Overview
Good news and bad news, movie lovers. The good news is that the IMAX in Darling Harbour is getting a major upgrade. The bad news is that, until it's finished, you'll have to watch your blockbusters in a regular cinema like a chump.
The 117ft screen will cease operation on September 25 ahead of a "program of renewal" that will see the entire building demolished. In its place, rising from the ashes, will be a brand new IMAX facility, housed alongside a six-star hotel and a major new restaurant and retail complex. Crucially, the new screen will maintain the title of the largest on the planet (back off our record, world). Who knows, they may even add a couple of extra inches, just to stay ahead of the game.
In addition to the giant-ass screen, the new cinema will also boast 430 seats along with the latest in IMAX laser projection and sound. Also included in the upgrade will be a brand new 40-seat luxury auditorium, where you'll be able to enjoy catered meals from surrounding restaurants while kicking back and enjoying the film.
The downside to all this is that construction isn't expected to finish until 2019, which means watching the next three Star Wars movies, and about 86 Marvel new films, in a boring old multiplex. Alternatively you could pop down to Melbourne, home to the world's third largest IMAX?
Yeah, we know. It's just not the same.