Annual Pass
I am an IMAX Annual Passholder, will my pass be extended due to the theatre closure?
Yes! Your IMAX Annual Pass has already been extended by the length of the closure or more. 2020 annual passes have been automatically extended to March 31, 2022 and 2021 annual passes have been automatically extended to September 2, 2022.
Will I need to replace my current IMAX Annual Pass?
No, you do not need to replace your current IMAX annual pass.
Can I purchase an IMAX Annual Pass?
Not right now. We are not currently issuing IMAX Annual Passes for 2021 due to the ongoing uncertainty caused by COVID-19, but all 2020 and 2021 annual passes will be honoured and automatically extended by the length of the theatre closure. Tickets to individual films will be available and so will combination tickets for museum admission and an IMAX film.
How can I renew my Annual Pass?
We are not currently issuing IMAX Annual Passes for 2021 due to the ongoing uncertainty caused by COVID-19, but all 2020 and 2021 annual passes will be honoured and automatically extended by the length of the theatre closure. Tickets to individual films will be available and so will combination tickets for museum admission and an IMAX film.
Is there a combined IMAX® and Royal BC Museum pass?
There is no combined membership program but you can find information on the Royal BC Museum membership programs here:
https://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/visit/membership/become-member
There is a combination pass (admission to the Royal BC Museum + admission to one IMAX Victoria showtime) available for purchase:http://sales.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/default.aspx
Is entry to Hollywood Feature Films included with my Annual Pass?
No, but entry to full length Hollywood Feature films for Annual Pass holders is just $6.50 (2D) movies or $7.50 (3D) movies.
Please note Hollywood feature films are not offered at this time. However, there may be the opportunity to bring back Hollywood feature films later in the fall.
How do I activate my Annual Pass e-card?
Please visit the box office to activate your Annual Pass. All 2021 Annual Passes will be valid until September 2, 2022.
Do my guests receive a discount?
Guests receive a 20% discount on individual film admissions when attending with an Annual Passholder. 2020 Annual Passholders can receive their discount at the box office. 2021 Annual Passholders can receive their discount at the box office or online.
How do I use my Annual Pass?
In Person – Present your Annual Pass at the Box Office for an admission ticket.
Online – Visit the buy tickets page to access online ticketing and companion discounts. For detailed instruction on how to use your Annual Pass for online purchase, view the guide.
Upon entry to the theatre you must present both your admission ticket and valid Annual Pass.
As an Annual Pass holder, do I need to wait in line for an IMAX® ticket?
Yes, you must present your Annualpass at the box office for a ticket to the film of your choice so that we can ensure the theatre is not oversold.
Why do I have to show my pass upon entering the theatre?
We ask to see your Annual Pass upon entering the theatre to ensure that the Annual Passholder is the one presenting us with tickets. Annual Passes and Annual Pass tickets are non-transferable.
Can someone else use my Annual Pass?
No, Annual Passes are specific to the individual member and are non-transferable.
How do I receive updates about film schedules and upcoming films?
Stay connected through our e-newsletter. It’s full of updates about our upcoming films, events, exhibitions, collections and research news and fundraising. Sign up today.
What if I lose my IMAX Annual Pass?
Passes can be replaced at the box office. There is a $5 replacement fee per card.
I never received my IMAX Annual Pass(s). Who should I contact?
Please contact us at imaxevents@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca or call 250-356-8096.
Is my Annual Pass valid for the Silvercity IMAX?
No, the IMAX® at Silvercity is not affiliated with our IMAX® theatre and they do not honour our Annual Passes.
Do you have reciprocal admission with other theatres or organizations?
No, IMAX® Victoria is independently operated and does not have reciprocal ticketing arrangements with other theatres or organizations.
Gift Cards and Certificates
Can I refund a Gift Card?
Gift Cards are non-refundable and cannot be redeemed for cash. However, the value can be used toward items offered at the box office, including IMAX tickets, museum admission or combination tickets, and towards merchandise at The Shop at IMAX Victoria. Full terms and conditions are listed on the reverse of the gift card.
Can I refund a Gift Certificate?
Gift certificates are valid for specific merchandise and have an expiry date. Full terms and conditions are listed on the gift certificate.
General Information
Where can I buy admission tickets?
Tickets can be purchased at the museum box office in the main lobby or online.
How do I contact the theatre?
Please email imaxevents@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca or call 250-952-4206
Health and Safety
As a visitor do I need to wear a face mask?
Face masks are no longer required to be worn at IMAX® Victoria.
For more information on this provincial health order, please visit BC Gov News.
What will the capacity of IMAX Victoria be?
IMAX Victoria is operating at 100% capacity.
Seating
How do I select my seat?
Upon entering the theatre, choose any available seats. Please know that some seats have been marked closed to facilitate physical distancing. If you require assistance, please speak to the IMAX staff member on the ramp.
Do you have some seats that recline more than others?
Yes, some select seats in the theatre are adjusted to a more reclined/relaxed position.
- All of the last row in the theatre, row K
- Seats 1 through 6 in rows D – J
- All seats in Rows A – C
IMAX® Movies
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.
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.
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.
What is the IMAX® Experience?
The IMAX® Experience is the world’s most powerful and immersive movie 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.
IMAX® with Laser
What is IMAX with laser and what are the benefits of the new technology?
Designed from the ground up for IMAX’s largest screens, IMAX with laser features a dual 4K laser projection system that is equipped with a new optical engine and suite of proprietary IMAX technologies capable of projecting an image with up to a 1.43:1 aspect ratio with maximum resolution and sharpness, unparalleled 2D and 3D brightness, industry-leading contrast with the blackest blacks and whitest whites and an expanded color gamut that will allow filmmakers to present more vivid and exotic colors than ever before.
IMAX’s new laser system will include next-generation IMAX sound technology that delivers even greater power and precision for ultimate audio immersion. The new system has been upgraded to 12 discrete channels plus sub-bass, and includes additional side channels as well as new overhead channels that will improve the system’s ability to position sounds at any point in the auditorium – even where there may not be a loudspeaker – and further ensure every seat is the best in the house.
Have any upgrades been made to the IMAX sound system?
IMAX’s new laser system will include next-generation IMAX sound technology that delivers even greater power and precision for ultimate audio immersion. The new system has been upgraded to 12 discrete channels plus sub-bass, and includes additional side channels as well as new overhead channels that will improve the system’s ability to reproduce sounds that seem to originate at any point in the auditorium – even where there may not be a physical loudspeaker – and further ensure every seat is the best in the house.
How does IMAX sound compare to other competitor systems?
Sound is a critical element of The IMAX Experience® and IMAX uses its patents, proprietary technology and decades of experience to deliver the best auditory experience.
IMAX’s unique approach to sound begins with the actual patented design of the theatre and incorporates superior acoustical treatment and more effective placement of loudspeakers to ensure an ideal listening environment.
Each sound system is custom-developed in-house for the auditorium into which it is going, using extremely high-grade loudspeaker components that provide unprecedented audio fidelity and a wider frequency response, which means higher highs and lows so low they’re as much vibrations as sounds. The system also leverages a technology called proportional point source (PPS), which allows IMAX to reproduce sounds that can seem to originate at any specific point in the auditorium – even where there may not be a physical loudspeaker.
In IMAX’s next-generation sound system, the additional side channels will supplement IMAX’s ability to reproduce sounds originating from points in between front and rear loudspeakers while the new overhead channels will improve the system’s ability to position sounds above the audience.
Another important component in IMAX sound is that in all IMAX films the soundtrack itself has been enhanced. Through IMAX’s proprietary Digital Re-mastering (DMR) process, the sound of the original movie is re-mixed in post-production together with the filmmakers to recapture its full dynamic range and tweaked to make it brighter, crisper and more exhilarating. This process takes full advantage of the unique, responsive sound system in an IMAX theatre and means you are hearing the movie the way the filmmaker intended.
One particular area that differentiates IMAX is its commitment to delivering a consistent quality sound experience. The new system features IMAX’s patented automated multi-point tuning process that ensures each system is optimized for the specific auditorium in which it is installed and runs a daily calibration test using high-performance microphones permanently located within the theatre to ensure the audio system is always running at peak performance.
By focusing on every aspect that makes great sound, IMAX is able to deliver the most visceral and captivating sound experience available.
How does IMAX with laser compare to IMAX’s existing xenon and 15/70mm film systems?
IMAX with laser represents IMAX’s largest R&D project in the company’s history. The system was designed from the ground up specifically for IMAX’s largest screens (75 feet and above), a magnitude which previously required IMAX’s 15/70 film projection systems to fill.
While there will always be slight differences between film and digital formats, IMAX believes the new laser system meets and in many cases exceeds the performance of its 15/70mm film projection.
The completely re-designed optical engine and laser light source allows IMAX to reach unparalleled levels of contrast, 3D brightness, sharpness and color and with two 4K laser projectors running simultaneously in sub-pixel alignment for both 2D and 3D IMAX is able to achieve a perceived resolution greater than 4K.
IMAX’s xenon system continues to be the best-in-class solution for its mid-sized screens.
What is contrast and how does it benefit the viewing experience?
Contrast is the difference between the whitest white and the blackest black. Filmmakers love it, but it’s been a problem with existing digital projection systems. IMAX has always delivered the greatest contrast but now, with laser, IMAX has reached contrast levels substantially higher than ever before. Getting more contrast means more detail in the image – particularly in very dark or bright scenes – and a heightened level of realism that makes you forget you are watching a movie.
How does the new technology impact 3D? Will I still need to wear glasses?
A laser light source provides substantially more brightness than a xenon bulb, and allows IMAX to power its largest screens with even sharper and more lifelike images. This is significant for 3D because 3D glasses dim the image. With IMAX laser, audiences are going to be able to experience full brightness in 2D and 3D.
IMAX is equipping its new laser venues with new, state-of-the art 3D glasses that were selected to optimize the experienced provided by the laser system.
How does IMAX’s laser technology compare to other competing laser systems?
IMAX has a long history of innovation. It’s constantly looking at how it can do things better. In developing its next-generation laser system, it took a radically different approach from others in the industry. This wasn’t about making a few tweaks and enhancements here and there, or just swapping out xenon bulbs for a laser light source. It abandoned the way projection systems have been built until now and started from the ground up. Partnering with Barco, and combining the patents it acquired from Kodak and its own intellectual property, IMAX invented a system that takes advantage of all of the benefits laser provides.
This means you’re going to experience the sharpest, brightest images the movie industry has ever seen. IMAX’s laser system is about more than just a handful of innovations – it’s a re-imagination of the movie theatre experience.
Is anything unique about the content? Will it still go through IMAX’s Digital Re-mastering process (IMAX DMR)?
All films presented through IMAX’s new laser system will be digitally re-mastered specifically for the new system to take advantage of the increased contrast, brightness, color and other attributes it can deliver. The soundtracks will also be re-mixed for IMAX’s new 12 channel system.
IMAX is excited to work together with today’s leading filmmakers to push this new technology to the limits.
About IMAX® Victoria
This IMAX Theatre is located inside the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, BC Canada.
The 365 seat theatre features 4K IMAX with Laser providing a 2D and 3D experience; with a projected area more than 6 stories high and 80 feet wide, it is the Biggest Screen in BC filling the viewer’s entire field of vision.
The Theatre opened in June 1998 and hosted more than 80,000 people in the first month. Local residents and visitors loved the new theatre in town and its first feature film, Whales. Since that time more than 7 million have enjoyed the IMAX® Experience.
IMAX® History
The IMAX system has its roots in EXPO ’67 in Montreal, Canada where multi-screen films were the hit of the fair. A small group of Canadian filmmakers/entrepreneurs who had made some of those popular films, decided to design a new system using a single, powerful projector, rather than the cumbersome multiple projectors used at that time. The result: the IMAX motion picture projection system, which would revolutionize giant-screen cinema.
IMAX technology premiered at the Fuji Pavilion, EXPO ’70 in Osaka, Japan. The first permanent IMAX projection system was installed at Ontario Place’s Cinesphere in Toronto in 1971. IMAX Dome (OMNIMAX) debuted at the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theatre in San Diego in 1973.
In March of 1994, the sale of IMAX by the original partners was finalized to Brad Wechsler, Rich Gelfond, and Wasserstein Perella Partners. In June 1994, IMAX was taken public on the NASDAQ stock exchange providing IMAX with the capitalization necessary to take advantage of numerous growth opportunities.