The article explains why an IMAX ticket does not always guarantee the same cinema experience, distinguishing full-scale IMAX venues from smaller multiplex installations often labelled “LieMAX” by enthusiasts. This matters particularly for films such as Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, where only a limited number of cinemas can show the taller 1.43:1 image in 70mm IMAX or equivalent dual-laser projection.

The “LieMAX” nickname emerged in 2009 in response to smaller IMAX Digital Xenon screens, but it has no formal technical definition and is now used inconsistently. Viewers should check screening labels, aspect ratios and projector types: IMAX 70mm is the clearest indicator, while “IMAX with Laser” may mean either 1.43:1 dual-4K GT Laser or a typically 1.90:1 single-laser system; unofficial maps and the cinema itself can help confirm details.