theater ticket can cost as much as three times the price of a regular theater show. By knowing the key terms, you'll be able to decide whether it's worth paying the extra cost.

IMAX

An IMAX theater is a theater that uses technology from the Canadian firm IMAX Corp.in order to show images in a larger size and in a higher resolution than a regular theater. IMAX theaters may have screens that dome, or curve, in order to enhance the experience.
Try: The Franklin offers information on its IMAX theater and includes specifications to help explain why it's a unique type of theater.

Megaplex

Although some people use the term megaplex to refer to a theater with several individual screens, a true megaplex is a theater with at least 14 screens. Each screen is in its own auditorium, allowing for the theater to show 14 or more movies simultaneously.
Try: Cinema Treasures provides a detailed definition of a megaplex, as well as its history.

Stadium seating

Stadium seating uses risers to elevate each row of seats so that movie watchers have a clear view of the screen no matter where they sit.
Try: View an example of stadium seating and read a brief description of it at The BigScreen Cinema Guide.

Digital sound, digital theater system, DTS

Digital sound is a method of audio technology used in many of today's movie theaters. With DTS, the quality of sound is better than with older versions of sound technology.
Try: HowStuffWorks provides an in-depth look at the technology used to create DTS. It also provides a history of its use.

3D, three-dimensional

With 3D, movies don't stay on the screen, they literally jump off the screen. Or so it seems. Digital 3D is a specific type of technology utilized to make the film appear with three dimensions as opposed to two-dimensional (2D) technology.
Try: Dolby, a leading provider of digital 3D technology, provides an explanation for why this technology is becoming such a popular option for movie theaters.

Luxury theaters

A luxury movie theater takes the movie watching experience to a new level. Whether it's building a theater with luxury seating like reclining armchairs or providing tables so movie watchers can eat during the film, these theaters strive to add luxury to the experience. Usually, tickets cost more for these theaters than regular admission at a megaplex.
Try: Variety reports on the features, including reclining armchairs, of some luxury theaters scheduled to open on a nationwide basis.