The IMAX system consists of exclusive high-resolution cameras, film formats, projectors, and theatres, and is distinguished by its extremely huge screens, lofty aspect ratios, and steep stadium seating.
The majority of IMAX theatres employ a potent laser light engine. IMAX lasers, as opposed to conventional Xenon lights, use two 4K proprietary digital projectors to illuminate the enormous screen, producing the sharpest, brightest, clearest, and most colorful screen visuals ever.
Image MAXimum is how IMAX is spelled. The larger-than-life movie experience is taken and improved upon by IMAX.
Every corner of the monster-sized image fills your field of vision. It surrounds you and pulls you into the action until the movie includes you.
The construction of traditional theaters and classic IMAX theaters are very different from one another. The audience may now stand much nearer to the screen thanks to the higher quality.
Conventional theatre seating ranges from 8 to 12 screen heights, with most rows being within one screen height. Additionally, in some domed theatres, the rows of seats are positioned at a steep angle (up to 30°) so that the audience faces the screen directly.
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What Are The Best IMAX Screens In London?
Below is the list of the top 3 IMAX cinemas in London that will show you the greatest and brightest movies the city has to offer whether you enjoy going to the movies to see the newest blockbusters, some arthouse masterpieces, or some old classics:
- BFI London IMAX
- Cineworld, Leicester Square
- Science Museum Imax Cinema
BFI London IMAX
The BFI London IMAX has the largest screen in a cinema in the United Kingdom.
This spectacular, spherical glass architectural marvel is conveniently situated near Waterloo station and boasts London’s largest movie screen and 540 square meters of retina-busting space.
The BFI London Film Festival, as well as BFI Flare (the LGBTQ+ equivalent), use it as their main location. It is well renowned for hosting large film previews and star-studded Q&As.
The BFI London IMAX has been marked as a popular cinema by selling 66,000 advance tickets for The Dark Knight Rises in just 5 weeks, for a total ticket sale of £1,000,000 even before the film’s release.
This theatre offers the best size, volume, and sound quality available to watch a big-budget film with killer special effects, incredible soundtracks, and breathtaking sights.
You’ll leave with a spinning brain and undoubtedly begin planning your next trip.
Link To Website: https://www.bfi.org.uk/bfi-imax
Cineworld, Leicester Square
The iconic Cineworld Leicester Square, originally Empire, is located in the center of London’s most popular entertainment area.
Cineworld Group plc is a British movie theatre company. It is the second-largest movie theatre chain worldwide (after AMC Theatres).
In the heart of London, Cineworld Leicester Square is a cutting-edge 9-screen theatre that features the newest in cinematic technology, including IMAX laser, 4DX, and Superscreen.
It has attracted notable movie actors, directors, producers, and others, including royals, and has held numerous important film premieres.
Link To Website: https://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/london-leicester-square/103
Science Museum IMAX Cinema
Science Museum IMAX Cinema offers a genuinely one-of-a-kind experience to all moviegoers, featuring both the IMAX 70mm film projector and the newest IMAX Laser 4K projector.
Since they have the best digital and analog cinema available, they are one of only two screens in Europe that can display movies in all their cinematic splendor.
In addition to a variety of live events, this cinema can show recently released blockbusters, breathtaking 3D documentaries, and cinematic classics.
Modern cinema seating is included in the design by Ellis Williams Architects, who recently finished a significant refurbishment of the Leicester Square Odeon.
This will allow viewers to enjoy films and events with the utmost comfort. A new concessions area with comfortable seating and a refreshments bar will round out the cinema-going experience.
Link To Website:
https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/imax-cinema
What Is The Biggest IMAX Screen In The UK?
The biggest IMAX screen in the United Kingdom is the BFI London IMAX. It has a 520m2 screen that is 20m high by 26.5m wide in total.
However, only 283m2 of the screen will be utilized when a 2.39:1 film is screened, or 365m2 when a 1.85:1 film is screened.
The BFI IMAX is located in London’s South Bank neighborhood, immediately to the north of Waterloo station.
The theatre is situated in the middle of a roundabout where four roads converge: York Road to the south-west, Waterloo Bridge to the north-west, Stamford Street to the east, and Waterloo Road to the south-east.
British Film Institute is the one that owns and runs BFI London IMAX. From 2012 to 2022, Odeon Cinemas have been in charge of running it.
The largest film archive in the world is also located there, offering free screenings of approximately 100,000 documentaries, 50,000 fiction films, and almost 625,000 TV shows.
The BFI London IMAX has been marked as a popular cinema by selling 66,000 advance tickets for The Dark Knight Rises in just 5 weeks, for a total ticket sale of £1,000,000 even before the film’s release.
Bryan Avery of Avery Associates Architects created the BFI IMAX, which was finished in May 1999. It has the biggest screen in all of Britain (20m high and 26m wide).
It boasts a 14,000 Watt digital surround sound system and 500 seats in the auditorium, including 2 for wheelchairs.
The architects and engineers took this into mind when designing the location, and the entire upper structure sits on anti-vibration bearings to stop noise transmission despite the site being surrounded by traffic and having an underground railway only four meters below.
In 1999 and 2000, respectively, the Design Council Millennium Product Award and the Civic Trust Award were given to the theatre, which at the time of its debut received several honors.
The screen was changed in 2012, and a digital IMAX projector was added to the already-present 70mm projector.
The BFI announced in July 2012 that Odeon Cinemas had been chosen to run it for the following five years, with the possibility of cancellation after three.
The BFI announced on June 13, 2022, that its ten-year concession agreement with Odeon will expire on July 19, 2022, with the BFI resuming operational authority.
On this day, the theatre will close; it will reopen on July 22. The cinema will undergo changes that will be revealed in the fall.