* IMAX wasn't "rejected": IMAX is still around today and a respected film format, used for both large-format documentaries and feature films.
* Technical challenges: The initial IMAX technology was costly and difficult to implement. It required dedicated theaters with specialized projectors and screens, making it a niche experience rather than a mainstream one.
* Limited appeal: IMAX was originally designed for large-format documentaries and special effects-heavy films. It wasn't ideal for standard feature films, which were already well-served by traditional film formats.
* Focus on digital: The rise of digital projection in the 2000s shifted the industry away from film altogether, with IMAX adapting its technology to digital formats as well.
Roger Ebert's comments: While Ebert was a staunch supporter of film and IMAX, his praise wasn't the deciding factor in the industry's adoption of the technology. He was a powerful voice, but the industry's decisions were based on practical considerations like cost, logistics, and market demand.
In summary: IMAX wasn't "rejected" by the industry but rather evolved alongside it. It faced technical challenges, had a limited appeal in its early days, and ultimately embraced digital technology to remain relevant in a changing landscape.