AMC Loews Metreon 16

Not exactly a movice palace but looks cool.

Went to see ‘Inception’ last week at the large AMC IMAX Metreon in San Francisco. The place is no longer a Sony or Loews place. As usual one lady selling tickets in a boxoffice for 7 opening. You have to wait to buy a ticket same at the candy counter. Over 10 slots just two open. Why wait to by the expensive junk. The worst was in the Imax Theatre (at least this is a big full old time Imax theatre not the Imax Experience some chains are doing to make extra money) They are now showing ads in the middle part of the big Imax screen way before the show starts. The thing that bothered me was the projection room work light was shining on the screen during the whole ad part of the pre show commercials. I looked for a manager to have them turn off the light but no manger to be found. At least when they started the film someone in the booth finally turned off the light. The worst was yet to come. Only the middle part of the huge Imax screen was used for ‘Inception’ A mid wide screen CinemaScope look from a blow up shot film. Not true big square IMAX. I like good stereo sound but the sound in the IMAX Metreon was way to loud. Many people I saw covering their ears. The stage speakers were so loud, you can’t even hear the surround speakers that are always way to low at the Metreon IMAX. Next time you go start your search for a manager if you have a problem like sound and leaking light they may be out for lunch at the SF AMC Metreon and you will miss the film. This is not the best place to see IMAX in the area. I know some films may not be shot in true 70mm or digital IMAX but I am not getting a discount when only part of the screen is being used. I think I’ll save my ears and just see It in a regular size large screen auditorium next time. The people next to me cut up paper and stuck it in their ears. Have not ever seen that take place in a Cinema. The bass was so over the top my ears were ringing out on the street after I left. Some of San Francisco’s most rowdy people will attend the Metreon and talk all during the show. They have fights and a person was killed in this Cinema a few years ago. Enter at your own risk and bring ear plugs!

Really once you get inside it’s just your typical Sony/Loews of the time. They originally opened with standard seats in a stadium style but replaced them a few years later. Not a bad theatre overall but suffers from the location. I’d much rather go to the Century across the street.

According to this article in yesterday’s SF Gate: View link, the current main entrance to the Metreon and the theaters on the corner of Fourth and Mission will be glassed in and used by Target as a cafeteria area. The entrance is apparently now going to be further east on Mission and the escalators relocated as well.

yes, the entrance for this venue is over on 4th street, getting to the theaters up the elevators, escalators and/or stairs. I enjoyed my visits there back in November