Machines like the or the DFT Scanity (modified for 15-perf) are the workhorses. These are "film gates" machined to thousandths of an inch.
The raw scan is saved as a or EXR sequence. These are uncompressed (or losslessly compressed) log files. Even with modern compression, a feature film fits on a hard drive the size of a pizza box. But that drive weighs a lot.
IMAX film scanning is the process of converting large-format IMAX film negatives or positives into high-resolution digital files. It's how the unparalleled detail and wide aspect ratio of IMAX analog footage are preserved, restored, and prepared for modern digital projection, archival storage, or finishing workflows. For filmmakers, archivists, and cinephiles, a proper IMAX scan is the bridge between the film’s tactile richness and today’s digital distribution and restoration tools. imax film scan
The demand for scanning IMAX film is not just a relic of the past; it is currently booming. In April 2025, Digital Orchard Group and Kodak Film Lab London announced a massive upgrade to their 65mm scanning capabilities. This investment was made in response to the "booming resurgence of analog film," driven by Oscar-winning films shot on Kodak stock.
In an era dominated by digital cinema, the massive film stock used by IMAX cameras remains the gold standard for image capture. However, even films shot on the most gigantic rolls of 70mm must eventually become the digital files used for editing, visual effects, and ultimately, distribution to thousands of digital projectors. IMAX film scanning is the sophisticated, time-consuming process of digitizing this analog treasure, pixel by painstaking pixel. Machines like the or the DFT Scanity (modified
: Unlike the fixed pixel grids of digital sensors, film captures light on randomly distributed silver halide crystals. High-resolution scans aim to preserve this organic "grain," which contributes to the format’s unique texture. The Scanning & Post-Production Workflow
Would you like a more technical breakdown of scanning resolutions, bit depths, or recommended scanning services? These are uncompressed (or losslessly compressed) log files
: High-end scanners capture each frame individually. In some archival or restoration projects, such as the preservation of "ReBoot: The Ride," original IMAX film elements are scanned to recover visual data that surpassed the quality of original 1990s broadcast masters. 3. Aspect Ratios and Distribution
Most people think 4K is the peak. For film purists, it’s just the baseline. What you’re seeing is a high-resolution scan of a single 70mm IMAX frame. While digital relies on fixed pixel grids, this analog negative captures light on randomly distributed silver halide crystals, reaching a theoretical resolution of up to 18K .