Imax Theatre

Recently an Imax theatre has been opened in London (you will find the theatre just outside the main entrance of Waterloo station). The Imax theatres are well known for their big screen movies, which give you the idea you are in the midst of the movie itself. You will not find the latest James Bond or Star Wars movie in these theatres, but movies specially made for Imax theatres.

The building itself is, in my opinion, not really attractive. It is one of these very modern (completely glass walls) buildings in the middle of an area with old buildings. However, as it is build in the middle of a roundabout, it is an improvement. They made economical use of an unused piece of ground.

The inside is very clean and modern. The movie screen seems to be as high as four double-decker buses. When you leave the theatre, you have to use stairs that seem endless. When you look down from the top of them you get the idea you are looking at a painting of Escher.

We went to ‘Into the deep’, a 3D movie about the sea life in the ocean just outside north California. For the movie 3D glasses were provided (you can do a good Stevie Wonder impersonation with them. Sorry Stevie fans, I love his music but could not resist doing so. :+) ).

Into the Deep is, in my opinion, a good movie and the 3D effects are, most of the time, very good. You get the feeling as if you are in the midst of the sharks and other fishes and that you can touch them for real. However, sometimes I lost the 3D effect and got the idea I was cross-eyed (it might be possible my eyes did not like to be tricked). Before the movie a 3D cartoon was shown, which was not only funny, but also extremely good. The preview of Deep Space was also shown and, although not a 3D movie, you were constantly in the midst of the movie.

You are entertained for approximately an hour and therefore the prices are high. However, they are not that much higher than in normal theatres. Also you have to keep in mind that producing a movie for an Imax theatre is more expensive then regular movies. I recommend the Imax theatre, especially the 3D movies, to the real movie fanatic. It also is an ideal place to go to for families with children.