Overview
Trips to the flicks in Sydney are about to get big again. Huge, even. Massive, in fact. After closing down back in 2016 when the entire building was demolished, the IMAX in Darling Harbour will finally reopen in its newly rebuilt form before 2023 is out.
Initially, the venue was meant to relaunch in 2019, then in 2021; however, that clearly didn't happen. Giant nights at the movies are coming to all film lovers who wait, however, complete with a hefty 693-square-metre screen to peer at.
That screen really is large. It'll also be part of IMAX's most-advanced theatre experience so far, spanning 4K laser projection using a system with a new optical engine and custom-designed lenses. Thanks to a range of proprietary technology, viewers can apparently expect the images gracing the screen to be brighter, too, with increased resolution, deeper contrast and the widest range of colours that IMAX has seen. As for the sound, that'll be piped through a 12-channel setup.
Running the site will be EVT, the hospitality company behind Event Cinemas, Moonlight Cinema, the Skyline Drive-In and the State Theatre, a heap of bars and restaurants, plus QT Hotels, Rydges and other hotel chains. The organisation also has three other IMAX venues to its name: in Auckland and Queensgate in New Zealand, and IMAX Karlsruhe in Germany.
As well as that enormous screen, the luxe IMAX Sydney upgrade will include a choice of different seating, such as recliners, couples' lounges and private pods. There'll be 430 seats in total, on par with the old venue. And, the food and beverage range is getting a revamp courtesy of a marketplace experience.
"We're thrilled to partner with EVT to bring audiences a world-class movie going experience at the new IMAX Sydney theatre in The Ribbon," said Giovanni Dolci, IMAX's Chief Sales Officer, announcing the news.
"We're confident that this iconic venue will become a cultural landmark and will instantly join the ranks of our most celebrated and successful flagship cinemas around the world, from New York, Cannes and Tokyo to Los Angeles, Seoul and London," Dolci continued.
"At EVT, our vision is to be leaders in creating experiences and properties that escape the ordinary. Our research tells us that audiences want choice," added EVT's Director of Entertainment Australia Luke Mackey.
"We've created multiple ways to experience IMAX, featuring Australian first premium seating options — full recliners, couples' lounges and private pods. The location also leverages experts from across EVT to deliver elevated food and beverage and an innovative venue for conferences and events. We believe that IMAX Sydney located in the heart of Sydney will be the best IMAX in Australia, attracting locals and tourists alike".
There's no word yet as to which massive blockbusters will be gracing the new IMAX screen when it reopens, or an exact date — but Sydneysiders, you'll soon have a new huge spot to see huge flicks.
IMAX Sydney will reopen at Darling Harbour sometime in 2023 — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced.