Communications Students Attend IMAX Theater Tour Followed by "Black Panther"

Delaware Tech Communication students attended a behind the scenes tour of the IMAX theater on Thursday, February 22, 2018 before watching Black Panther.

Students were shown around the Penn Cinema Riverfront IMAX theater in Wilmington, Delaware. The computers, stereos, and projectors used to create the theater experience was broken down for the students to fully understand how it works.

Students were given a behind the scenes look around the IMAX theater. Manager of the IMAX theater Thomas Potter explained how the theater works. "I've been in the business for 25 years," said Thomas Potter. "Even though the ways to project movies have changed, I still enjoy my job very much." Students were show the three most important machines that help to create the best movie experience for the audience.

Thomas Potter explained to the students the different methods used to change films. "Over the years, what use to take 16 hours to change the feature film, takes only an hour nowadays," said Thomas Potter. Students learned that because the process time has shortened exponentially, the amount of job positions have declined as well.

During the tour, students had learned that the theater actually makes most of its' money from the concession stands. "Believe it or not, the reason why the prices at the concession stands are so expensive is because that's were most of our money comes from," said Thomas Potter. "The money made from the tickets actually goes towards the movie studios."After the tour, students were given the chance to grab a snack from the concession stand before the movie.

While waiting in line for the concession stand, many students talked about their excitement to see Black Panther in IMAX format. With IMAX theaters, the screen is much bigger than a regular theater's screen. It allows the viewers to see the screen better and feel the full effect of the film.

After students had the opportunity to grab something to snack on, students prepare to watch Black Panther in IMAX format. For some students it was the first time seeing the film, while for others it was either their second or third time. "The Black Panther trip was the first time I have ever seen a movie in IMAX format," said Communication student Howard Mumford Jr. "The size and color of the screen felt otherworldly." Being released the previous week, Black Panther is breaking box records, hitting $65.7 million in its' first week

When Black Panther finished, students gathered together to talk about the film. Students talked about their favorite aspects of the film while others talked about their dislikes. Overall, the trip seemed to be a success. Communications Department Chairmen Rob Rector, who has seen the film over three times, enjoyed watching it all over. "This trip was important for the students to make connections anywhere they go," said Rob Rector. " A person can never anticipate where their connections may lead them."