Navy Pier IMAX Theatre

If i recall right this is the only IMAX theatre in the city proper it is located in side of navy pier. I think that it is just off of the main concorse eathe right across from or right near Bubba Gupp Shimp House or some kind of resturant or bar. The seating i think is first come first serve,but it might be assinged seating. Their is an door to it from what is called " DOCK STREET" along the pier. But if want to go best bet is to "buy before you fly" this rings true in the late spring and all summer months.

Opened 1995

This opened as a Cineplex Odeon theatre. According to the Dec. 1999 Loews directory, the address is 700 E. Grand Ave. Ste. 115 - and at the time the theatre had 440 seats. I think it was the only Cineplex Imax in the US. Loews left it sometime between Dec 99 and Apr 01. It is now operated by the IMAX Corporation.

"300" is currently playing here in IMAX.

http://www.fromscripttodvd.com/300_imax_dmr.htm

I'd love to watch more IMAX films; have caught 2 over the past few yrs.

But unfortunately I doubt it'll happen, because of the absolutely maddening way this location operates its ticket booth.

If you make it to the front of the line (wherever that may be that night), you could be so frustrated you'll just skip it. Go buy some magnificent fudge over at Ryba's a few steps further (the latter I assure you's a much more satisfying outcome).

IMAX apparently is accustomed to crowds of people standing immobile in long lines at 6 Flags Great America, such is the captive audience. This abuse cannot serve to justify purchasing seats a la Fandango (no, it is not reserved seat).

Once upon a time, from 1996 until 2001, this Imax theatre had a wonderful little film series known as Late Night at the Max. It showed various films in either 35mm or 70mm. They ranged from TOP GUN to YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. They even showed a beat-up old 35mm print of Dario Argento's SUSPIRIA. For 2 or 3 weeks, they showed 2001: A SPACE ODYESSEY in 70mm. I could go on and on. Unfortunately, when Loews Cineplex decided not to renew their co-management agreement with Imax, they took the 35mm/70mm projection equipment with them. And, thus, Late Night at the Max ended. It really was a throwback to the good old days of big wide screen presentations in a downtown single-screen auditorium.