Empirical Theater

Incredibly disappointed. Went to see the newly restored Princess Mononoke in 4k @ the OMSI Empirical Theater. I realized immediately that the film was not being displayed in 4k. It was incredibly washed out. Dimly lit screen. Not only were the projectors dim but the bulbs would flicker. The details were very blurry. There was times where smaller details would split into double images due to the projector being so incredibly out of focus. The projector was not properly calibrated because you could see the film warping and stretching along the top of the screen. Again incredibly disappointed. Based on what was marketed I really feel as if I was scammed. This was NOT the 4k restoration that was advertised by GKIDS. They did come through with a refund.

OMSI needs to bring back 70mm IMAX. They made a massive mistake getting rid of it. They thought it was outdated technology, now they're behind and missing the most in demand film format available. People would travel from Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada and Montana to see IMAX 70mm and then check out the museum. Anyway, make sure to sit in the back rows because the screen will be blurry if you dont. Sounds quality is excellent though. There's almost nothing available for concessions, which is fine for a single screening but I once did a Lord of the Rings marathon here and basically had to starve all day. They also didn't allow us to save seats between films, so after every film the crowd would rush out to get back in line to have our tickets rescanned. Forcing us either to choose between getting in line for a good seat, going to the bathroom or getting crackers and water. It was an incredibly stressful and hectic event that felt more like survival of the fittest. It definitely ruined this theater for me. Why sell a single ticket for all 3 films if we can't save seats? It was a poorly planned event.

I'm big fun of IMAX but honestly IMAX in United States, no probably in Portland, is different that in Europe But popcorn 🍿 was really good Staff is helpful Price that you can effort Didn't really like chair but I believe that is different choice for everyone Btw - Capitan Marvel is sucks 😕

The movie screen and experience itself is fantastic, 5 stars, but good lord, don't expect concessions - that would a 1 star. Twice I've gone and they weren't allowed to serve alcohol because they didn't have their olcc license, and this time the concessions was completely shut down less than 30 minutes after the 7:15 movie started. Friend's soda was completely flat, as well. I guess go for the movie, but bring your own food and drink with you?

Good for movies but even better for live stuff like STEM Cabaret or Dork Side of the Moon. 🙂

The review is for Empirical Cafè located at OMSI next to the Empirical Theater. I think I found a Ruby Jewel; Mihkayla is a sweet girl and she is kind.

There is a small cage for food like hot dogs, wraps, and drinks. No reserved seating so get there a little early.

We were excited to attend this theater for the first time during a fun event called Reel Eats. We were pleasantly surprised by the tray of treats but once we entered the theater, despair set in. I'm a size 22/24 woman and when I sat in a seat, it was wildly uncomfortable and painful. The cup holders do not move either so that's all you get. On top of that, I couldn't have my legs in a normal position otherwise the arms cut into my hips and there's no where to put your tray. I cried in embarrassment, pain, and frustration the first 15 minutes of the movie until I got used to the pain. I'm disappointed and have never experienced anything like this.

I had never been in the theater at OMSI and now I can't wait to go back! I feel much more 'in the know' now. I have been to many OMSI exhibits. Since I lost a great deal of mobility, navigating the world is very different and can be very challenging. Thankfully the staff want to help. I opted not to get any snacks at concessions this time but apparently there were tacos AND popcorn. A staff member brought me to the elevator and around to enter which leads to some accessible seating. Many have tables. The screen is so big it was nearly made me dizzy. I was immediately telling a friend we need to see a movie here! I think I might have to come back for Wicked. It looks like they have a tasting menu of sorts for that which sounds fun. I even one a free museum admission from guessing 8 out of 10 for the science quiz. I definitely like having ADA spots available on both sides of OMSI's entrance as well.

Always interesting screenings in a great theater. I've been enjoying this theater for 25 years and have always experienced great service and comfortable seating at reasonable prices. I'm a fan.

The theater is large. Each row is raised a lot behind the next, so no heads of people in front of you getting in the way. Huge screen. Lowered one star for audio. It is "tinny" and isn't up to the standards of other theaters. Another star off for narrow seats. They are about 16.5 wide. They are not comfortable for larger folks. (The arms don't lift which make it difficult to get into with large hips!)

It was a girls night out for the Barbie premiere and we were hyped and showing our girl power in pink. We arrived a bit early only to be welcomed with a table of adorably decorating cookies and beverages for the occasion (not free). I paid for parking and tickets online in advance, so we went straight to the line. It was a people watcher's dream! There was Ken, Nurse Barbie, Cowgirl Barbie, Princess Barbie, and 100 shades of pink. There was also a full Barbie balloon pink carpet display for photo ops. You can't go to a movie these days without shelling out $50+ for 2 people if you get snacks. Imagine my surprise discovering we could see the show on a giant screen for $7 per ticket! I was somewhat confused about parking. Apparently there's an app that you can use to pay. I just wasn't sure how to prove we paid in advance, but nobody asked and I didn't see any tickets left on windshields. If you have an issue with a lot of stairs, note that there are accessible options if you ask. After checking the website, I also learned that they have the following: Earplugs can be requested from the Front Desk and Concierge Desk, and sensory resource packs that include: * Noise reducing headphones * Fidget toys * Sunglasses * Visual and auditory timer * 2 pound weighted shoulder wrap * Sanitizing wipes We had so much fun and even got a ticket for a BOGO free OMSI admission. They only have the one theater, and run educational documentaries through the daytime. Check their website for details.

The staff needs to take more responsibility for who they admit. I went to see The Terminator, not a kids movie, and was surprised to see so many young children. Sitting next to a first grader while we watched a topless Linda Hamilton get railed wasn't great. Movies have rating for a reason.

Once upon a time, 70mm films were all the rage. I remember standing in line for what seemed like hours. just to watch The Wrath of Khan. Totally worth it! These huge theaters need to make a comeback. I saw a concert at the Schnitzer, a while back, and although it was good, the Hall itself was tiny, almost claustrophobic.

1990's ticket prices ($7.50) for new release movies? Outstanding! You may consider arriving early for three reasons: 1) you risk your life if you have to walk past seated people to get to your seats. It's super steep stadium seating and there's barely any room to walk by seated people. Harrowing 2) usually, the movie starts at the stated time with no previews. Leave time to get snacks, hit the restrooms, etc. Tell yourself the movie starts 15 min earlier than stated so you are seated in time. 30 min earlier if you're anyone in my family. 3) if it's a popular movie, good seats go fast. Barbie was an almost full theater. Good beer selection. Also, the Dole lemonade was tasty.

The movie theater business has been up and down. I follow the tech side and the breakthroughs in moving from film to digital, color space, and digital workflow. Digital iMAX, laser projection, 3d, and ATMOS have added expense to theater operations, raised ticket prices, but they have not filled seats. Meanwhile production budgets have not remained tethered to earth. A few of the McMenamins, like the Kennedy and St Johns, have low prices. We have stellar independent programming at the Hollywood Theater, Cinema 21, and sometimes Living Room Theaters. The Art Museum NW Film Center/PAM-Cut is sleeping. Several other theaters like Cinemagic, St Johns Twin, and Laurelhurst are dankly worn and or have bad sound. Studio One is a great experience with evolved food and drink. Enter the OMSI Empirical Theater. It was built as an iMAX theater when iMAX was 70mm film with the image longways. That is a huge print. The 4 foot diameter reels were 200 pounds. That is a lot of superhero strength required for the projectionists to move them. Ultimately it was too expensive for OMSI to maintain. The theater has settled back to good digital projection on its ginormous screen. The sound is excellent with no echo. It has many channels for surround and the first ATMOS system in a science center theater. The seats are comfortable. The carpet is clean. No strange smells. It is much steeper than stadium seating, so no blocked views ever. The do have food and drink concessions, but nothing exotic. The bathrooms are clean, and neat. In the evening parking is free. The parking situation is changing soon with the City of Portland taking it over, so check when you buy tickets. They program nature films, superhero films, and second run blockbusters. All are good for the sound and picture format, and good for families. I caught up on the Black Panther II and Avatar II. Avatar in 3d was at their regular cheap price! Usually attendance is sparse. No line, no wait! All seats good. The OMSI Empirical Theater is the theater the 90s forgot. It is doing well while the major theater chains are declaring bankruptcy. https://studylib.net/doc/11684271/contents-omsi-fast-facts-2-our-history

Excellent service, courteous staff, reasonable price, no problems, and accessible for a walker.

We saw Beetlejuice here and it cost less than $20 for two people. Thats an incredibly good price for a 2024 new release movie. The theatre was large and clean. People cloud spread out and not feel like they're sitting right next to other couples.

Nice to sit on a slope and see a big screen. Waited outside of the theater after buying the ticket and we all sat down at the same time. Be careful to buy parking. Ooops the concession stand did not take cash that evening.

Rude. Came here with a friends to watch Barbie and we were excited to take photos using the Barbie backdrop - and we're not usually ones to take photos of ourselves! We just were hyped up like everyone else. We went to use the bathroom first and not even five minutes later, some lady was taking it down RIGHT BEFORE the 3:30 showing. A bunch more people showed up wearing pink and were disappointed as well. It felt so intentional. They probably took it down to get ready for the animation film festival but they really couldn't have waited until everyone went inside? They totally could've but they didn't. The quality of this place has gone down.

Maybe my new favorite theater in Portland. It was the first time I'd been back since the remodel. As a child I went to the dome theater many times so I was a little sad to see that theater was no longer there. However, the remodel was done very well. I just saw Ad Astra here and it was a great experience. First, it's the largest screen in Portland. Second, they've designed the interior with the seats at a very steep angle (I.e. talk steps up to your seats) so that every seat in the house is a good one. They have a small concession stand outside which sells many different snack, meal, and drink options to enjoy while watching the movie. Everything, including the tickets, is very reasonably priced. They also host various events and film series throughout the year that I'm planning on attending next year.

Had a great experience at our movie tonight. First off, the price is hard to beat. I think we paid around $7 each. Upon arrival, parking is free in the evening. And the theater itself is huge - very tall, curved screen with stadium seating and an awesome (loud) speaker system. I'd definitely come back here again.

Amazing screen. Great prices. Needs more comfortable seating and better concessions.

Finally made it to the Empirical Theater after it was renovated from the OMNIMAX. What I liked was the big screen, sound system, and the cheap evening price at $7 for the film. You can enjoy a feature film to its fullest. What I disliked were the seats. They were small, cramped and had absolutely no leg room. My back and legs felt uncomfortable from the get-go and made the 2 hour movie difficult to watch. Maybe they kept the OMNIMAX seats or seating arrangement but it didn't work for me.

The experience was surreal. Be it the detailed displays on the reproductive systems , embryo development in its every stage ,the paleontology dept was my personal favorite. Lots of activities for kids to keep them occupied and involved as they pass from one section to another The imperial theatre was amazing as well , especially the presentation concerning the dark universe presentation about our galaxy and also other distant galaxies and what we as Humans know about it so far, from its oval projection display to the music which sets the whole presentation in motion before it begins is definitely exceptional, strongly recommending this place to anyone of any age as there there is something to learn for every One of every age

It's not the Omnimax and it never will be, but it is a HUGE screen and worth experiencing. The space is very cold, and there isn't a way to lift the armrests or lean the chairs back. If you're at OMSI and want to see a short science doc, then by all means, go! But for a full-length film, head to the IMAX at Bridgeport or Lloyd Center.

I have seen two movies here; one was a Reel Science film, Wall-E with a robotics talk from Intel and the other was Dr Strange in 3d. I think this theater is a nice way to see a movie, I think you might be able to buy a beer in the cafe next to the gift shop, but I'm not positive. If you can't, that's too bad. You should be able to drink a beer during an IMAX 3d. Parking is $5 in the OMSI lot and the chairs in the theater are uncomfortably situated. They're stacked like a Jacob's ladder where I felt my upstairs neighbor's feet's every twitch. My jacket was on the back of the seat and it felt like it was getting beat up by my upstairs neighbor. Also people talking during the film, the sound carried really well in the amphitheater, including chewing, breathing, coughs and sneezes. At first we were like um this is a great price for a 3d movie, but the seatting is kinda cramped (if you think you'll get up during the movie, choose an aisle, because the rows are very narrow, moreso than the Schnitz or the Hollywood Theater). Enjoyed the movie, enjoyed the sound and screen but the theater wasn't the most comfortable. I also saw a few movies over Christmas in theaters with recliners so maybe I've been spoiled.

Excellent theater. Next best thing to VR. HINT: Best seats are opposite the entrance. By the control podium.

Love this place! The IMAX we saw was incredible! Very spacious with tons of seats. Easy to get a ticket and find a seat. Would definitely recommend!

Very cool place to see a movie! After the museum is closed, they show a couple of movies. We went to see Deadpool 2 here at 9:45pm. HUGE screen, HUGE theatre, great sound and picture. Little concession stand - should be able to find something for everyone. Staff was super friendly, and parking was ample and free. Will def be back again.

I had a chance to visit the Empirical Theater at OMSI this opening weekend. Overall, the theater is excellent. A great place to see a "big screen" type of movie. The've totally renovated what was the OMNIMAX theater previously. It looks like they will be playing new-release movies as well now--where previously it was mostly science-related shows. It's likely the best place to see a big-screen movie in Oregon. The screen is HUGE. The sound is excellent. I don't think any other theaters are using the new Dolby Atmos system, which has speakers in the ceiling and floor below you (think rain drops dropping from above you and splattering at your feet). Sit as far back as you can. Sitting close with a screen this big can make it challenging. We sat somewhere in the middle and I still found myself having to turn my head to capture everything that was happening. Overall, a great room, though still room for improvement in the lobby-ish area.

The best secret in Portland. It's an IMAX theater...with Dolby Atmos, stadium seating, alcoholic beverages available, and $5 admission the first Sunday of every month. In addition there are film fests every year with STEEP discounts. Scifi fest is $30 for admission to 30 movies! I'm not sure whether I should spread the word to help keep OMSI around or keep it a secret so I can see IMAX movies in an empty theater. The only downside is cramped legroom which is tough when watching a 3 hour movie.

Best theater in Portland. No exceptions. l almost didn't write a review because I want to keep it a secret all for myself. This is the biggest IMAX screen in Oregon for the same price or cheaper than normal tickets anywhere else ($7-$8.50). It's never too crowded as the space is enormous. The seating is cliff-like, your feet are on the same level as the heads in front of you, which means no bad seats in the house! But sit toward the back middle if you can. They have tons of educational movies, but also a good variety of first run movies as well. I saw Big Hero Six, Cinderella, and Avengers: Age of Ultron. I really wanted to see Interstellar on such a massive screen, but didn't get the chance. GO. But don't tell toooo many people about it or it will get stampeded.

Amazing screen, sound, and seats. So steep you don't even see the people in front of you. Very good reasonable prices, and with our omsi pass we get 8 tickets includes. Besides cinetopia living room, it is the best around, just not the best titles and times.

OMSI is a very family and kid-centric museum with loads of educational and interactive displays. A definite haven and playground for children. My husband and I did enjoy a gingerbread exhibit still in place after the New Year which was a collaboration of work from local architects and culinary artists. I wish I would've taken pics to share of the fabulously clever gingerbread houses on display. We arrived upon the Empirical Theater with a 3-D Journey into Space. This was a lot of fun and worth sharing on Yelp. We will keep an eye out for future shows and will probably pass on the museum and go straight to the impressive theater where tickets may be purchased without paying museum admission. Fun experience in the theater!

2nd run 3D IMAX movies for $7 with comfy seats, a giant screen, beer/wine/cider & pizza for sale, and if you want to bring in your own food nobody cares. Just let these facts sink in for a moment. There's no theater like this one in town! When it first opened we saw Gravity in a sold-out showing. We've been several times since with at-most twenty other people in this 300-seat auditorium. What's up with that? This place is great! Why don't they sell out every night? You might say it depends on the movies playing...Granted, Gravity was a big deal, but we saw the Force Awakens here with almost nobody else. Get in here, everyone! Make one of Portland's best-kept secrets a secret no longer!

Am super-impressed with the new Empirical Theater. We saw "Gravity" there in 3-D, which I had already seen once at the biggest 3-D theater I could find in town (Bridgeport IMAX)... and it was even better at the new OMSI Theater. Better sound, great picture, and seating that puts you right in the middle of the image. Also, the 3-D glasses were higher-quality & more comfortable than what we had at Bridgeport. A note for first-timers... you do want to walk up a few rows to get higher on the screen in a theater like this. The first couple of rows are rarely filled b/c they are too close for most movies. Thanks to OMSI for the upgrade!

We went and watched Gravity at the Empirical Theater and I can't imagine seeing that movie any other way. The screen is huge and for a movie so stunning it was perfect. The price was also great. $7 a ticket made this an inexpensive date night. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for other great films to see here.

I have to admit I was a bit annoyed when I learned the OMNIMAX was gone, until I saw Flight of the Butterflies this afternoon. Wow! Up to the top row is the nosebleed section, but perfect seats. It was amazing. I stuck my hand out a couple of times to try and grab a butterfly. I don't know how they do it but you have to see it. Plan to go back next week and see Jerusalem. I'm told OMSI is the first to move to this system in the country. Well done!

Can anyone figure out how to navigate their website? Unless you want movie times for the next few days you are out of luck. I'm trying to get a group together for a movie two weeks from now, and it's impossible to find out what's going on then. When I use their search engine with "theater" and the date, it says "no results". Really? The entire theater is closed on a Saturday? So then I try calling. I try three different departments and no one picks up the phone- not even the receptionist! Guess I won't be taking my group to OMSI after all.

Awesome theater. Took my lil one to see Finding Dori and I'm glad I couldn't find it at another theater (no longer playing) or I would never had the chance to experience this amazing theater.

I just saw Interstellar in the Empirical Theater and I am sorely disappointed that the dome screen is gone. I remember watching the Dark Knight Rises on the old screen and it was Amazing. Movies used to be immersive and wrap around you. Sure the aspect was a bit off, but you were "in" the movie. While this is a decent iMax theater it certainly isn't the spectacle I remember it being. The perk here is that you get an iMax experience with a $7 ticket price if you go to an evening show. It's ok, but I won't be making the road trip to OMSI anymore.

"Old school charm with future school toys", that's the feeling you get from the Empirical Theater. I was pleasantly surprised that $7 would let me see a 3D, GIANT screen, Dolby Atmos movie. It's one more great addition to a place that helps define Portland.

We are so disappointed that they got rid of their I MAX. What the heck is that all about? We saw Gravity and the only saving grace was the fact that it was in 3D. We will not be going back for that! I can go to a regular old theatre and not have the long drive.

The Empirical Theater is a great place to see a movie. The screen is HUGE (I saw Gravity) and the seating/screen is sloped so that you have tons of room and can see from anywhere. The tickets are also way cheaper than a standard theater. I will definitely be back soon.

We saw the "Family Party Flix Mix" at OMSI's Empirical Theater yesterday. What a downer of a collection of different styles of animation. The hour-and-a-half was interminable. We would have left if we could have gotten past the other people in our row. These cartoons were somewhat boring, and so gloomy that one little child in the audience was whimpering towards the end. We also didn't like the "dammit" and "Oh My God"s in one of the cartoons. Not our idea of family fare!