FAQ's

How do I make a booking for a school excursion?

Click on 'Schools' on the top menu bar of any page on the website and this will take you through to the dedicated school excursion pages and these will provide all details that you need to make a booking or a booking enquiry.

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I booked online but I haven't received a confirmation email?

On line bookings are operated by a third party and you need to contact them directly. Please call 1300 304 370 for assistance. Office Hours are 8:30am - 5:00pm. During public holidays call 0411 720 445. Alternatively contact them by email at ebooking@digitalspark.com.au

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I hear IMAX will open new theatres in Sydney and Melbourne?

On 10 July 2008 IMAX Corporation announced a joint venture with Hoyts Cinemas for the installation of four digital IMAX projection systems in locations around Australia. This IMAX digital system uses different technology and screen sizes to that traditionally associated with the IMAX experience in Sydney.

The giant screen IMAX Theatre Sydney in Darling Harbour uses the IMAX GT mechanical film projector to project films on 70mm/15perforation film, the largest commercial film format, with a film frame size approximately 10 times larger than a 35mm film frame. The IMAX digital system uses two 2k digital projectors to create a high quality digital cinema image. Both systems are capable of showing 2D and 3D films.

The IMAX Theatre Sydney has the world’s biggest cinema screen at 29.42m high by 35.73m wide – covering an area of more than 1,015 square metres. The IMAX digital multiplex screens are restricted to a maximum size of approximately 13m high by 21m wide - covering an area of only 273 square metres.

The IMAX Theatre Sydney is able to fill such a large screen because it uses the IMAX GT film projection system and 70mm/15perforation film. This more ‘square’ film allows an aspect ratio of 1.43:1 creating the height that is so distinctive in a traditional IMAX theatre. The IMAX digital system is designed to fit into existing multiplex cinemas with a minimum of modification to the auditorium. It is not designed to match the size of the GT projection system because it was not created with such large screens in mind and is restricted to a more rectangular 1.9:1 aspect ratio.

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Can I suggest a film you should make or screen at your theatre?

The IMAX Theatre Sydney is an indepently owned theatre, it is not part of IMAX Corporation, a Canadian company based in Toronto.

We do not make films for our theatre, nor are we involved or connected with companies or individuals that do. We rely on other people and companies to make films suitable for screening in an IMAX theatre, but we do not control that process. As a successful IMAX theatre, film makers do listen to our suggestions, but that is the extent of our influence. We operate along the same lines as a regular cinema in that we rely on film studios and producers to create films for us.

We do not take all the films available to us. We try to select the films we think will work best in Sydney, based on the response we have had to previous film releases at the theatre.

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Why do session times only show for a week at a time?

Like all cinemas we plan our sessions times week by week, based on the performance of each film. If a film is very popular, or the opposite, it allows us to adjust the number and times of sessions to meet the demand.

Every Monday the session times for the following Thursday to Wednesday are set and these are then posted on this website and advertised in local papers.

Schools, large group bookings and private theatre hire can be booked much further in advance. Check the SCHOOLS or FUNCTION pages of this website for more detailed information (these appear on the menu bar at the top of this page).

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I came to see a film in 3D, but it was only screening in 2D, why don't you show a 3D version?

A 2D film is shot using one roll of film and one lens (as is common in traditional cinema). A 3D film is shot using two rolls of film and two lenses (corresponding to the left and right eye). If a film was not shot in 3D it cannot be screened as a 3D film.

Some of the film screening at the theatre were only ever made as 2D films, so that although the theatre can show 3D films it does not mean all films can be screened in 3D. 3D films are marked as such and special glasses are required for viewing.

If you are not sure if a film is 2D or 3D ask staff at the theatre before purchasing a ticket.

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What films are available on DVD?

Some films are available on DVD, however we do not sell them at the theatre. Either check on the web or visit your local DVD retailer.

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Why doesn't IMAX make more dramatic films?

Anyone can make a film for an IMAX theatre, just like anyone can make a film for regular cinema. Several companies make films for IMAX theatres. These vary from small, independent producers to large Hollywood studios like Warner Bros.

IMAX Corporation is a Canadian company that makes projection systems and cameras. The IMAX Theatre Sydney is not part of IMAX Corporation. It has an IMAX projector and so can call itself an "IMAX Theatre". IMAX Corporation are not the major producers of films for IMAX Theatres. Technically an 'IMAX film' would be one produced by IMAX, however it tends to be a generic term for all films produced for 'large format' theatres.

There are approximately 300 IMAX Theatres around the world, compared to regular cinemas this is a very small number and so the commercial returns for making an IMAX film are much less. This limits the number of people prepared to invest and make films for the format.

There's no reason why anyone could not make more dramatic films for the format, maybe that person is you?

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Is the theatre accessible for wheelchairs, strollers or those with special needs?

Yes. The accessible entry to the theatre is situated at the Eastern end of the building (the side nearest the City and Wheat Road). Follow the Accessible Entry signs to get to the lift. Take the lift to Level 2 to purchase tickets and from there our staff will assist you access the theatre via the lifts where there is accessible seating and space for wheelchairs.

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