Everyone loves to enjoy the best movie experience. But, it is confusing to decide the best seats for an IMAX movie. IMAX provides you with an amazing movie effect with its giant screen.
As compared to standard cinema, IMAX is both louder and bigger. It is best to enjoy 3D as well as other film formats.
No matter where you sit in the theater, the movie experience is immersive. But, some seats are preferable to others. So, you need to choose wisely.
What is IMAX?
IMAX is the short form of “Image Maximum”. This type of theater has one of the biggest screens. As compared to an average cinema, the IMAX screen is 40% larger.
The cinema uses projection technology to create giant images that cover the whole wall. You can enjoy an immersive watch experience with full details of every object.
Moreover, the powerful sound system, high quality cameras, 2D and 3D formats make IMAX a unique theater system. Sitting position matters a lot if you want to enjoy fully.
Which Seat is Ideal For IMAX?
IMAX screen feels bigger and more immersive even from the back. The further you go, the bigger the screen appears.
Our normal viewing angle or field of vision is 180 degrees. It means we can see on the far left and far right sides while our focus is in the middle.
Hence, if you sit exactly in the middle seat, you can enjoy the full screen. If you fit in the right corner, you cannot view the screen fully.
So, the best seats for IMAX are in the middle and 4 or 5 rows from the back. You should be in the middle both vertically and horizontally.
It will provide you with a stunning movie experience with great sound effects.
Which Seat is the Worst?
The worst seats are on the far right and far left corner. This will give you a poor 3D experience. However, it is good for a 2D effect.
IMAX theaters usually have differently colored chairs. One of the colors is dominant and in the middle.
While the other is on the edges. The theater staff even explains that the middle position is ideal for a 3D effect.
What About the Front Seats?
The front seats are bad. You should avoid sitting in the 1st or 2nd row in an IMAX theater. The reason is that it reduces the 3D effect.
The movie objects appear closer to you. But, the 3D effect is not deep enough. So, it might feel a little artificial. In addition, the movie is unwatchable from the front rows.
Because you have to lift your neck continuously. This is really an uncomfortable experience. While sitting far away will give you a balanced 3D effect.
Choose a seat that is closer to the screen height so that you can view it easily. However, do not sit in the very last seats. Because the heads in front of you will block your view.
Are Lateral Seats Good in IMAX?
Lateral seats are not too ideal. If you happen to choose them, don’t go too far to the right or left edge. In this position, the speakers are closer.
Hence, some specific sound effects will be dominant over the holistic audio. Moreover, the keystone distortion can also annoy you at lateral positions.
Choose the seats in the back corner if you are left with no other options. This will minimize the keystone distortion effect. Don’t choose a seat where the speaker is directly over your head.
Important Factors to Consider While Selecting the Best Seat
While choosing the best seat in the IMAX theater, you should consider some very important factors. For example, the sound and projection matter a lot. Likewise, keystone distortion should also be checked. Here is the detailed guideline:
1. 3D Projection Quality
Watch experience is the most important factor when deciding the seat. Sitting too close or too far from the screen can ruin the movie’s quality.
3D images can appear distorted from certain angles. For example, the image may seem twisted from the front row. If you are too close to the screen, the image will seem compacted.
2. Sound System
Sound quality matters a lot. IMAX sound system comprises of 12 channels. Seven of the speakers are placed around the theater while the rest five are above the seats.
Sitting at the edges will make you closer to the speakers. Hence, certain aspects of the audio may not sound good. Therefore, you should choose the center seats so that sound is poured equally from all directions.
3. Keystone Distortion
As you know, the IMAX screen is a little curved. Hence, the image can look misaligned as it falls on an angled surface. Although the cinema applies the keystone correction, some effect can still be seen.
It is more visible from the edges of the cinema hall. Hence, it is suggested to choose the center seats so that you may not face such distortion in the image.
Related: is IMAX Worth Seeing?
Final Words
In a nutshell, middle seats are ideal. Avoid sitting towards the edges, in front rows, or in the last rows.
To find the best seat, you should go 30-40 minutes before the movie starts.
Moreover, take a look around and predetermine your exit. It will save you at the end of the show.
By following our detailed guide, you can decide the best seat for IMAX. This will help you enjoy the movie in the true sense of the word.
