There’s no better time than now to get out of the house, gather your friends and loved ones, and take that much-awaited trip to the cinemas. Movie houses are as booked as ever with what netizens call a “generational run” of local and international titles. It’s no surprise that we seek the most fulfilling experiences watching (and debriefing) each one.
That’s why Filipinos’ go-to malls are abuzz this month with the optimal features of their Image Maximum (IMAX) theaters. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge effects that fill your senses, these establishments offer immersive viewing perks that make our favorite films worth coming back to.
Photo: SM Cinema, Canva
By now, most of us probably already know the lowdown of a typical trip to the movies. You purchase tickets, perhaps a snack, too, to keep you full and bust your boredom. You find your seat and settle down as the previews roll. The movie’s title card pops up for your documentation (and posting on the way home). And an hour or two later, you end up with something new to log on your Letterboxd account.
For over 50 years, IMAX theaters have elevated the cinematic thrill of it all by introducing viewers to what lies beyond the screen’s four corners. They do far more than just help you focus on the film you came to see. They immerse you in their artistic process and overall purpose, providing a “gold standard” for globally renowned filmmakers and the technology they use.
Don’t just take our word for it, though. There’s a vast selection of IMAX theaters in Metro Manila that’ll guarantee a worthwhile time at the cinemas. Here’s what you should know about their exclusive features:
SM Mall of Asia (MOA)
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No need for compromises or limitations here. SM MOA’s IMAX Theater has the tried-and-true aspects of a movie house that every cinephile dreams of visiting. The theater’s 29-by-22-meter screen lets you enjoy some of today’s most in-demand titles in full view, just as your favorite filmmakers intended. Its upgraded 12-channel audio system also maximizes the room’s capacity of over 400 seats.
Vista Cinemas at Evia Lifestyle Center
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Vista Cinemas at Evia Lifestyle Center, Las Piñas uses IMAX with Laser technology—the first in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia to do so—to deliver sharp images, deep contrast, and a wide range of colors for its 24-by-13-meter film screenings. For Richard L. Gelfond, chief executive officer (CEO) of IMAX, this upgrade ushers in a “technological breakthrough” that caters to an impactful moviegoing experience.
SM Megamall, SM Aura, and SM Southmall
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An unforgettable, “larger-than-life” movie experience awaits you at these select IMAX theaters at SM Cinemas. In these meticulously designed movie houses, you can find approximately 22-by-12-meter screens equipped with advanced projection that spotlights every notable detail.
SM North Edsa
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Rounding up our list is SM North Edsa’s IMAX Theater, which comes with a 16-by-nine-meter screen suitable for screenings across all genres. It takes up a few more inches than the mall’s regular cinema, making more room for attendees and their front-row seats to movie magic.
ALSO READ: Your Quick Guide to the Different Cinema Theater Formats Available in Local Malls
Have you and your loved ones been to any of these IMAX cinemas in Metro Manila? What was your experience like? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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