I have been here on a few occasions with all of them being after the renovation that they finished…read moreAutumn 2013. Sound is very important to me, perhaps even more so than the actual picture quality. So when I first experienced the new Dolby Atmos sound system at Imperial I was completely blown away. Maybe not as enthusiastic as the people clapping to the Dolby Atmos-intro, but still very impressed.
While you wait to get in to the theatre you can enjoy a beverage of your choice by one of the bar tables in the open and welcoming lobby available on two different levels. You can also prepare the snack binge by visiting the candy shop. If you're down with the sugar I would recommend you to get here a bit earlier, it can get really, really crowded in here.
Since I hadn't been here before the renovation I don't know how it looked back then, but you can see that it is an old building and the heritage shows through in most of the modernities which is always a good thing. I love when you can see a buildings history told through walls and pillars.
Entering the theatre you're struck with how well planned it is, soft, warm, several different light sources in different colours projected onto the red walls. The seats are very comfy and they are also reclinable with good leg room.
I am a 3D-sceptic, I believe that it detracts from the movie experience with bulky glasses and you get a very limited focus area. I have changed a little bit after having booked Gravity in 3D by mistake, the 3D-glasses here at imperial are more like real sun glasses, less bulky and in Gravity 3D is used quite tastefully, making it not so intrusive. So it was one of my better 3D-experiences, but I think I still will choose a 2D-viewing if possible. And it actually seems that Imperial tries to acknowledge this by offering the 2D-version when possible.