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    Airbus IMAX Theater

    3.6 (84 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 11:00 pm

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    Thant A.

    There are only a handful of 70mm capable IMAX screens in the United States. This IMAX here at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum in Chantilly is one of them! If you're a true movie fanatic, you already know this place. Not all movies are shot in 70mm, so not all movies are shown in this theater. This is for the true fans to whom 70mm matters! Until recently, you had to line up to get into the theater and get your seat. It was a first come, first serve, and old-school way of doing things. I used to come to wait here for 1 to 2 hours before the movie started only to get a good spot. This was changed recently so you can now reserve your seats. So for really popular movies, if you don't buy tickets on the first day they put up, expect them to be sold out. For most movies though, people don't usually come here. I don't know why. And I'm one of those guys who don't watch movies anywhere else but here. A few tips that you may find helpful: If you have a Smithsonian membership, the tickets are only $12 (no tax) to buy them in person. $15 without membership. $17+ buying online with convenience fees. If you come after 5 PM, the parking is free. So, if you watch a 4 PM show that ends at 6 PM, you don't have to pay for parking. If you leave before 5 PM and stay longer than 30 minutes, you must pay for parking. I usually come to buy tickets during the day and leave within 30 minutes so I don't have to pay any parking fees. The movies start on time (with a few movie trailers) so plan to be on time. Other theaters don't usually start on time and have too many trailers before the scheduled movie begins. Unfortunately, the popcorn and drinks are priced unreasonably high like any other theater. At least, you can buy and drink beer, wine, or sparkling wine here. Are you going?

    Screen
    Katlyn H.

    The biggest IMAX in Virginia located inside the Air and Space Udvar- Hazy Center. I have been twice to see Dune and Deep Sky, and both times I was so impressed by the screen. The screen is huge and the picture is so clear. The ticket prices are pretty reasonable, though if you are visiting and leaving before 4pm, you will have to pay $15 for parking. The museum is open 10-5:30, so you can walk around the Air and Space museum before or after your movie, which is super cool. They have a small concession area with popcorn, candy and sodas. You aren't able to pick seats in advance, it is first come first serve. If it is opening night for a movie you will want to arrive early. The seats aren't super comfortable for longer movies. I wish the seats reclined some since the screen is so large it would make it easier to watch.

    Jason J.

    This will be short simply because you can't beat an IMAX theater for really feeling like your there . . . . unless you can actually be there. But that's a near impossibility for most of us. I know that the Smithsonians are free . . . and you pay $15 for parking at this one, but do you and your family a favor and buy the tickets. You won't be disappointed.

    Mike R.

    "To Fly," and the older films seem to be the best. I'm not sure why that is. Maybe it has to do with the quality of education. Have been here several times. The price of admission and concessions is astronomical. Sorry couldn't resist the pun! Actually it's something you should experience, but a couple of movies will quench your thirst. The seats are ok. Admittedly I have a bad back. Views and sound system are adequate. Eat somewhere else before going in. Their popcorn is quite disgusting. It can be fun for regular movies too. These are periodically shown, so be sure to verify the tune is right.

    Great theater and experience. I arrived 30 minutes early after reading previous reviews about seats being first come, first serve. A line was already forming when we arrived, so we joined the others. We were able to get decent seats in the middle and higher up. Very top row as you enter is reserved for handicapped guests. The ticket window sells bags of popcorn and bottled soft drinks and water. Parking is free after 4pm. If you arrive before 4pm, there is a $15 charge.

    The museum and movie theatre grounds.
    DON C.

    Hands down the best movie experience in the DMV! If you are looking for the ultimate movie "viewing" experience, go here! The screen is enormous and the picture quality is razor sharp. The laser quality images...ear splitting sound system...and color spectrum.....makes for the perfect setting to see your movie...."BIG WILLY--HIGH ROLLER--BLOCKBUSTER" Style! And, let's not downgrade the screen size...which was explained to me to be about 6 stories tall in size. You feel totally immersed in the movie, due to the screen's depth, design, seating and layout of the theatre. I came here to see Black Panther and let me tell you....the viewing experience.... "did not disappoint!" Everything was so vivid and "full-frontal!"....that's for sure. I qualify this statement to the mere fact that....just a week prior, I saw the very same movie at an expensive Theatre in Bethesda (not saying the name) which was hugely inferior to the picture quality of Airbus IMAX Theater. My friends felt the same way. We all came out of this Theatre quite pleased....and not to mention, it made the drive all the way from DC worth it! So to sum things up, I would say if you want the "ultimate movie viewing" experience come here. But please note, this is not your Theatre for modern comforts like reclining chairs, full bar, and eats. The seating is standard and the movie fare...is basic (popcorn, soda, beer --water)....but, who cares when you get to view a spectacular movie as the movie director/producers intended it to be viewed!! I can pass up the modern conveniences for a couple of hours...easily for this! An interesting geek factoid......The Airbus IMAX Theater is one of the most expensive IMAX Theaters to date. It features super-sharp 4K laser quality content, produced by two perfectly calibrated fridge-sized projectors and is enhanced with a new 12 channel sound system with a head-banging sub-bass. The sounds roared and crashed like thunder during the Black Panther action flick. Also, being located in a museum makes -- The Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center.....the first museum in the world to employ the largest, newest laser technology in its IMAX Theater! For now, the DMV (Chantilly, VA) has exclusive bragging rights to the attraction, luring moviegoers such as myself 30 miles+ outside of the city for a jumbo-size box of eye candy!! Another plus: The museum waives the $15 parking fee after 4 p.m.

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    1 year ago

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    11 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    They cancelled the Sinners screening at last minute. Also, they don't have a phone number listed, so you can't call them.

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Awesome screen and audio! Non better anywhere! The special effects were great and the 4K video eockes!

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    5 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Throughly enjoyed our experience. You can't ask for a greater venue- IMAX without needed to go to the District!

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    19 years ago

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