IMAX & the Films

Q: Why does the theatre play full length films later than other IMAX® Theatres?

Distributors select where they want new films to play and place restriction on the proximity of other theatres. In Victoria most films are released in another theatre but serious IMAX® fans will often wait or opt to see it again when it arrives here as they understand the incredible impact of experiencing a film in the IMAX® format.

Q: What is a DMR film and why doesn’t it fill the whole screen?

DMR stands for digitally re-mastered. A conventional film, in the conventional format is digitized, enlarged and then processed on IMAX® film. Because the original images were not shot on 70mm film they do not have the same square dimensions so when the picture is expanded the rectangular ratio has to remain in order to avoid distortion.

Q: What is the difference between IMAX® and regular films?

An IMAX® film is shot with an extremely large camera and projected with a machine the size of a small car. That may seem counter to the current movement in technology to smaller and smaller technology with bigger and bigger images. It’s logical though when you realize that the beauty and clarity of the famous IMAX image is only possible with 70mm film – that’s 10 times the size of a standard 35mm negative. If you’ve ever tried to blow up an image you’ll know the difference that size makes.

Q: What is the IMAX® Experience?

The IMAX® Experience is the world's most powerful and involving film experience. With breathtaking images on a six storey tall screen with 12,000-watts of wrap-around digital sound, this amazing technology takes you to places only imagined.

Images of unsurpassed clarity and impact are created using 70mm film in a Rolling Loop that runs horizontally through the massive projection system, each frame with an area 3 times that of a conventional 70mm frame and 10 times that of 35mm. Not only is the projected area six storeys tall - it is 70 feet wide - more than 10 times larger than conventional movie theatres AND MORE THAN 4,317 TIMES THE SIZE OF YOUR COMPUTER MONITOR.

Annual Pass

Q: Why do the full-length feature films cost more?

These films are often on a contract which includes a large percentage of the ticket price being returned to the distributor and the $3.25 (with HST) cost is used to offset the additional costs.

Q: I have an Annual Pass. How do I use it?

At the box office - just present your pass and you will be issued an admission ticket. At the theatre - present your admission ticket and Annual Pass to the usher as you enter the theatre. Please note you must present both your admission ticket and annual pass to gain entry.

Q: Is the Victoria Annual Pass valid at all IMAX Theatres?

Unfortunately no, the National Geographic IMAX Theatre is independently operated and does not have reciprocal ticketing arrangements.

Q: How can I purchase the Annual Pass?

The Annual Pass is only available on a limited basis. Once the 2010 Pass has sold out, 2011 Passes will be available in November of 2010. Register for theatre email updates to be among the first to know when it becomes available. Visit our Annual Pass page for more details on methods of purchase.

Q: What is the cost of the Annual Pass?

The 2010 Annual Pass price will be announced shortly.

Q: Are there additional benefits to being a pass holder?

Yes, as well as seeing many regular films as often as desired, pass holders…

• 20% off companion tickets
• Pay just $3.25 (with HST) for full length Hollywood feature films (typically priced at $15.01 with HST) 
• 10% discount on regualr priced merchandise at the National Geographic Store
• Free upsizing on your pop and popcorn at the IMAX concession
• Invitations to special screenings and events

Q: What is the Annual Pass?

The Annual Pass is a program that allows pass-holders admission to regular IMAX films on an unlimited basis.

General Information

Q: Where can I buy admission tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at the theatre or click on-line here

Q: How do I contact the theatre?

For show times call (250) 480 4887 Ext. #1.
To speak with someone at the theatre please call: (250) 480 4887 between 9:45am and 8pm daily and press #4 or Zero during the greeting to reach a staff member.

Q: When is the theatre open?

The Theatre is open everyday except Christmas Day and New Years Day. The doors open at 9:45am and the first film is at 10am. Shows then play hourly into the evening with the last show at 8pm. 

Q: Where is the Theatre?

The National Geographic IMAX Theatre is located just off the inner harbor inside the world famous Royal BC Museum in Victoria.