BFI IMAX

Been quite a few times recently, and am now a member. Can’t believe it’s taken me this long before I first visited. The cinema itself - audio and visual are stunning. The screen is so good when watching imax filmed content (seen the Odyssey prologue 3 times now and everytime is breathtaking). Have sat around rows G and H, centrally and towards side of the centre and all really good. Great for movies in the way they’re intended and can’t wait to watch next imax movie / go to an event there. However, whilst the leg room is fine, it is very tight and not any space apart from under seat to keep belongings. And cinema goers in these close confines could really do with better personal hygiene - I’ve had to have my t shirt on my nose twice now as there’s been bad whiffs! Also if you are in middle of the aisle - very difficult to get to toilet during film - and this is BFIs fault, they make people ruin others experiences and immersion. Also, the facilities - particularly the toilets - for a place that apparently was refurbished, are dreadful. Low toilets, poorly maintained. And then getting to the cinema itself - you have to walk through the outdoor toilet subways - what a way to put people off before getting in. Not sure if BFI can do anything about this - but spend on the entire customer experience should be considered. Staff generally nice and their announcers at the start are usually fairly fun too - well done.

I've been numerous times, and I adore the sound and visual quality. You've arrived at the ideal location if you're searching for the best IMAX screen in London. The high-tech IMAX screen and Dolby sound make it worth it, and the sound and visual quality are just amazing. I promise you won't regret the experience if you enjoy watching movies!

I am fortunate to live close to the BFI and have the ability to go multiple times a year. For a movie lover like me, it has created some breathtaking and one in a life time experiences. Even for my friends who are more relaxed with their cinema experience, have left in amazement. The price of the ticket may cost a bit more than your usual cinema but for the quality and type of cinema it’s well worth it and cheaper compare to the other IMAX places. The concessions are well priced for a cinema as well. I recommend giving the BFI IMAX a try at least once, especially if it’s a film formatted for such experience.

The best cinema in Europe. This is the place to watch a movie in its highest quality. The screen is massive, make sure to book towards the back, especially if you are watching a 3D movie. The only thing I dislike is how small the seats are and the rows are close to each other, so you do not have much personal space, but it is not an issue for me.

A very late review of my personal experience of IMAX Waterloo Went to watch PREDATOR: BADLANDS in 3D This is the U.K.’s biggest screen. Some Facts 1. Physical Scale • UK’s Largest Screen: It stands at 20 meters high (65.6 ft) and 26 meters wide (85.3 ft). For context, that is roughly the height of five double-decker buses stacked on top of each other. • The "Glass Drum": The screen is housed in a massive glass cylinder that sits in the middle of a roundabout. To prevent the nearby Waterloo Underground lines from shaking the screen, the entire building is mounted on anti-vibration bearings. • The 2022 Refurbishment: The cinema underwent a major upgrade in late 2022, which included a new screen surface, improved seating, and a massive audio overhaul. 2. Projection Technology The BFI IMAX is unique because it maintains both cutting-edge digital and classic "old school" analog systems: • IMAX with Laser (4K): This is the primary digital system. It provides significantly more brightness and contrast than a standard cinema. • 15/70mm Film Projector: This is the "gold standard" for cinephiles. It is one of only a handful of theaters globally that can still project 70mm IMAX film (the format used by directors like Christopher Nolan for Oppenheimer and Interstellar). • Resolution: While 4K is the digital limit, 15/70mm film is estimated to have a digital equivalent resolution of roughly 18K. 3. Aspect Ratio & Viewing • The "Full" IMAX Experience: Most modern "IMAX" screens in multiplexes have a 1.90:1 ratio. The Waterloo screen is a "GT" (Grand Theatre) geometry, capable of a 1.43:1 aspect ratio. • The Catch: While the screen can show 1.43:1, it currently uses a Single Laser digital projector. This means digital films are typically shown at 1.90:1 (filling most, but not all, of the height). Only 70mm film prints can currently fill the entire vertical height from floor to ceiling. • Audio: It features a 12-channel IMAX immersive sound system with 14,000 watts of power, capable of everything from pin-drop silence to floor-shaking explosions. 4. Seating & Capacity • Capacity: The auditorium seats 493 people. • The "Sweet Spot": Because the screen is so vertical, many regulars recommend sitting in the back third (Rows L through P) to avoid neck strain, though the "steep rake" of the seating ensures a clear view from almost anywhere. If you want a true cinephile experience, then let the above aforementioned facts entice you.

I went here to Mobile Suit Gundam Gquuuuuux Beginning, I had a great experience, they brought a representative from Bandai out to speak for bit, it was cool and I got a limited edition card for Gundam TCG which is a great bonus. The popcorn is a bit expensive though.

First time to come here watch movie. I watched Demon slayer. First impression of the facility is below average. You get the best Imax screen in the Britain but the seats are so tiny even for me 175cm tall male feel like seating in economy seat. Also, seats cannot be reclined. I had row F in the middle of the screen. Screen and sounds system were great. The downside is the seats and you need to walk through the smelly tunnels in order to enter the main entrance. There are plenty more high quality cinema in London with similar price ranges.

Yes, very interesting experience. I was an Imax virgin. The film, "M" was awesome. My observation is that Imax is very engrossing and 'in your face' and I didn't see everything on the screen due to its size. I look forward to recieving the DVD at Christmas (hoping) to enjoy the film again.

The screen and sound here are great. Everything else feels so dated and underserved compared to like a hundred + cinephilie places in the US. On the outside it looks like a temple to movies as you're getting close to it; it's a huge, imposing oval of a building in the middle of the street. But the temple illusion is shattered quickly as to get to the place you have navigate into one of several tunnels with some of the local homeless community and their respective full use of the place as a toilet. This is especially disconcerning if you go to a late showing. Once you get inside, your feeling will shift from slightly tense to slightly underwhelmed. The interior here is kind of like an AMC megaplex from the early 1990's. There's some light celebration of movies going on but it really doesn't appear like some flagship for the BFI, especially given the gravitas they employ on their movie collection video they play before many movies here. Food is also really underwhelming compared to nearly all higher end theaters in the States with full service; I guarantee if you were to visit the first Alamo in Austin that was converted out of a dumpy old 1970's style four theater complex you'd find that experience an order of magnitude better than what you'll get here (and that's before we get into just the attention paid to the love of cinema bv a company like that compared to the vanilla offerings here!) LIke I wrote before, once the movie starts it's very good. If you have a BFI membership like I do and can access the VIP seating, they definitely have more legroom than anywhere else I've been in the country. But overall experience is just deeply underwhelming and they should really overhaul this whole place to truly immerse people in the love of film - even the Everyman chain in London does a way better job of this than this location does.

I swear I've never seen a screen this large in my life!!! I don't remember what the movie was about because I was just so in thralled by the screen and its size. However I had the best time from the bartender giving great service to all the food offerings in different beverages that you can decide to have prior to your movie in during your film was great. Still don't understand how there is no butter for popcorn .... Americans love their butter.lol

22#s for a regular ticket (not even the VIP ticket) is too much for this outdated theater setup. Yes, it's already obsolete. - Narrow seats with shared armrests. You need to fight with your neighbor just to be able to rest your arm. Legroom is super tight as well. Somone couldn't even get by without you standing up. This is old tech vs the reclining luxury lounger at newer theaters with your own dedicated armrest and 10x more legroom. - The screen really isn't that large anymore compared to just about any megaplex in the states. I'll give this theater credit for having the perforated screen with the speakers positioned right behind the action. - Wish Solo had a non-3D option. The 3D glasses made all the edges fuzzy. Like another reviewer pointed out, it made the movie unwatchable. What a waste of the laser projector. Went here for the 'new tech' experience and got 'old school' instead.

BOOOOOOOOM! That is my experience here in a word. Yep just one word...but this is me and I have way more to say than just one word so... This place is amazing and if you love cinema and are going to see a spectacular then I would recommend popping your bottom in one of their super comfy seats. Warning: fear of heights, just don't bother! I saw Batman here and as a HUGE comic book fiend it was superb seeing the portrait stil shots displayed as they were intended. God bless the IMAX! Oh and its nice and convenient right by waterloo .

Went along to this Imax to see some props that are going to be auctioned at the end of the month. Over 450 iconic lots of original props, costumes and rare production material will be sold on the 23rd of September at the BFI IMAX. The spectacular live auction will also be live-streamed online with an interactive webcast for fans to track the bidding. They had props from James Bond to Labyrinth. The cinema itself which I went to a few years back is also very good. Screen massive, bright and sound quality the best of its kind. The seats very comfy. When they screen 3d movies you really feel like part of the movie. Highly recommend.

Film fans of London town need to see a few flicks at the Bfi Imax! The building is absoloutely amazing, a really impressive landmark just by Waterloo station. I always thought the screen would be round like the building itself but alas it's not! I first saw the film "300" at the Imax with my Mum who happened to be in town visiting. I just couldn't believe the sound, the size of the screen and... just how steep the seating was! I had to make sure my Mum didn't get vertigo; she was a little scared she would fall! We left absoloutely exhilarated - it made me not want to watch any film anywhere else! There was no noise, no rowdy kids, no one talking during the film. This was the ultimate film experience. I unfortunately missed Batman at the Imax but I'm looking to go back, it's a really good night out.

What is the first film you ever went to see? For me it was the Lion King and I was completely blown away, the scale of it, the sound, the colours, it was all a bit too much. Now, after going to see the Dark Knight at the IMAX in Waterloo, I feel like I have relived that moment all over again. The sheer scale of the thing is ridiculous and demands you sit up in your seat and pay attention. That said it would be impossible not to what with the mammoth sound system is use. There is only one word to describe the IMAX experience and that is INTENSE. I don't think I reached for my popcorn once during the whole feature. On the down side things are a little pricy but that's probably just as well for this is something that should really be left to special occasions when you just have to see a film in all its glory. I'm a little tempted by the all-night Lord of the Rings screenings they offer. £25 for all three films on the trot - I'm just not sure I can last the distance, but, with IMAX, I just might.

I love the crisp sharp picture quality but the reason for the 2 stars is that there were multiple phones lighting up in the theater. My wife had to leave to find an employee but none were to be found on that floor. She wasn't about to go 4 floors down to the lobby to complain. I recommend not going to this imax unless you love spending over 100£ on tickets and snacks for yor family only to have the movie ruined by inconsiderate people on phones.

I'm not sure if I've made this entry correctly. Anyway, the BFI film quiz has been held on the second Wednesday evening of each month at the Filmcafe for the last few months and I can't believe they didn't think of holding a quiz earlier. Although there is little chance of winning unless you are a complete film buff the quiz isn't completely closed to those of us whose film knowledge is a little more general. There are many rounds including two picture rounds, soundtracks and soundbites (quite hard). There are questions based on the films showing that month at the BFI and you're actively encouraged to scan the programme for answers (but it doesn't always work, unfortunately). The staff who run the quiz are good fun and enthusiastic. However, due to a refurb in the Filmcafe, the quiz has been suspended for the summer but we have been promised that they'll be back!

Brilliant massive screens! Sit in the centre, especially if it is 3D screening for the best views and experience. When leaving the screening, and you need to use the gents/ladies, go down to the ground level to the foyer where there are more toilets, than on the upper level.

A return visit to see the Independence Day sequel reminded me to review this place (the film itself was fabulously silly fun by the way - as a huge fan of the first, I loved it!). For the right film, this place gives me all the tingles - not just for the size of the screen that everyone raves about and you become fully immersed in with your 3D glasses, but the ridiculously good surround sound system too. It properly turns me into a little kid again watching magic and reminds me why I love the cinema so much :) The trickiest bit can be finding the entrance to building depending on your route as it basically sits in the middle of an island - keep your eyes peeled for signs at the subway level. The rest of the cinema has your standard refreshments stand and you're given 3D glasses as you enter the screen. I would say the middle-back is your prime location and be careful with anything in the front few rows - the screen angle gets very steep! The highlight I always look forward to is the little intro speech by one of the staff at the start to remind people of where the exits are etc. Maybe I was just overexcited but this time the guy was particularly funny and had us all off to a giggly start to the film! If it was cheaper I'm sure I'd be back much more often but for now it's a special treat.

As good as it gets. it's a little tricky to get to if it's your first time. You'll be at ground level looking right at the IMAX, but realise there's a whole roundabout between you and the theatre. Soon enough you'll realise however that the entrance is one level below ground. If you're watching a movie here, you're in for a real treat. The screen is mahoosive. Choose a row as far back as possible. Note that the last 4-5 rows are deliberately reserved for VIP seating, however the rows just in front of these give you the best view. Sound and picture are stunning as you'd expect, even with films not shot with IMAX cameras. These are often remastered to make best use of the IMAX screen, but based on the aspect ratio it's possible detail might be lopped off and such through the process. Not something you'd really notice unless watching two films side by side. Plus the brilliance of IMAX is that most of your peripheral vision is filled with content and your eyes generally focus on the centre, so extremely immersive to the point you can sometimes believe you're right in the movie. Excellent sound helps. Generally people at this cinema are well behaved. I guess if you're paying £20 a pop for a ticket along with whatever snacks, you're gonna want to get your moneys worth. The crowd is also going to be slightly older based on the location, around Waterloo, where most patrons will be catching a screening straight after work. In all, great cinema that delivers it's core product well. Note that being an Odeon cinema, it follows the cold food and drink allowed policy meaning no need to "sneak" snacks in. Just don't try to get a coffee or toasted sandwich and you'll be fine. One small annoyance is that the guy at the screen door had one job, to direct me to my seat and give me glasses. He failed at the glasses part meaning I had to go right back and get them. Annoying a few people on the way in/out. He did this to plenty of others from what I saw, so either he was incompetent or just trolling people.

I went to see Dark Knight at the Imax last year and went to see Alice in Wonderland last month. Dark Knight was ok, not really worth paying the extra money as it wasn't the full sized screen. Alice in Wonderland was amazing in 3D, the full screen was used. The only problem I have with the IMAX Waterloo is that the seat space in front is not that big. Popular movies sell out very fast, so you should either join as a member or call up and ask when tickets go on sale. Times are normally all day and sometimes all night. It is definitely worth going to and I would definitely go again.

I was greeted with hoots of derision from my friends when I said I was going to the IMAX to see Transformers 2 because I'd never seen a movie there before. If I'm honest, I knew it was a giant screen but I didn't know quite what to expect.... What I got was a time machine that converted me into a gawking 5 year old again! The screen is absolutely mahooooooosive! Nobody mentioned to me that IMAX has specially filmed scenes that use the entire width and height of the screen too! Giant robots, giant screen....I almost (but not quite...) peed my pants!! In non 5 year old mode though, the seats could be a little more knee friendly for the taller amongst us and I've been in mosh pits safer than the concession stand! Most puzzling however was the decision to remove the pre booked tickets from the collection machines without informing any of the moviegoers who then had minor heart attacks when their tickets weren't found and those aforementioned giant robots seemed so far away... So for a special effect laden blockbuster, I don't think you can beat this experience. Service, not so crash hot......but I'm still booking Harry Potter now!

Its an IMAX. What more to say? They do it well. Clean, awesome sound/picture, expensive popcorn and drinks, but hey, it wouldn't be the movies without those things, no? They also sell Icees/Slurpees, and that is the only place in London I've seen them thus far. And for the record, I saw Harry Potter there, was in the front row on the right and my neck was fine. Buy tickets online, it is super easy to pick them up when you get there, and they also have a student discount.

It's the biggest screen in the UK. That itself deserves 5 stars. However there are other points that make a movie at the IMAX a great experience. I've been twice to watch Avatar and Tron: Legacy. At Avatar the picture quality was brilliant - so brilliant I got motion sickness! It was so realistic and the 3D quality was out of this world. I decided to give the IMAX another shot and saw Tron which didn't induce my motion sickness but was as equally as good as Avatar (graphics-wise) The sound/music is like 'whoa' and really makes you feel like you're in the movie. Seats are comfy but leg room is not the best especially if you're tall like me. Snacks are cinema priced but smaller portions :-(

My first aquaintance with the IMAX was an all-nighter (yep you read right, an all-nighter)! I was reading my Twitter stream when I noticed that the IMAX was going to be showing back-to-back Batman films (whhhaaatt), crazy I know, so me and a mate took the plunge! It was fab, the original Batman film (the joker one) kicked us off, in between films there was a 20 minute break for tea/coffee/toilet break/stretch the legs and whatnot. Thankfully they spared the audience in watching the crappy one with Jim Carey and Arnie as 'Mr. Freeze', but five hours deep the latest installment of the Batman saga (so far) the good one with Heath Ledger came on everyone cheered (not sure whether it was out of excitement or relief that we had reached the last film) and boy was it great! I did drift off a couple of times, and the worst thing was that I had to go straight to work afterwards!! Very bad move! Since then I've seen Alice In Wonderland 3D, and am hoping to catch Shrek 4 too! I must say, it's strongly becoming my cinema of choice! Next films I wanna see in the IMAX are: Tron Legacy & Toy Story 3. Oh, forgot to mention, the lobby can get a bit crazy at times, and also the ticket collection machines were down both times I went! Perhaps if they had more than two it might help! Just a thought...

I went to watch Interstellar mainly due to the 70mm film scenes as it is rumored to be the last 'True 70mm' showing at the BFI IMAX before they get rid of their film projectors and stick with their (not as good) digital projectors. I have been to the BFI IMAX several times in the past. Each time, i had a poor experience due to grainy/noisy image, distorted sound, dirt on the screen, dust/hair caught in the projector/lens which was projected onto the screen. And once when someone else took my seats and refused to give them up. The staff didn't assist! This time however, i thought, "it's been a few years, maybe things have changed, they have a new screen fitted and hopefully the audio has been sorted out too." So how was it? The exact same! Sucky audio quality, grainy picture, dust/dirt on the screen/projector lens, the most uncomfortable seating experience EVER! 3 times I've been, each time it was horrible. Never again. Will never step foot in the BFI IMAX again. Thank God the movie didn't suck!

WOW. We went to the IMAX to see Avatar 3D recently and it blew me away. I've had myself convinced that the fact we were sat in the 2nd row was the reason it was so intense and in my face? Surely it can't be that incredible at the back? Apparently it is! I love that they were putting on super late showings to quench the huge demand to see this movie. We went to a showing which started at 00.20! Good facilities, didn't seem too packed in the communal areas given the huge amounts of people, and well located too. We're definitely going back for the Alice in Wonderland showings! If I can handle Johnny Depp all up in my grill for 2 hours that is.

I initially went here to see the Bourne Trilogy all-nighter and I must say the whole experience was amazing. I couldn't get over the screen being absolutely ginormous. The excitement was too much and I could not contain myself - what a way to see an action film. The digital surround sound and Imax camera makes you feel like your actually in the film. This is the only way to see any film and get the best out of your cinema experience. Once you go to a normal cinema afterwards, there is just no comparison. The screen seats 700 people at a ridiculously steep level (so do not sit right at the front or right at the back), though, it all adds to the effect. The cinema is clean, they have a licensed bar and food counter with the traditional cinema goodies! They generally don't show a lot of trailers before the film so make sure you are there sharp for the film time otherwise you will miss the first part of it! They show all the popular feature films and have a monthly all-nighter screener of trilogies and different film genres. I've always enjoyed every experience here and I look forward to the new 3D films that are to be released here in the future. They also have an amazing selection of documentaries which are great for children, my personal fav is one about 'Under the Sea' which shows sea life in great detail. The only downside is that there is only one in London! There definitely needs to be more that one as when I wanted to see Watchmen, I had to wait a good 3 months to get tickets. All in all a great place to go for any film fanatic!

It's the biggest screen in Britain. It's huge. It's also clean and has many toilets. Don't forget about the bar and cafe! The introduction to the film person is usually pretty witty as well. You can get there in a couple minute walk from Waterloo station (go clear to the end where the tube line/M&S is- go outside down some stairs. There is a underground subway with stairs and a lift that is the tunnel to take you straight there). In addition to Imax filmed films, 3D films and other blockbusters, they also play "classics" that belong on the big screen (Jurassic Park anyone?) It can be a bit pricey, and if it's a popular movie, you may have to book well in advanced to even get a seat. However, for big movies that used Imax cameras, it can be well worth it!

It's such an easy place to get to (literally five minutes walk from Waterloo station through the underpass) and there's now a lovely sense of familiarity I feel when going inside. The last time, we sat in the cafe downstairs as we were early, and surprisingly, the coffee was really very good. Big comfy sofas and open windows make for an unusual place to chill out. Picking up pre-booked tickets via the machines in the lobby is easy, then upstairs you'll find the entrance to the cinema. There's a pretty good choice of food and drink (including a licensed bar) for a cinema. Of course, prices are high, but at least the popcorn is fresh, the drinks are fizzy and the pick & mix is fully stocked! My recommendation for the best seats in the house are M17 and M18. They're four or five rows from the back, so you're up high, but you can actually *see* the whole screen. Plus, you're right by the exits for a speedy getaway :)

Like most movie houses, the concessions are overpriced and after 20 minutes of ads you start questioning why you aren't charging them for your time. But once the main feature starts playing, it's a fantastic experience. Not only is the screen giant and the sound impressive, but the seats are comfy and the aisles so steep that you don't have to worry is some soul brothas from the 1970s sitting down in front of you. Seats are assigned so if you going to attend a popular flick, take 5 minutes and reserve your seats ahead of time. They have ATM-like machines in the lobby o collect your tix... no waiting. The only film I wouldn't want to see here is Boogie Nights, as I already feel inadequate enough as it is.

It's big. It's comfy. And a guy has a chat with the audience before the show starts. That's all very cool but it's one of the few cinemas you can drink beer and wine while watching the film! Pricey, but what would you expect for the Uk's largest 3D screen. Pre buy your popcorn or eat at Wahaca on South Bank before you go in. And make sure you're centre row F or G for the best view.

I grew up with a mountain in my backyard. I love strapping a couple sticks to my feet and gliding down a snowy slope ... but my skis haven't gotten much play since I've moved to London - that's why I was *so* excited when I saw that a ski film was coming to this IMAX theatre. Ski films, *good* ski films (a la Warren Miller), are exhilarating. They make you feel as if you've been transported to a mountaintop, and that you're riding right along with the ski superstars, holding your own with these trickster daredevils as they carve deep tracks in the mountainside... flying down grades that make black diamond trails look like bunny slopes. Ahhh... yes, a rad snow sports film is the next best thing to hitting up the hills and making Christies yourself.... so I was a little ecstatic to make the trek to the IMAX for a ski film... so sure of its splendor that I also brought a skiing virgin with me - confident that he'd leave keyed up to conquer the sport himself. What a disappointment. The theatre lobby seemed a little weary and unkempt, but I ignored this knowing the delight that was to come... every IMAX feature I've ever seen has been breathtaking, entertaining, and beautifully done... but as soon as a staff member announced that this wasn't an "IMAX" film, I got a little concerned... especially since we were basically told not to expect the stereo, or the film quality, or the mammothness that is synonymous with an IMAX feature. Indeed, this film was subpar by IMAX standards. The film quality was spotty, the story-line was dull, the skiing... well...there was hardly enough skiing to mention it in the title. I'm disappointed with the BFI IMAX for even showing this... I felt betrayed... I wouldn't complain if I'd seen this in a regular theatre, but I expect a certain level of quality when I queue up for an IMAX film. Wonderful picture, sound, and story quality - not mention a tidy and plush theatre - are the hallmarks of the IMAX experience. With this film, however, the IMAX fell far of its own precedent for unmatched quality and mind-blowing entertainment. Definitely call ahead and ask if it's "IMAX" to avoid disappointment!

I loved it here! I'm not a fan of 3D films as it makes me feel queasy, but the experience here was so comfortable that i really didn't mind. And I love the location. The Southbank is one of my favourite places in London.

My first Imax experience was 300- and let me tell you "THIS IS"madness!!! It honestly blew me away, our location was the top row, directly in the middle (the best seat in the house). The second pleasure was none other than The dark knight, the empowering view, the dynamic sound, the pleasure of sharing such an experience with your friends, topped with a double serving of a well directed film. Perfection. I am investing in one those screens and surround systems for my "future home"....hell, I might even consider buying the entire Imax later on in life. If you haven't tried it yet, what are you waiting for? Go...

I like the IMAX. It is a pretty unique cinematic experience but that's what you're going there for! The last film I came to see here was Superman vs Batman and the film was meh but the experience was good. However I was in row H and my neck started to hurt a bit so I recommend maybe sitting a few rows back so your neck doesn't start hurting!

On the last night of my current trip to London, I went to see Inception, IMAX style! I'm with Craig; WOW, in fact; double WOW, in fact; Holy Shit WOW. The visuals were top notch and the gigantic screen size makes it more like watching a tennis match then a trip to the cinema. My slightly hungover state added to the experience even more. I was far too excited about seeing this movie,in London,in IMAX. Lots of jealous Facebook insults ensued. I'd say the high light of the trip but that would be unfair to giant pizzas,jumping up and down and all my mates in London. We don't have an IMAX in Dublin anymore, We're lucky to have a government at this stage really, so it's nice to get the big screen experience. I'd imagine it probably only suits movies of the big budget variety. I can't really picture seeing a Woody Allen or Mike Leigh movie in IMAX,that would be interesting though. Inception wasn't shot in IMAX but partly in 60mm so still benefits none the less. Only quibble about the place was the location, literally in the middle of a busy road,so underground access a must.

It's just such an incredible screen that makes it a memorable experience even if the film is not that great (ie: SUPERMAN RETURNS?), it's always packed but there's a line i case some tickets aren't used and you can get in (sometimes a little late) if there's space. I saw both BEOWULF and AVATAR in 3D here and i would almost consider going to London to watch the new HARRY POTTER on this particular screen! Also it's totally central and has a nice cafe space where you can have a little chat if you're going with your mates...

Awe-some. My first trip to an iMax didn't disappoint. Good popcorn & customer service. Comfy seats. Ma-hoosive screen. What's not to love?!

My 1st IMAX experience has left a lasting impression. I went to see "A Christmas Carol" in 3D!! Yep, 3D's back and this time it's amaaaazing! The 3D effects are incredible and clearly this film has been made with this technology in mind as, otherwise I would have found the extensive use of grabbing towards the camera and seemingly endless flying sequences a little pointless. Now when watching a film on an IMAX screen it's important to remember that if the sequence hasn't been shot with an IMAX camera, it's not going to yolk the full potential of the experience. A fact they for some reason didn't mention during the "tour" that preludes any feature. That said it IS a fantastic experience and any geeky quibbles I can muster are quickly forgotten once the 3D goggles are on and you're soaring through 17th century London!! Wish list; Top Gun in 3D... that is all!

I love it here! Yes, it's very expensive at £17 for a adult ticket before 17.00pm (but at £13 for a student it's cool for me!): yes, the food and drink are expensive (or though it's the same in any cinema) - but I love it here, every tiny detail I love! Saw Titanic here today and it was amazing. I remember seeing it 3 times at the cinema when it first came out and seeing it here was still very exciting. 3D screen is huge (but I have seen non 3D films and still loved the screen), sound is very clear and loud, seats are huge and it's so very clean. Yup, I love it here! (Oh, just checked - £17 a ticket is for premier seating, so it's cheaper for a normal seat.)

I had some fairly high expectations when visiting the IMAX and really liked the feel when I was walking towards it. It is just by Waterloo Station, a round building with lots of trees and plants growing around it (makes it look a lot nicer). Upon entering the machines to get the tickets where of course not great. Had to insert the credit card used to buy the tickets to get the tickets out of the machine - for me having numerous cards it took several tries before finding the right card (improvement suggestion: include a few digits of the card number on the booking confirmation as one has to start over from the beginning at the machine if inserting the wrong card). Went upstairs to pick up some snacks before the movie. Selection of candy is fairly good but that of drinks is poor. No cans or bottles of coke for sale - only the nasty ones in cups. Ordered some popcorn with salt. Apparently pre-salted so virtually no salt on them and when asking for salt they just said we do not have any salt! Amazing that they cannot keep some salt there - proposed we go and ask downstairs in the bar as they may have some. Not a great start but we went into the movie theater. A bit surprised that the screen was not very big. Had expected much more (thinking of the other IMAX I have been to) and sound quality during the movie was perhaps not bad but in no way great. All in all a very average movie theater that charges a premium price. Very annoying is also that there are staff walking around during the movie (as some people arrive late and need to be showed to their seats and also people getting up to go to the toilet during the movie). Will probably not go again as the experience was average in terms of quality of sound and picture.

Similar to another rater, I visited this IMAX for the 3rd time recently to see Transformers 2. The movie review is for another time and place, though I will say that it was ridiculously stupid and I adored it. What I will say about the Imax experience, though, is that there's nothing like it for movie going. If you sit too close to the front, you may find that you have a hard time keeping track of what's going on because it's a little daunting to take in such a huge screen. Other than that, though, it's absolutely fantastic. The sound system and the gi-normous screen really make you feel like you're in the action. It's so fantastic, and I'm looking forward to future movies at this location. The only major drawback from the actual movie experience was that you should prepare to queue up for some time to get snacks, drinks, or popcorn. The ratio of people working to people who want food isn't great sometimes. I'd also agree that the location is great for getting there easily...but watch out for those late night showings! I agree 100% that the area can be scary after hours and finding your way home can be difficult you miss the last train. In the end we managed to get the last ones home, and it all worked out, but there was our heart in our mouths moment when we wondered how much we were going to shell out for a cab...OR how much time it would take on the bus. So as long as you plan for the transportation issues if you're hitting a late night show, this should prove to be a fantastic experience.

This is a great place to visit for 3D movies. The price tag is too high and it is not really worth the trip for an IMAX Experience film. I do dislike the time allocated to non 3D at this venue. It is easy to get to and the seats are comfotable. The price is quite high, but it is worth it for the quality of 3D on the large screen. Whilst mainstream movies are popular, the specialist 3D hour long movies are the best. These fill the entire screen and allow you to be emmersed. The only annoying bit being the safety rails at the front that are in front of the lowest point on the screen. Viewing is probably quite poor in the front corners often these seats are not sold. You can also buy beers/wine and take it in Nice.

I've been a big fan of IMAX since I saw my first one (Everest) in 1998. The 3D ones are especially fun! This location is reasonably priced and never overly crowded. The seats are comfortable and all in all its a good movie watching experience. One caveat - The location is a bit funny with it being in the center of a roundabout. We were almost late to our showing because we walked around so much trying to figure out how to get to it!

Great screen, great sound, nice seats, only bad part was lack of leg room.

Sure it's pricey, but it's an experience worth having at least once. The ultra hi-def resolution and audio does justice to action/adventure flicks. Les Mis not so much. The sheer width of the screen, even when seen from the furthest and most premium of seats, can still induce mild nausea. That aside, IMAX certainly does offer more bang for your buck.

Yes its pricey but I literally will never want to go to another theater. I forgot how amazing a movie with good cinematography though great in a regular theater will transform you into feeling like you're a part of the movie! We went to Les Mis, which admittedly isnt the best use of the iMax but it was amazing nonetheless. The seats were comfy and large. Clean, crisp sound, great high-def resolution....loved it. IMAX has ruined every othercinema for me, I'll never want to go to a non IMAX theater!!

The Imax cinema is the only way you should watch film. The screen is humongous and well defined and the sound is crystal clear and loud. It makes watching a movie an actual experience. I also watched 300 here and it was out of this world. I admit to almost crying when I learnt I would have to wait almost a month to get tickets to watch the Dark Knight. I ended up watching it elsewhere and to this day rue missing seeing it on the Imax's incredible screen. If you get the opportunity watch some of the 3D short films. The experience will leave you on the edge of your seat. My tip is if a major blockbuster is soon to hit the screens, book as early as possible in advance to avoid disappointment.

They do occasionally show regular movies here; then it feels just like being in an average multiplex cinema. Went to see The Dark Knight in 2D here last week and the place came into its own. You don't realise until it's time to leave quite how far up you've been sitting (actually the further to the back the better!). This is not an average cinema experience and well worth the £12.50 ticket price.

Ah, IMAX, beautiful, beautiful IMAX. I've never actually been to an IMAX before so I wasn't quite prepared for the size of it but it DEFINITELY made watching the film (Pacific Rim, in case you wanted to know) much more awesome. It's kind of hard to find the entrance if you don't realise you have to go down subways to get there. It's not too extortionate to go, considering how expensive film-going has gotten recently. The food is understandably expensive, and not very good. You may want to consider nipping into the Sainsburys outside Waterloo for sweets (Yes, yes you're not 'supposed' to, but we all do it). There's also lots of other places for snacks when you first go in, though their prices are likely to be inflated. The one issue I had is, I'm not sure if it was the film or the screen or the glasses they gave us but the 3D wasn't always working properly, you could still see the 2 images to an extent which was a bit strange. Hope it was just how the film was and not the theatre itself because I DEFINITELY wanna go here again.

Despite living in London for nearly nine years, I still haven't been to see a film at the Imax. That was still the case this weekend, but I have been to the cafe bar. And i'm not that convinced yet. Wine was expensive (almost £5 for a small glass) and nothing to write home about. And it doesn't feel like any thought has gone into it. It's like there was some space left over and someone thought "let's just put a couple of tables here". Sofas were nice, and if you get the timing just right you won't have tons of Avatar film goers pile in when you just want a quiet drink (on a Friday evening, how rock 'n' roll of me). Although we did have one rather loud table of men come over and ask if we were going to see Avatar because "the bar was quiet when they came in and now it's got really noisy and they were a bit annoyed". We were yet to actually sit down and start a conversation. Rude much? So couple smug annoying film fans, with an average bar and you've got a solid three stars. But on a Friday night, when the BFI is packed out, it's rather more pleasant.

You really have to book weeks in advance for a blockbuster or a popular film - seems annoying but also something to look forward to. It fits not my attitude to a spontaneous life but anyway. My friend always expected a 360°-screen because the building just looks like it so don't be disappointed: unfortunately it isn't but at least Britain's biggest screen. For a pricey ticket you can expect modern architecture with a lot of space, clean facilities, no ice-cream, and the lovely fact of a personal introduction to IMAX through an employee instead of dull videos on this massive screen or a boring announcement. I loved this fact and gave applause. It is an experience...

Basically it's a huge screen (20 x 26 metres) and a very steeply angled platform on which the seats are located so you do get to sit and feel a lot closer to the film itself. This does enhance the experience, but it is pricy (£17 in one of the premium seats) so unless you intend to make it your normal cinema treat it as an experience and if you can remember to, take the time to look around when the film is playing - it's quite an odd sight to see the audience sitting at such a steep angle while they are all engrossed in the film. I didn't appreciate how much better the film experience was until I went to see a film in an ordinary cinema and felt very distant from the screen. Hopefully I will be able to adjust back to normal cinemas over time - or I'll just have to return to Imax again!

It is a great way to see a film, the seats are highly raked so you will never get someones head in your way, but its not for someone with vertigo! seeing films designed for the format is the best way to see it, the picture is very high quality (70 megapixels) as is the sound, even not imax films look impressive. if it is a blockbuster film they are showing you will have to book in advance people wanting to see the popular showings of batman returns had a months wait! like most cinemas, snacks are expensive, so sneak in your own!

Just in case you're not clear about what IMAX is: it's a bigger format for showing films in the cinema on an immense screen that is close to square rather than a letterbox format. It's not necessarily 3D (although it can be), and it's not that 180 degree projection where the film goes right over your head and round the sides. It's just a really huge screen. If you're sitting in the middle or the back (which you should aim to), then the screen goes from below your feet to above your head. It is an amazing way to watch aerial shots or action scenes. Generally only big blockbusters and specially made educational films are shot in IMAX. Sometimes this screen shows films which weren't made in IMAX, so only part of the huge screen is used - that's not really worth bothering with. Sometimes a film made on conventional stock will be processed so it can be blown up to IMAX size (although since it's still in letterbox format, the very top and the bottom of the screen will be unused) - this is a great way to see a film. I would definitely consider seeing an IMAX screening at least once - it's only a couple of quid more expensive than normal screenings (if that). Make sure you get seats in the back half of the cinema, though, because if you're too close to the screen you end up constantly moving your head around.

Really enjoyed the 3D experience in the IMAX, the screen is enormous and the picture quality great. Unfortunately the last thing I went to see was Beowolf (the film itself was crap!). It's a bit pricey but worth a visit every now and then