A movie screen is a large projection screen that is specifically designed to show movies. These screens are available in a variety of sizes and have a shape that is designed to accommodate the 16:9 aspect ratio that is commonly used in movie production. A movie screen may be a permanent or temporary installation, depending on the style, with some movie screens designed specifically for mobility so that they can be rented out to customers as needed.
A movie screen’s purpose is to provide a surface on which to project a film. When projected, movie screens are designed to provide a reflective base so that the image appears clear and crisp. They are usually white or gray to avoid interfering with the film’s colors, and the screen’s reflectivity can be adjusted for different environments.
Vinyl is the most popular material for modern movie screens, and it’s usually perforated so that speakers can be mounted behind it. The movie screen is firmly mounted in place in the case of a fixed screen. Pull-down or electric screens can be retracted hand or with a motor when not in use. Inflatable movie screens have inflatable frameworks that can be erected on location and then deflated to transport the movie screen. Because they are easy to transport and set up, inflatable screens are ideal for outdoor film festivals and movie screen rentals.
There are some important considerations to make when installing or setting up a movie screen. Factors like light pollution and seating arrangements, as well as the distance between the screen and the projector, are important. To get the best visual image, the screen’s surface may need to be slightly warped.
When an image is projected on a standard flat movie screen, light hits the center of the screen first, taking longer to reach the sides. This isn’t always an issue, but in some cases, especially with large screens and theaters, patrons may notice a visual distortion. Some theaters use horizontal curve movie screens that form a wide C-shape, allowing light to hit the middle and sides of the screen at the same time to correct this. A torex screen, which looks like a giant bowl, is used in high-end theaters to ensure that light strikes every point on the screen at the same time, eliminating distortion.