The IMAX logo doesn't always mean the same experience. Two theaters can sell IMAX tickets yet offer very different screens and projectors. The term "LieMAX" emerged in 2009 when fans noticed that many multiplex IMAX screens were smaller than the original giant ones.

IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond acknowledged the size difference but argued that screen size is only part of the experience. To know what you're getting, check the label: "IMAX 70mm" means true large-format film, while "IMAX with Laser" can vary. Aspect ratio is a clue—1.43:1 is the tall, classic IMAX shape, while 1.90:1 is shorter and wider.

Some theaters have 1.43:1 screens but only play digital 1.90:1 content, so the screen alone isn't definitive. For reliable details, consult community resources like r/IMAX or enthusiast maps. Ultimately, a 1.90:1 laser IMAX isn't necessarily bad—it's just different from the full 1.43:1 experience.