IMAX Introduces Home Theater Systems

As F. Scott Fitzgerald said, the rich are different from you and me. For one thing, while the rest of us have to deal with overpriced concessions and overcrowded seats to catch a movie in IMAX, they'll soon be able to enjoy it in the privacy and comfort of their own home.

IMAX has revealed plans to enter the home theater market with IMAX Private Theatre, which is exactly what it sounds like. But before you get carried away with your fantasies, keep in mind that only serious — and seriously wealthy — cinephiles need apply. According to one report, the price tag falls somewhere in the low millions. So what exactly does all that dough get you? Find out after the jump.

Those lucky customers will get an IMAX-designed theater with "proprietary, state-of-the-art dual 4K projection system" in 2D and 3D, a "custom, patented surround-sound system. These private IMAX screens don't look quite as jumbo as the ones seen in theaters, but they will have the same floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall, curved design to help provide "the most immersive movie experience in the world." And should any of these elements run into trouble, IMAX will also offer 24/7/365 maintenance and support services with a 5-minute response time.

While this technology will no doubt get cheaper in the years to come, it'll be a long, long time before the average filmgoer can afford it. So in the meantime, I'll be sticking with the IMAX theater at my local multiplex. Even with the $5 premium surcharge, they're way cheaper than the private option. If you're in the market for a $2 million home theater, though, feel free to set up an appointment through the IMAX website and report back to the rest of us plebes.

[h/t Movies.com]