My first IMAX experience lasted only 30 minutes, but I have no complaints

I never really understand why people shell out money for 3D or IMAX. I think it is unnecessary, when watching the same movie in a regular cinema will bring you what matters most: story and great performances from the actors.

Given unlimited amounts of money in my pocket and time to watch any movie, I would choose regular cinema, any time. Screw 3D or IMAX, which costs twice or thrice more.

I have been into a movie with 3D effects once, and it galvanized my belief. The experience was confusing and headache-inducing. Watching a movie makes us think of a three-dimensional world, anyway, so adding 3D effects is worthless.

But IMAX, well IMAX, is a different beast.

On Tuesday, April 23, I was invited to watch a preview for the upcoming movie Star Trek Into Darkness.

The event was held in SM North's IMAX cinema.

Here's what I found out: IMAX is not totally unnecessary. The IMAX theater features a curved screen that is so tall as to be immersive. Watching a movie on an IMAX screen is a good experience because it catches your full attention, making you care for sharp graphics and rich sound.

So yes, IMAX is not as useless as 3D is.

But what about the movie? 

Well, I am not a Star Trek fan, but the 30-minute preview managed to get me excited. I saw the great performances from Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine, and Benedict Cumberbatch, and the special effects are impressive.

IMAX surely helped me in liking a movie I have no plans to watch. Now I want to see it.