Finally! the IMAX Theater in SM North Edsa is officially opened today July 16, 2009, and it is in time to launch it with Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince IMAX movie. And yesterday was the press launching of it and we movie bloggers were there to witness the big unveiling of the 2nd IMAX Theater here in the Philippines. Thanks to SM Cinema for inviting us.
The IMAX Theater is located in the old SM North Edsa building and it is in the cinema area, infront of Cinema 12. You can ask the guard in the area for directions if you got lost in the mall area. We just watched the movie "Under the Sea", it's a Warner Bros. IMAX movie, a movie documentary about the life under the sea, hosted and commented by Jim Carrey. I love those cuttlefish doing "it" ahehhee.
Here are some of my comments and short review about the IMAX Theater in SM North Edsa
1. The cinema is a lot more wider than the SM MOA, and with seats that are arrange in a wide system, you'll notice it if you have been to IMAX Theater of SM MOA, which they have the cinema and screen much taller than the SM North Edsa version.
2. Seats are not cramped just like in SM MOA, but I SM MOA might have much bigger space in terms of seats. And due to that the new IMAX in SM North Edsa occupies the old building, the old style of having it in wide format rather than having the same size in SM MOA.
3. Bigger in space, lesser seats, easy to move, and lighting effects in the hallway are nice
4. Lobby area is big, hope they can put couches or more food booths for customers
5. The 3D glasses are much different from the SM MOA, and looks a little heavy when you wear it, but the wide vision on it is okay.
6. They have seats in the front, not sure if that will be occupied, but i know it is lot more better than SM MOA if you watch it in front. I haven't tried watching other movie, but got a chance to watch "Under the Sea" IMAX movie, and the effects of the 3D is okay.
7. SM North Edsa vs. SM MOA - IMAX Theaters
Big screen size - SM MOA
More seats - SM MOA
Wide screen - SM North
comfy seats - SM North
Air conditioning - SM North
big cinema area- SM North
Comfort room - i haven't tried checking it out, but I know its always clean
Food booths - no comment yet, will wait for the final set up of SM North lobby
fresh 3D glasses - of course, SM North
8. The IMAX Theater in SM North Edsa is perfect for people who lives nearby in Q.C., Marikina, Manila, Caloocan. And with the transpo going there with the use of Bus,Fx or MRT, the venue is much more accessible to people who lives in Manila. And for me who lives in Cavite, will prefer to watch a movie in SM MOA, coz its too close to our home.
9. The screen at SM North Edsa is good for old people who have bad vision, and if you encounter lots of crossed eye moments with the 3D glasses in SM MOA, here in SM North Edsa is much more better and the view is good even that you are seated in the side of the hall.
10. Maybe I can do more review if I have watch a full length movie at SM North Edsa, will post more soon.
11. Ticket price for Harry Potter movie is P400, while Under the Sea movie is priced at P250.
There will be new upcoming IMAX movies like Space Station 3D (November 2009), Nascar 3D, Walt Disney's Christmas Carol (November 2009) <-- recommended to watch it, a Robert Zemeckis CGI film (Polar Express) starring Jim Carrey, Avatar 3D (December 2009) <-- a James Cameron sci fi film in full 3D starring Michelle Rodriguez and Sam Worthington.
and on year 2010, Shrek Goes Fourth 3D – May 2010, How to Train your Dragon 3D – March 2010 and Hubble 3D.
check my photo coverage below to see the actual pics of the theater.
more photos in my album at IMAX Theater SM North Edsa - grand launching
The IMAX Theater sign outside the theater hallway
the popcorn and snacks booth
RG and Lace with the popcorns, at the background Jonel and Jaydj getting their popcorns
the new 3D glasses design that looks like a goggles
with the IMAX logo
inside the dark cinema
the hallway that looks like a spaceport
cool light effects that guides us to the way of our seats
end credits of "Under the Sea" Imax movie
press, media and guests at the grand launching, also Opep's pic on the left side
the 3D glasses, we return the glasses after watching a movie and give it to the theater attendant
Jonel in his 3D fashion
The movie bloggers!
For inquiries and ticket reservations, please call 929- 5452 or 924-4274. For inquiries and screening schedule, log on to www.smcinema.com or you can email us at imaxnorthedsa@smsupermalls.com.
