IMAX Melbourne

I can not lie. It’s big screens that I like. Not itty bitty airplane screens here. The bigger the better for me!
IMAX is on of the few cinemas in Melbourne that is continuously improving. As technology changes and develops so does IMAX.
If you’re a regular of the Museum life style it’s worth while becoming a friend of the museum and getting yourself some IMAX credit (literally they give you a free ticket after so many sessions)

Pew pew pew! IMAX Melbourne now has a state of the art, world class, absolutely amazing laser projection system. Thankfully the lasers don’t really make that sound during your movie watching sessions.
I’m a massive fan of cinemas and movies, from a technical side, IMAX does some incredible things. If you are into Scientific documentaries about the Amazon, space, oceans or stories about cute animals — IMAX has you covered with their exclusive lineup of movies made just for them.
They also have a massive range of Hollywood blockbuster films in converted IMAX 3D which can be interesting. The films shot for IMAX show of the capabilities of this hardware more (specially made custom screens built for the room are just one of them!). The seats are large and comfy and as it’s designated seating you can book online and find a nice central seat. I wouldn’t recommend sitting too far forward as you will be craning your neck up the whole movie. The sound is brilliant too. IMAX is a great experience, even if their lasers don’t make that sci-​fi sound.

I recently booked (10^th June) 5 tickets for a weekend Imax Jurassic Park session. Due to a technical difficulty they were booked for the wrong day (or possibly an error on my behalf, but I am quite sure I correctly put in my intended day). I instantly called up to sort it out at approximately 7.30pm, with no one answering the phones. I called again, and again, and again until about 11pm. I gave up and called back the next morning, also to no avail. I emailed Imax with my dilemma and eventually got a response, I believe the girls’ name was Edith. She did try to facilitate a change of seats however due to the delay, all the decent seats were now booked. I emailed back demanding a refund, admittedly quite frustrated by the experience (and dreading the disappointment upon telling the other 4 people). I received an email back from your operations manager, I believe his name was Jeremy Gee, telling me to call him to arrange a refund. Upon calling him, I had the singlemost worst experience with a customer service representative I have had in my entire life.
When I phoned him, I was calmed down at that point about the loss of being able to see the film (these things happened) but the subsequent telephone call with him was absolutely mortifying and just no way to speak to a customer. As soon as I said who I was, his voice instantly changed to this immature, whinging, child-​like groan of a voice. He then proceeded to tell me it was impossible that I called the night before because he was answering the phones at the candy bar, of which I asked him if he was calling me a liar (he didn’t answer). I repeatedly said that I do not want to argue and that no one answered my call, of which he responded in a childish, mimicking way of saying «are you calling ME a liar?». I remained calm throughout the entirety of the conversation, somewhat in disbelief of how this person was continuing to hound me and say how the he had done «absolutely nothing wrong», of which I then just asked for my refund so I wouldn’t have to speak another word to him again. After this, I politely asked if he could give me a number or an email of which I could use to put in a complaint of which he arrogantly responded «well, I’m the operations manager so it doesn’t go any higher than this, mate». It was that type of condescending, belittling comment of which I suffered throughout the whole conversation and it is absolutely unacceptable from a customer service perspective.
Upon this experience it is very unlikely that I will go back due to the actions of this immature, righteous, accusatory ‘man’ (Jeremy).

The IMAX screen in Melbourne is currently the world’s third largest, so they say. When the size of a screen gets this big, it’s hard to tell the difference. What matters more to me is the standard of service, quality of film and comfort of seats.
For the most part, IMAX Melbourne delivers. Conveniently located between the eateries of Lygon Street and the bars and nightlife of Brunswick Street, right next to the Melbourne museum, this is easy to find and impressive to visit.
I ordered online but needed to check that I could present a ticket on my phone rather than printing it out, and I found ticket staff friendly and helpful. I saw just one refreshments stand and a queue so long I’d miss the start of the movie if I waited, so unfortunately I had to forego that pleasure.
On my visit, the audience were let in just a few minutes before the movie began, which was bad planning on the part of IMAX Melbourne, as it meant some customers who had technically arrived before the feature began weren’t seated until after the lights went dark.
The seats were fine. Not overly comfortable. They’ve introduced premium seating on the back row only which includes significantly more leg space and a chair with a footrest which looked very inviting when I got up to leave. Maybe next time.

IMAX is great! I love to go to watch documentaries in the comfortable chairs and get that real 3D experience on a massive screen.
It can be pricey but it is worth it just for the experience.
I find documentaries especially made for IMAX are best as they are filmed with special cameras. However if you are going to see a regular 3D movie, the experience isn’t too much different, except for the huge screen.
I definitely recommend IMAX. Treat yo self!

By far the coolest cinema I’ve been to in Melbourne. Excellent for big movies like Interstellar or The Hobbit. Movie snacks are way pricier than usual though so maybe bring your own. Will always come here when I wanna see something massive though, the extra $ 10 is worth it, for me at least. I wouldn’t bother coming here though for just any regular movie.

Being a movie-​lover, I’m surprised it has taken me so long to see a film at IMAX but it was worth the wait.
Saw Interstellar and it suited the huge screen to perfection.
My first reaction was to rate this three stars — like others have mentioned, the foyer is all over the place, huge lines for the (expensive) candy bar are annoying. There is only one session at a time so it shouldn’t be this disorganised — especially with the un-​used lounge and bar downstairs.
So why 4? They close today (!) for a few weeks to undergo some much needed refurbishment (including seats Mel P). I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt that when they re-​open in March, The space will be much more user friendly.
Also, with about an hour to go in the film the screen went blank. At first we thought it was just a powerful scene in the film given the uncanny timing of the mishap but alas, the film had just gone wrong. Management were quick to jump on the microphone to let us know they were looking into it and would update us again in a few minutes. Sure enough, less than 5 minutes later they advised we were good to go and apologised for the inconvenience — with the promise of a free ticket for our next visit.
Sure enough, on exiting the cinema we were all given a free ticket for our next visit. Given the interruption really wasn’t that long, I thought this was an excellent touch by management. They could have easily just dealt with a few people that no doubt would have complained, but were proactive in making sure everyone left the cinema happy.
Looking forward to using my freebie!

Seeing a movie at IMAX for me is the ultimate movie going experience for quality. The huge screen, the quality of the sound. Oh my goodness it is just amazing. If a full length movie is coming out at IMAX I will choose IMAX anyday.
In comparison to regular cinemas the price is a bit more but for the quality of the cinema I think it is so worth it.
My only minor gripe is I wish there was a bit more leg room but we cannot have it all. Some people think Gold Class is the way to go but I say IMAX all the way.

IMAX Melbourne may, indeed, have the «Third Largest Screen In The World»; however, the sound system needs an overhaul to make dialog clearer and not simply overwhelmed by the wall-​of-​sound booming effects that seem to accompany most of these big event pics that play at IMAXs. The lobby of this theater is sorely in need, as well, of an overhaul, as it’s so cramped to accommodate large crowds, with people simply piling in, willy-​nilly, without any kind of traffic control — at least that was the case with a showing of «Interstellar» that I attended. Even the refreshment stands were surprisingly small and ill-​managed. The auditorium-​style seating doesn’t appear to have been upgraded since its inception (no pun intended), as chairs are tightly packed and not the most comfortable, and legroom is obviously at a premium because there’s virtually nil. It could be that, coming from the States, the IMAXs that I’ve attended feature plusher seating and more leg space so that people can walk through with ease, spacious lobbies that aren’t packed in like sardines, and concession stands that can accommodate more than one or two patrons at a time. Everything had an old, dark feeling, like you were entering a cave — which, maybe, was intended. Even the exterior entrance has a drab, nondescript and uninviting appearance. And, too, that 7-​storey screen really didn’t do much to enhance the overall impact of the feature, in my opinion. «Underwhelming» is the perfect word for IMAX Melbourne.

Holy heck the IMAX screen is big. Captain Obvious here, I know, but you can’t help but have that reaction when you sit down.
The Melbourne IMAX is the world’s 3^rd largest apparently. So if a full immersive movie experience is what you’re after — you won’t find better locally.
Personally I didn’t find it the best place to sit and watch a full film. I’d definitely come here for special event features, but for a full film it’s a tad uncomfortable to sit that close to a screen that big and text is a tad difficult to read. The cinema is set up so that pretty much all seats get the right view — but it also means for someone who is a bit far-​sighted and prefers to sit at the back — there’s no seat that feels far back enough!
Price wise, very reasonable in comparison to regular cinemas. Candy bar was a bit rubbish and the foyer is all over the place as some other reviews have referenced.
Overall, for the price and experience I think it’s worth doing at least once to see if it’s your thing.

I really love the size and the immersion of IMAX. Any movie seen here blows you away, but that is it.
The entry foyer is a mess, the candy bar at the end of the escalators so if its backed up, you have no where to go when you are ejected from the escalators. The positive is that there is Connoisseur choc tops at the end of that mess YUM!
The seats seem to be designed for short viewings, so when you are seated for 2+ hours watching a feature length movie it can get uncomfortable.
The seats and candy bar mess lost the 2 stars. Good work on keeping up the technology though.

Loved it! Comfy seats, great 3D, and sound and picture was amazing! Got a bit pricey for just movies (2 tickets popcorn deal and extra drink came to about $ 75) but it’s still good to go every now and then for a good movie!

Saw The Amazing Spiderman 2 Yesterday

This was a nice change from the regular cinemas. I bought a groupon for $ 13 tickets and off we went. It’s a good location in Carlton Gardens, close to Lygon etc. It’s nice to watch documentaries and regular box office hits on such a big screen!

There’s a few tips to follow to make your IMAX experience in Melbourne an enjoyable 5 stars.
Why are you going to IMAX to see (enter film name here?). Find out beforehand if the movie you’re seeing has IMAX exclusive features. Whether it will be seeing 28% more of the screen or filmed with IMAX cameras which sometimes contains x amount of minutes worth of extra footage or enhanced 3D effects.
Once you have worked that out (go to IMAX Melbourne’s website to find out), then I give you permission (why thank you kind sir) to proceed with the following:
1. Book online, megahit flicks sell out fast especially in the opening week. Spend the extra $ 2 booking fee to avoid the disappointment. It’s fast, easy, skip the queues… you know it all makes sense.
2. Drive in and use Melbourne Museum’s undercover car park. If your movie starts after 5pm, it’s $ 5 once you validate your parking by asking the Box Office staff.
3. Buy a choc-​top, popcorn and your favourite drink and forget about life in the 2 and half hours you’re in there.
The ticket prices are reasonable considering Hoyts charge $ 2 less.
The overall experience is fantastic, especially the ‘BIG’ factor, BIG screen and BIG sound. I wouldn’t recommend sitting close to the front, please don’t do that, the best seats are in the middle and the back (don’t worry if your seat is at the end on the sides, still perfect viewing). Lygon Street is just around the corner and if you subscribe to IMAX Melbourne’s email, you can snag tickets on the cheap when available for as little as $ 15! Now you can’t complain about the price ;)
Sure I can complain about how IMAX looks inside, it can be better, but if I wanted to feel all snuggly and cosy, I would head off to Sun Theatre in Yarraville.
You’re here for the experience, leave with a BIG smile on your face :)

This is one hell of an IMAX theatre– no digital ‘mini’ screen here. The sound system is seat-​vibratingly-​loud, and with assigned seats there’s no need to queue or arrive early if you’ve pre-​bought tickets.
The staff told me this screen is designed so there are no «bad» seats, and I can confirm that sitting in the centre of the third row, while intense, was still a good view. The only downside is the cost; tickets for a 3D show are $ 26 AUD.

My first iMax experiment, I must admit it was pretty impressive.
And the movie surely helped, I mean, The Dark Knight Rises on a huge screen like that, that’s enough to make me happy for a few weeks.
You should avoid the front seats, since the screen is so big, you don’t want your eyes to melt.
Prices are pretty crazy, but I guess that’s the price to pay for the third bigger screen in the world. Fair enough, I’ll go there again (The Hobbit ?)

The seating arrangement at Imax is poorly thought out. If you sit anywhere near the front, your view of the film is seriously hampered. In fact, if you have to sit in the front row, don’t even bother seeing the movie. I saw the last Star Trek film in the third row, and actually don’t remember almost anything from the film, because it is as though I never saw it at all! The screen is just too big to get a full understanding of what you’re seeing when you are low down and that close to it. So make sure to sit towards the back… in the back row in fact!
There is no allocated seating, so if you want a good seat, make sure to get there early, particularly for Hollywood blockbusters, because these generally pack out fast.
Surprisingly, the candy bar prices are more reasonable than at your standard movie complexes.

The southern hemisphere’s third largest screen. That might not sound like the most impressive selling point (and where are the other two?) but all you really need to know is that Melbourne’s IMAX has one fuck-​off giant screen. It’s HUGE.
I always get a laugh when the notice comes up before a movie telling you to close your eyes if you get nauseous during action scenes. And that’s a reason why I don’t always go to see movies here — sometimes you’re just not in the mood for that level of intensity with your popcorn. But when you are, nothing beats it, and they choose only the biggest blockbusters to give the IMAX treatment — the likes of Tron, Harry Potter, Transformers… anything with lots of CGI, better yet in 3D.
It’s good to note, though, that there’s more than Hollywood films screening here. At all times there’s a list of interesting and wonderfully shot documentaries. I love seeing all the space docos here, especially if they’re in 3D because it really feels like you’re out in space.

The Imax movie theatre in Melbourne is one of hundreds throughout the world. I would imagine that this one has to be one of the best though. Not only is it the world’s 3^rd largest screen in the world measuring 32m by 32m, but it is also set in a wonderful part of Melbourne with fantastic architecture and wonderful park surrounding it.
As you probably are aware, Imax cinemas claim to not just only have massive screens but they also claim to create the world’s most immersive cinema going experience. The first ever Imax experience I had was Avatar in 3D. Outside of the theatre movie-​goers were absolutely captivated experience and it must have been 20 – 30 mins before the crowd dispersed and we went back to normality. For a massive blockbuster the Imax experience is incredible.
Not knowing how much my experience had to do with James Cameron or Mr Imax, I went again to see Inception and the experience was incredible yet again.
I’d recommend Imax for blockbusters but I’d probably head to Nova for regular movies (Imax is pricey). Make sure you book online early if there is a really big blockbuster out.
I’ll give it 5 stars but you should definitely pick and choose your movies for Imax.