Added: Jul 28, 2023
In episode 272 of the Reel Blend podcast, the hosts discuss the top five movies of 2023 so far and the impressive box office performance of "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer." The hosts are joined by David and Patricia Keeley, Chief Quality Gurus at IMAX, who share their insights on working with Christopher Nolan and ensuring the best quality for IMAX screenings.The podcast begins with the hosts expressing their excitement over the success of "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" at the box office. The films have collectively earned over $500 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful weekends in box office history. The hosts discuss the significance of this achievement and the impact it has on the industry. They then move on to discuss the other films that have been released this summer and their underperformance compared to "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer." They speculate on the reasons behind this and the factors that contributed to the success of the two films. They also mention the success of "Elemental," which has remained in the top ten for several weeks, defying initial box office predictions. The podcast then transitions to the main topic of the episode, which is the top five movies of 2023 so far. The hosts reveal their individual lists, which include films like "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," "Barbie," "John Wick 4," "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," and "Oppenheimer." They discuss their reasons for choosing these films and the impact they had on them personally. The hosts delve into a detailed discussion of each film, highlighting their strengths and what sets them apart. They praise the performances, storytelling, and technical aspects of the films. They also discuss the emotional impact and the unique experiences they had while watching them. The hosts express their excitement for the future films of 2023, including new releases from directors like Martin Scorsese and Bradley Cooper. They reflect on the incredible year of cinema so far and the anticipation for what is to come. The conversation then shifts to the interview with David and Patricia Keighley, who have been involved in the IMAX format for over 50 years. They talk about their love for the format and how they got involved in the industry. They explain that they were drawn to the immersive and organic nature of IMAX, which offers a more authentic and engaging cinematic experience. David and Patricia discuss their work with Christopher Nolan and the importance of attention to detail in the IMAX format. They explain that they are constantly looking for ways to improve the quality of the presentation, focusing on factors like focus, sound level, and speaker alignment. They also discuss the challenges of finding experienced projectionists and the scarcity of theaters capable of showing films in the IMAX format. The hosts then ask about the popularity of IMAX screenings and the difficulty of getting tickets. David and Patricia explain that the scarcity of IMAX screenings is due to the limited number of films available in the format. They emphasize the need for more filmmakers to capture on film and follow through with the photochemical process to create release prints. They also mention the challenges of finding qualified technicians and the importance of maintaining the quality of IMAX screens. The conversation then turns to the impact of IMAX on the cinematic experience. The hosts discuss the immersive and communal nature of IMAX screenings, where audiences are engaged and excited about the film. They mention the importance of sound in creating an immersive experience and the advancements made in sound technology to balance the dialogue and the bombastic moments in films. The hosts ask about the biggest challenge facing individual theaters in presenting films in IMAX. David and Patricia explain that the tuning of the theater is crucial to achieving the right balance of sound and picture. They emphasize the importance of technicians going into the auditorium and listening to the presentation to ensure its quality. They also mention the need for more attention to detail in each auditorium and the challenges of finding experienced projectionists. The interview concludes with a discussion of the love and passion David and Patricia have for the IMAX format and their work with Christopher Nolan. They talk about their history together and how they have shared their love for IMAX over the years. They mention the challenges and changes they have experienced in the industry but express their commitment to maintaining the excellence and authenticity of the IMAX format. Overall, this podcast episode provides insights into the top movies of the year and the importance of the IMAX format in creating an immersive cinematic experience. The interview with David and Patricia Keighley offers a behind-the-scenes look at the work involved in presenting films in IMAX and the challenges faced by theaters and technicians. The episode highlights the passion and dedication of those involved in the IMAX format and their commitment to delivering the best possible cinematic experience.