George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones came to life on the big screen
It was loud, it was bloody, and it was awesome. For the first time ever, a television show was shown on an IMAX screen. It makes sense that it was this show. At Comic Con in San Diego, showrunner David Bennioff discussed how every season is filmed like a 10-hour-movie.
Game of Thrones (GoT) has consistently deserved the hype it receives by the main stream media. With multiple Emmy’s, SAG awards, and other accomplishments, like fastest pirated show under its belt it’s no surprise something big was on the way. With a Metacritic score over 80 per cent since launch, GoT has continued to climb in popularity and critical success.
Although the nearest IMAX movie theatre in Kitchener had less than a dozen people turn up to see the film at the late night showing, this must not have been the case all over the world. On opening weekend, the two Game of Thrones episodes from the end of Season Four, “The Watchers on the Wall” and “The Children” grossed $1.5 million. With that dollar count, GoT in IMAX managed to claim the 15th spot at the box office.
IMAX is a Canadian brain child that started as early as 1967 in Montreal at the World Expo. Founders Graeme Ferguson and Roman Kroitor first failed at multi-projection systems, but then moved towards a singular epic projection with much success. The first permanent IMAX theatre was installed at Ontario Place and you can still see it today, minus the current renovation. If not for these men and their other found associates, the world would not have Game of Thrones in IMAX.
As for the feel and effect of the show in IMAX – it was impressive. The feeling of the epic theme song will rally your attention from the start.
SPOILER ALERT
The first episode featured is a huge battle along the frozen wall at Castle Black. Game of Thrones has consistently used high film-grade animation to create a real world, and this was no exception. The battle scene that takes place is vicious and filled with action, but also dramatically compelling. These are characters fans have spent over 30 hours with, entrenched in a battle for their lives. This episode is focused only on the plot line of the wall which makes it a very unique standalone treat.
In the second episode showcased, “The Children,” Brandon Stark and company make their way to a mystical den and encounter a group of skeleton warriors. This wasn’t the only action in the episode, but in good taste, it may be best to leave rest in the books and on-screen.
What is worth mentioning is that you have not heard one of Kahleesi’s dragon scream until you’re in an IMAX theatre and have heard it coming at you from every direction. If you love the Game of Thrones and can muster the $17, it’s certainly worth the investment for a full sensory trip to Westeros.