Sydney's IMAX reopens at Darling Harbour

Seven years after its closure the rebuilt IMAX at Sydney's Darling Harbour has reopened delivering one of the biggest cinema screens in the world.

With a massive 692 metre² metre screen, the new Darling Harbour IMAX offers a 1.43 picture ratio, giving viewers in the 430 seat venue an image designed to enhance the movie experience.

Opened on Wednesday, the screen, which is slightly smaller than IMAX Melbourne, the world's largest, will be showing Top Gun: Maverick, Barbie, Oppenheimer and Taylor Swift's Eras concert tour movie in its opening week.

Closed in 2016, with the building subsequently demolished, the venue first set to reopen in 2019, then 2021, before its opening this week with IMAX's most-advanced ever theatre experience, spanning 4K laser projection using a system with a new optical engine and custom-designed lenses. Thanks to a range of proprietary technology, viewers can expect the images to be brighter with increased resolution, deeper contrast and the widest range of colours that IMAX has previously seen. Sound is delivered through a 12-channel system.

Run by EVT - the hospitality company behind Event Cinemas, Moonlight Cinema, the Skyline Drive-In and the State Theatre; the arrival of surround-screen viewing Down Under; QT Hotels, Rydges and other hotel chains; plus IMAX venues in Auckland and Queensgate in New Zealand, as well as IMAX Karlsruhe in Germany - moviegoers have four choices when it comes to seating - with the seats provided and installed by Camatic Seating.

In addition to standard seats, guests can chose a full recliner, a couples' recliner or chose a private box for up to four people.

The latter is perched on an elevated platform, and comes with exclusive food and beverage options.

Commenting on the opening, EVT Chief Executive, Jane Hastings stated “the opening of IMAX Sydney showcases EVT's commitment to bringing world class entertainment experiences to Australia. With Laser by IMAX, our new seating options, and our food and beverage offering, we are setting a new benchmark for immersive cinema entertainment that captivates the senses.”

IMAX Chief Executive, Rich Gelfond added “we are very excited to partner with EVT for our long-awaited opening of IMAX Sydney in Darling Harbour, which is historically one of our best performing locations globally and a cultural centre of this beautiful city.

"IMAX Sydney immediately joins the ranks of our flagship locations and, with its state-of-the-art IMAX technology, breathtaking design and Event Cinemas renowned cinema expertise, is a shining example of what the theatrical experience should aspire to."