IMAX Cinemas/Theatre

IMAX theatres has secured a strong reputation as second to none in cinematic formats with the biggest picture, most crystal clear imagery and the highest quality sound along with the advancements that have revolutionized the 3D cinematic experience.

The IMAX format cannot be truly appreciated without the IMAX cinemas containing the most high tech sound and projection equipment along with the largest cinema screens in the world.

IMAX 3D

IMAX 3D is an experience that needs to be seen to be believed. If you haven’t tried 3D viewing in the IMAX format then you haven’t truly experienced 3D. Originally, watching IMAX movies in 3D involved quite large headsets. This resulted in 3D movie experiences that had never been experienced before with clear IMAX quality movies jumping out of the screen and engulfing the room. The heavy headsets at IMAX Melbourne have since been replaced with more comfortable light weight goggles which provide the exact same effect.

Full Feature Length Movies

Up until 2005, the movies which were filmed in the IMAX format were limited to documentaries and other short entertaining movies of around 45 minutes. In recent years the cinemas have broadened the collection of screened movies, with Hollywood choosing to take advantage of the IMAX experience and filming selected blockbusters in the IMAX format. Movies have even been converted into the IMAX 3D format with spectacular results. This has opened up IMAX to a much larger mainstream audience who are now able to watch full length feature film IMAX movies. These full feature length movies cost a few dollars more then regular length IMAX movies.

Some of the blockbusters which have played in the IMAX Melbourne theatres include:

• 300
• Star Trek
• Polar Express (3D)
• Monsters vs. Aliens (3D)
• Beowulf (3D)
• Transformers
• Transformers II
• Night at the Museum 2
  

Ticket Prices

• Adult:
  > Regular Length IMAX: $17.50
  > Full Length Features: $21.00
  
• For a full list of other prices (Children, concessions and families) see http://www.imaxmelbourne.com.au/index.aspx?pageId=4#

Group Bookings, Cinema Hire & Functions

The IMAX complex is very large and spacious and a cinema for private hire can accommodate up to 478 people. There are dedicated function rooms and fully stocked licensed bars and snacks.

The cinemas accommodate large groups, schools and clubs with ease.

Location of IMAX Melbourne Theatres

IMAX Melbourne cinemas are located in within the lovely Carlton gardens on the edge of the Central Business District. It is attached to the Melbourne Museum which shares its grounds with the Old Melbourne Exhibition Building.

Carlton gardens are bound by Nicholson Street and Rathdowne Street which branch out from Exhibition and Spring Street (in the CBD) respectively.

Getting Here

• Train: Parliament station is the closest station in the CBD to Carlton gardens.
  > From here a 15 minute walk will take you to the cinemas
  > Connecting trams 86 and 96 on Spring Street will travel down Nicholson Street to the Corner of Gertrude (across from the gardens).
• Tram: Trams number 86 and 96 travel down Bourke Street in the CBD, then down Nicholson Street via Spring Street. Once on Nicholson the trams will both travel alongside the gardens with a stop half way at Gertrude Street. The cinemas are a short stroll in the gardens from here.

See Metlink for bus information and other information regarding trains and trams http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au

• Walking: The Carlton gardens are a short walk from the Central Business district. Rathdowne Street is an extension of Nicholson Street or follow La Trobe or Spring Street which both terminate at the gardens.

Contact Details & Session Times

• Website: http://www.imaxmelbourne.com.au/
• Phone: (03) 9663 5454
• Session Times: http://www.imaxmelbourne.com.au/index.aspx?pageId=1
  > If you the movie you are interested in is a premiere or in its first week, booking in advance is strongly recommended.