Where to Watch: The Best IMAX and 70mm Theaters in America

The AMC Lincoln Square 13 is not just another multiplex—it is home to the largest IMAX screen in the Northeast and one of the most revered theatrical exhibition spaces in the world. Located on New York's Upper West Side, this theater has become a pilgrimage site for serious film lovers, particularly when a director like Christopher Nolan releases a new film shot with IMAX cameras.

The screen here is absolutely massive, measuring approximately 75 feet tall by 100 feet wide. It is a true IMAX screen, designed to fill your entire field of vision and then some. When you sit in the center of the auditorium, the image extends into your peripheral vision, creating a sense of immersion that no standard multiplex screen can match. For Nolan's *Oppenheimer*, which featured extensive sequences shot on 70mm IMAX film, Lincoln Square was one of only a handful of theaters in the country equipped to project the film in its full, uncropped, analog glory.

The theater is equipped with dual 4K laser projection, which is the current pinnacle of digital IMAX technology, offering deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and a wider color gamut than standard digital projection. But the real draw for purists is its IMAX 70mm film projector, one of the few remaining in operation. This projector runs the massive 15-perforation, 70mm film stock—ten times the size of a standard 35mm frame—at a rate of 24 frames per second, resulting in an image of astonishing clarity and depth. The sound system is equally impressive, a custom-designed IMAX 12-channel setup that delivers precise, room-filling audio. Watching a film here is an event, and the audience is filled with people who have traveled specifically for this presentation. It is the definitive IMAX experience on the East Coast.

Beyond the flagship IMAX auditorium, the Lincoln Square complex is also notable for its other screens, which are well-maintained and feature comfortable seating. But the IMAX screen is the undisputed star. For any film shot with IMAX cameras or presented in 70mm, this is the venue against which all others are measured.

When you combine the most famous movie theater in the world with state-of-the-art IMAX technology, the result is the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX. This auditorium, housed within the historic 1927 palace, represents a remarkable fusion of old Hollywood glamour and 21st-century exhibition. It is one of the largest and most technologically advanced IMAX theaters in the world, and it serves as a premier venue for Hollywood premieres.

The screen is a massive six-story structure that fills the entire proscenium arch of the original theater. While the historic atmospheric ceiling and ornate side walls are no longer part of this auditorium (they were modified during the IMAX conversion), the sheer scale of the space is still awe-inspiring. The seating capacity is over 900, and every seat offers a commanding view of the immense screen. The theater is equipped with IMAX's dual 4K laser projection system, which is a significant step up from the older xenon bulb-based digital IMAX. The laser system delivers unparalleled brightness, even on that giant screen, with deep, inky blacks and a vastly expanded color palette that brings HDR content to life.

The sound system is IMAX's custom 12-channel design, with speakers placed throughout the auditorium to create a precise, three-dimensional soundscape. The bass is powerful and clean, and the directional audio is incredibly accurate. Because this theater is a favorite for studio premieres, you never know when you might be sharing the auditorium with cast and crew. The lobby, with its famous forecourt, adds to the sense of occasion. For Angelenos and visitors alike, seeing a major blockbuster at the TCL Chinese IMAX is a quintessential Hollywood experience. It combines the history of the location with the absolute best in modern presentation, making it a must-visit for any serious film enthusiast.

The Cinerama Dome is an architectural and cinematic landmark unlike any other. Opened in 1963, its distinctive geodesic dome, designed by Welton Becket, is an instantly recognizable icon on Hollywood's Sunset Boulevard. But the dome is more than just a striking exterior—it houses the only true Cinerama screen still in operation in the United States.

Cinerama was a widescreen process from the 1950s and 60s that used three synchronized projectors to cast a single, massively curved image onto a deeply curved screen, creating an immersive, wrap-around effect that was the IMAX of its day. The Cinerama Dome was built specifically for this process. While it no longer projects three-strip Cinerama regularly, the deeply curved screen remains, and the theater has been equipped with the capability to project 70mm film in a way that takes full advantage of that unique curve.

For special engagements, particularly roadshow presentations of films shot in 70mm like *The Hateful Eight*, *Dunkirk*, or *Oppenheimer*, the Cinerama Dome is one of the absolute best places in the world to see them. The combination of the large, curved screen and the pristine quality of 70mm film projection creates an image that is both incredibly sharp and warmly filmic, with a sense of depth and immersion that digital projection still struggles to replicate. The theater has undergone significant renovations over the years, including the installation of a new, state-of-the-art sound system and comfortable, modern seating. The experience of watching a film here is heightened by the unique geometry of the space—the curve of the screen and the dome itself seem to envelop you. It is a true temple of cinema, a place where the history of widescreen exhibition is not just preserved but actively celebrated. Sadly, the theater complex has faced an uncertain future in recent years, but the Dome itself remains a potent symbol of cinematic ambition and a must-visit for any film lover in Los Angeles.

Seattle's Cinerama theater, originally opened in 1963 and lovingly restored and upgraded by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, is one of the crown jewels of film exhibition in the Pacific Northwest. Like its Los Angeles counterpart, it was built to showcase the immersive Cinerama widescreen process, and it remains one of only three theaters in the world capable of projecting true, three-strip Cinerama.

The centerpiece of the theater is its enormous, deeply curved screen, which wraps around the audience's peripheral vision. Paul Allen's restoration, completed in the late 1990s and further upgraded since, was meticulous. The goal was to preserve the theater's unique ability to show Cinerama films while also equipping it to be the absolute best possible venue for modern 70mm and digital presentations. The result is a theater that feels both historic and utterly modern.

The projection booth is a marvel, equipped with multiple projectors: three projectors for the original Cinerama process, a 70mm projector capable of handling the large-format prints, and a high-end digital projector for contemporary films. The sound system was completely overhauled, with speakers placed throughout the auditorium to create a rich, enveloping audio experience. The seats are spacious and comfortable, a far cry from the often-cramped seating of the 1960s. For special events, such as screenings of *2001: A Space Odyssey* in 70mm or one of the rare three-strip Cinerama presentations (like *This Is Cinerama* or *How the West Was Won*), the theater draws audiences from all over the country. Watching a film in this space is to understand what the "widescreen revolution" of the 1950s and 60s was all about—a total, overwhelming immersion in sight and sound. It is a testament to what can be achieved when a passionate individual with resources decides to preserve and elevate a piece of cinematic history. The theater is a true destination for film lovers.

While the Music Box Theatre is primarily known for its stunning atmospheric auditorium with its starry ceiling, it has also become one of the nation's premier destinations for 70mm film exhibition. This Chicago landmark, which opened in 1929, has cultivated a passionate audience for large-format cinema, culminating in its annual 70mm Film Festival, which draws cinephiles from across the Midwest and beyond.

The theater's commitment to 70mm projection is serious and sustained. They have invested in maintaining and operating 70mm projection equipment, a task that requires significant technical expertise and dedication, as the projectors are complex and the prints are heavy and delicate. Throughout the year, the Music Box schedules 70mm engagements for both new films shot in the format (like *Nope*, *Dunkirk*, or *The Hateful Eight*) and classic repertory titles (*Lawrence of Arabia*, *2001: A Space Odyssey*, *My Fair Lady*).

The annual 70mm Film Festival, typically held over several weeks, is a highlight of the cinematic calendar. The festival programs a diverse selection of films that benefit from the large-format presentation—epics, musicals, and visually ambitious dramas. Seeing a film like *Barry Lyndon* or *The Sound of Music* in 70mm at the Music Box is a transformative experience. The rich color saturation, the incredible detail of the image, and the relative silence of the film print running through the projector create a tangible sense of occasion. The main auditorium, with its atmospheric ceiling and ornate decor, provides a perfect setting for these grand presentations. The combination of the historic venue and the pristine format makes for an unforgettable evening. The Music Box is a vital part of the 70mm ecosystem in the United States, keeping the format alive and vibrant for new generations of film lovers.

The Coolidge Corner Theatre, a beloved Boston-area institution since 1933, is another shining example of a non-profit theater that has made a serious commitment to preserving and presenting 70mm film. Housed in a beautiful art deco building, the Coolidge has built a reputation for eclectic, intelligent programming and a dedication to the art of cinema.

The theater's main screen, located in its historic auditorium, is equipped for 70mm projection. Like the Music Box, the Coolidge recognizes the importance of showing films in their original formats whenever possible. They regularly schedule 70mm engagements for both new releases and repertory classics, giving New England audiences access to the large-format experience. The theater's programming is adventurous, mixing first-run independent films with repertory series, silent films with live musical accompaniment (they have a wonderful organ), and special events like the "Science on Screen" series, which pairs film screenings with presentations by scientists or academics.

Seeing a 70mm print at the Coolidge is a treat. The auditorium, with its art deco detailing and excellent sightlines, provides a warm and inviting environment. The projection and sound are always top-notch, maintained by a dedicated staff. The theater also operates a second, smaller screen in a more modern space, but the main auditorium remains the heart of the operation. For cinephiles in the Boston area, the Coolidge is an essential resource, and its commitment to 70mm projection ensures that the format remains accessible and appreciated. It's a place where film history is not just preserved, but actively and joyfully shared with the community.

Portland's Hollywood Theatre, a historic 1926 movie palace, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades, evolving from a struggling second-run house into a vibrant, non-profit community cinema with a serious dedication to film preservation and exhibition. A key part of that dedication is its commitment to 70mm projection.

Thanks to a successful fundraising campaign and a grant from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the Hollywood Theatre was able to acquire and install a state-of-the-art 70mm projection system. This allows them to show the growing number of new films shot in the format, as well as classic repertory titles. The theater has quickly become a destination for 70mm presentations in the Pacific Northwest.

The main auditorium, with its classic movie palace design—complete with a balcony, ornate plasterwork, and a grand lobby—provides a perfect setting. The theater has also added a full bar in the lobby, enhancing the experience for adult audiences. Their programming is eclectic and adventurous, mixing first-run indies with repertory classics, cult films, and special events. They are also famous for their hilarious and meticulously curated pre-show videos, which are a beloved part of the Hollywood Theatre experience. Seeing a 70mm print here, whether it's a new film like *Licorice Pizza* or a classic like *2001*, is a reminder of why physical film stock remains so beloved. The image has a warmth, depth, and texture that digital still struggles to match. The Hollywood Theatre is a true community asset, and its investment in 70mm projection ensures that Portland remains a vital city for serious film exhibition.