I love this cinema, it's one of the only 3D venues I've ever been to that didn't result in ghost-imaging and parallax problems from the 3D glasses. The feature releases are, usually, good picks; and, the documentaries are almost always great, if sometimes meant for kids. Want to talk value? Try to get in on one of their Power Pass deals, which go on sale toward the end of each year. For $60, you get a Pass which allows $5 feature films and free documentaries, for the pass-holder, as well as early seating. As a pass-holder, you can bring one guest with you for early seating, but their ticket must be purchased at full price. If you buy a Power Pass, it will pay for itself after going to only 6 movies. As far as a couples option, it's cheaper to buy two passes. If you do want a Power Pass, remember that quantities are limited, and current pass-holders are able to purchase new ones, before they are offered to the public, so, jump on it ASAP, when they go on sale. We love the Marbles IMAX, and hope you will, too. read more

I can remember the week they opened this IMAX theater. Literally ever male I knew from 5-50 was horribly excited about it and immediately wanted to go see every movie they had available there. Tickets can be purchased for shows early online (a definite plus) and they get a pretty good selection of movies. Since the IMAX is attached to a children's museum most of the movies available are kid friendly (They had Harry Potter and Batman) and consequently are also full of children. Theaters are pretty small, so buy tickets early. I think every show I've ever seen there has sold out. read more

Went to see Island of Lemurs. Enjoyed free popcorn by signing up for email. One small was enough for my child and I to share. Although there was a camp attending the screening..it was very organized for the group and not disruptive for other guests. Staff friendly and patient. Great experience and my almost four yr old enjoyed! read more

Marbles IMAX - Inside Imax - Cinema Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I have been to many theaters labeled Imax, but none of them were as good as this one. 1. The bathrooms are always clean. The trash never overflows and the seats are always clean. The doors work properly and there is ample space in the stalls if you are here with your kids and don't want them running a muck. 2. The snacks are cheaper than a regular movie theater. What would cost over 13 dollars at a normal theater, only cost 9 here. Unlike the other theaters who pop popcorn and then put it in bags for later use, each batch is made fresh for each movie. 3. The seats are nice and lean back a little. If you want to get cuddly with your significant other the arm bars move. I will say this, if it is a bug movie get there early to be in line for the best seating possible. Sometimes like with star wars, there is a pre check in with numbered seating. If that is the case bring your ticket and they will give you a number and let you choose seats accordingly. 4. The screen is huge, just like any other imax. However here, there is ample instruction as to where sounds and sights come from. Also there is instruction for motion sickness. It is quite possible to get motion sickness, so heed the warnings. 5. The staff are very nice and patient with children and people with diabilities. They will answer any question that you ask and point you in the right direction. This is the place that I will be using for all of my imax needs in the future. read more

The food is always good. The service was friendly and fast. I suggest trying this place out if you like Mexican food. I will be returning.

It's like a regular movie, only bigger. Right? Come on. Imax is way better than that. Watching the blockbusters on this screen is something of an other-worldly experience, best expressed by poets moreso than yelpers. Then again, I find most poets annoying...maybe I'd better give it a go after all. There really isn't a better way to watch a movie, it what it all boils down to. The 3-D movies add another layer of amazing to the experience, but even if you're at a regular, boring ol' 2-D flick, this is pretty much the best way ever to watch it. Showings of movies you've heard of sell out often, so definitely check out the online ordering system. Since they're part of Marbles Kids' Museum, they also have a pretty neat rotation of educational features, nature documentaries and the like, that are also worth the time...but things rarely blow up in those. And there is nothing bigger in your movie-going life, than something exploding on an Imax screen. read more

My first experience at the IMAX theater at marbles was to see Dunkirk. I didn't realize how limited the seating was - you definitely get an up-close experience wherever you are! We were lined up outside before let into the theater, I would suggest getting there early so you don't have to sit in the first few rows. The biggest downside was that it would be very obvious when people would have to get up. Usually at theaters it isn't too much of a distraction but at marbles it became a huge distraction (I'm not sure what caused it, maybe it has to do with how low the seats are in comparison?). Definitely worth the experience - if you have a new movie you want to see in theaters, try checking it out at marbles! read more

This review covers about 25 check-ins from Foursquare before I got the Yelp app. Yes, there will be yelp app check-ins and reviews forthcoming. Picture quality: I am a massive fan of the 3D movies featured here. The picture is so crisp and clear that you really do feel part of the movie. The mine chase sequence from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey made me queasy (not easy to do), two scenes in The Amazing Spiderman 2 with Spiderman falling/jumping from height made ME feel like Spiderman, and the epic Earth shots from the movie Gravity makes me feel like I was a NASA astronaut. The 3D glasses themselves are not super heavy but they feel well-made and comfortable. For those with glasses there are sets available that allow you to wear the 3D glasses over your prescription glasses. Sound: Easily the best sound that I've experienced in a theater bar none. A movie that shows this off is Gravity. Certain scenes in the movie feature 'traveling' (moving left to right, rear to front) radio broadcasts that are easily picked up in the theater. With the movie at home... not so much, even with a mid-range surround sound system. Theater: When you walk in it doesn't seem extremely large until you notice how the seats are tiered. They take advantage of the height of the screen by elevating each tier high enough that unless the person sitting in front of you is ridiculously tall you won't have a head blocking the bottom half of the screen. I have been to IMAX before so the screen size doesn't overwhelm me as it can a first-time viewer. But... damn. So so nice to have such depths and range of vision. Cleanliness: These folks are on point. If the staff here doesn't feel a certain pride about their theater it's hard to see from a cleanliness standpoint. Rarely do I see (even with my smartphone light app) trash and popcorn remnants. The restrooms... not the staff fault, but it seems that there's a habit to urinate in every urinal but one and not flush it. Sigh. Concessions: If you attend movies while the next-door grille is open than you can eat before your movie and even take in wine/beer. If not, your choices are limited to 20 oz. bottled drinks and popcorn. Prices for these... are exactly what you expect from a theater. Expensive. Price: If you pick your movie carefully it's well worth the extra cheddar. The size of the screen, sound and especially the 3D options make this the go-to spot for me to see the big blockbuster movies. Tip: If you dare to show up on a blockbuster release night you had best show up an hour early even if you pre-purchase your ticket. To pick up your ticket at Will Call you will stand in the exact same line as concessions are purchased from. And with usually two staff members doing both the concessions and the register it will take time. And even when you have your ticket in hand you still have to stand in the line to enter the theater. If you are in the last two dozen people to get inside just wait until another time. You will be in the lowest seats available I promise you. All in all.... this IS the place to go for the big-screen experience. As it is also downtown you MUST plan for parking. But with plenty of food/dining areas in walking distance it's a good area to visit before/after the show. Happy viewing! read more

The only IMAX in downtown or anywhere near.. It's a good venue, although if you go on a night where there is something going on nearby, have fun parking. What I like about this place is that they serve alcohol. Sweet. I actually never realized that until we went this past weekend to go to Catching Fire. I mean, all the shows were obviously sold out and we didn't want to be the dunces sitting right in the front row, so we had to get in line. An hour before. (not my idea). The beer was a great way to pass the time. This event was very well organized. The staff was helpful about getting the idiots who were filing in to MOVE ALL THE WAY DOWN to not leave gaps since it was a sold out show. They moved us in and out like cattle. Well done. read more

The undisputed king of all movie theaters in the area. Power pass - DO IT. If you didn't get advance ticketing and seating for the Avengers, Dark Knight or Skyfall, you wasted your time. If you paid more than $5 a piece for those movies, you wasted your money too. If you didn't go to the only true IMAX in the area, they you wasted the experience on top of that. read more

Great theatre and good service. Their concession stands' products are also priced very reasonably for a movie theatre. Their screen is much bigger than your normal movie theatre IMAX. The only thing that makes me uncomfortable is the amount of cockroaches that come out at night at their courtyard. read more

I saw Beowulf (3-D) last year and The Dark Knight just a few weeks ago at this IMAX theatre, and had a fantastic time at both. I even love the little informational bit at the beginning where they explain the technology of IMAX and show you all those big speakers behind the screen. For the best experience you really have to arrive early - the best seats are in the back and they fill up fast. They usually start seating 15 minutes before the show begins and even then people are sometimes lined up. You can still enjoy the show from the front rows, but you'll be looking straight up at a 40 ft. screen the entire time. The seats are super comfy, but I so wish that they reclined. If you have a chance to see a 3-D show, I highly recommend it. Beowulf was a terrible, terrible movie, but IMAX made it mesmerizing. read more

Sorry I have to throw some cold water on this theater (in part because they don't serve any hot drinks lol). It's fine if you're looking for a suitable theater to take kids. But not for a grownup viewing of an IMAX Movie. Here's why: Concession stand is limited. People are talking to the screen. The theater is one of the smaller format IMAX. Everything is for little kids, including the design of the glasses. It's a pain to get into and out of the museum grounds if you're just there for a movie. It's great for kids. Not adults! read more

What a great experience! They took us into this big room that was basically a Star Wars activity lounge to let us wait until we could go into the theater! So great. Will absolutely go again! read more

Marbles IMAX - Our first IMAX experience!! Here we go!! - Cinema Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Horrible. The line was out the door, the entire place was severely understaffed, causing the movie to start late, it took forever to get munchies due to ......... an understaffed concession stand. Add in the fact that it's a pain in the ass being downtown and all sucked. read more

This is a WONDERFUL IMAX! IT is always clean and efficient! We go to the current movies here as often as possible read more

Marbles IMAX - The screen is awesome - Cinema Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

This is my 1st choice for any movie if I have any choice at all. The only thing I will say is skip the small attached food option. Otherwise this place is best showing of movies in Raleigh read more

We came here for the 10:15 showing of the Dark Knight on a weekday. It was nice because there weren't too many people in the audience (maybe 30?). For students with student ID, it is $12, without $14 for adults. For this particular showing on a weeknight, they closed off the box office and we purchased our tickets at the concession stand. The location for this theater is wonderful because it is located so close to bars and eateries in the downtown area. read more

This IMAX theatre is a really great place to see a movie! I will admit I have been here only twice and both times have been on class field trips to see documentaries, however, that did not take away from the great experience. The screen is the biggest screen I have seen in a theater and the sound is loud and clear. It really does surround you due to the layout of the theater. I also thought the seats were very comfortable. Both of the movies I saw were in 3D, and the pictures was extremely clear. The prices on movies here are a little high. I think it would be worth the price to see certain movies here though. Concession prices are about in line with other theaters in the area. I also like the downtown location. The IMAX Theatre at Marbles is definitely worth checking out! read more

This was the cleanest theatre I've ever been in. Great customer service and we enjoyed the show! read more

Marbles IMAX - Cinema Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Favorite theater in town. The theater seats are appropriately sturdy and comfy. The sound is impeccable. The staff members are always super nice. They give away posters during some movies. Everything is clean. And you can grab snacks and beers at the POGO. Love this place! read more

I've been here many times, and it's always a great experience. The IMAX is a great asset for downtown Raleigh. Just saw gremlins. They only play one Hollywood feature film at a time and various documentaries. Staff is always super friendly. I've eaten at pogo next door and the food is good. read more

Marbles IMAX - Cinema Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I don't go to IMAX movies that often but I make exceptions for sci-fi. We went to the 4 pm showing of Rogue One and went about 1 hour and half ahead of time to get good seats. We were pleasantly surprised that you get a ticket to hold your place in line. Then they offered a bunch of Star Wars theme activities to play with like Han Solo Cup Pong, bean bag toss, and Star Wars origami and board games. They also played Star Wars segments and commercials on the back wall along with trivia. This made time fly by and soon enough we were ready for the movie. The staff were really helpful and nice and made our Star Wars movie experience even more awesome. Definitely coming back for the next installment of Star Wars. Curious if they will have done the same experience for Star Trek. I'm such a nerd! read more

No complaints here about parking, ticket prices or seating! The concession stand is what lost them that elusive fifth star. There is no soda fountain, and while I am not a soda connoisseur per say, everyone knows that soda out of a plastic bottle is NOT the same as cold soda from the fountain. The popcorn was also not quite as good as I'd hoped for, plus there was no extra butter to top it off. However, you're definitely there for the movie and not the food, so my whining ends here. :) read more

Actually here for a wedding in one of the banquet rooms. The staff was good and attentive the room was ready on time so no complaints

Best movie experience I can recall. Pros Staff is Polite and Courteous Lines for sold out movies are run smoothly. They let you come early and get a ticket number. Then you can go about your business. About 20 minutes before the movie starts they line you up airport style based on your number. The benefit is you don't have to wait 1+ hour in a long line (and the line is all inside!). You just come early, get your number, and enjoy the food court in the same building and relax. Standard stadium seats (comfortable and clean) The full IMAX experience. Great sound, best 3D experience of any theater. The way the theater is designed, you can site anywhere and still get the 3D effects. No long commercial wait for the movie. You enjoy a few trailers and a short video showcasing what IMAX is, and then the movie begins. Kid friendly. They have a playroom next to the line. Cons Ticket price is higher (You get what you pay for) Highly recommended. Best movie theater experience in North Carolina by far. If there is a 3D movie you want to enjoy, there is no better theater. read more

Bring back Advance Seating! rewording how customers save money is not fair a deceiving. Will give 4-5 stars once Power Passes go back to the norm. Also be advised that parking is a headache most of the time. Now that certain parking garages will be charging by the hour, you have to ask yourself... Is it worth it? read more

I had never been to an IMAX theatre before! It was great! Be sure to get there early because there is only one theatre, and you have to wait in line until the doors open. They also sell wine and beer that you can bring into the theatre, which is cool. The prices on the other concessions are very reasonable. read more

I really enjoy coming to see movies at the IMAX theater. It takes viewing to another level with the huge screen and complete surround sound system. Any action movie is a must see here especially if it is in 3D. Highly recommended. The theater is always clean and the staff is friendly and helpful. The concessions aren't so crazy priced either. 5 stars in my book. read more

While the theater was clean and the employees friendly, it seemed very disorganized. I purchased tickets online to be picked up at will call. When we arrived at the theater, there was no one in the box office. We entered the theater and discovered that you had to pick up will call tickets at the concession stand. The line was out the door with people trying to pick up tickets and purchase popcorn and drinks and there was only one employee behind the counter. Who thought this was a good idea? We waited in line almost 15 minutes just to pick up our tickets. I decided to buy a bag of popcorn since I had waited in line so long. The popcorn was cold and stale. Then we had to get in line to get in the theater. They didn't start letting people in the theater until 5 minutes after the movie was supposed to start. I think a lot of these problems could be alleviated with better staffing. read more

I always find to have a wonderful experience at this location. I'm not a big fan of waiting in line for an hour, but that's what you have to do in order to get a seat that doesn't break your neck looking up at the screen. I prefer to see movies in IMAX as opposed to the regular theatre, regardless of the cost difference. Just the experience itself is enough to make it worthwhile. I recommend to everyone that they go to IMAX at least once, just so they can experience the difference. read more

IMAX is the only other way to watch a movie. a little pricey but for the quality I cannot complain at all. If you frequent the movies and IMAX is something you'd like to get into, the Power Pass is the way to go. read more

Very disappointed. Went to see the early afternoon show but did not know it was first come, first served and ended up getting very high numbers so when we got in the theatre, there were only front row seats left. Anyone who has been to an IMAX theatre knows that the front row seats are murder on your neck and we both have neck issues right now, so we asked if there was a chance of getting the tickets changed for a later show. They called the manager and we were told that because the show was sold out, we could not exchange the tickets or get a refund. My wife just gave the tickets to the manager and we left. Make sure you get there about an hour early for a big movie if you want seats. Won't return - too many other choices to put up with the parking and the crowds. read more

Disappointed that they got rid of the power pass line. Their reasoning? Too many people were complaining... There is no reason to pay $50 for this thing. Despite that, it is a still a great place to catch an IMAX movie. read more

Theater was spacious and staff was nice. The only problem I ran into was trying to find somewhere to park.

LOVE LOVE the IMAX Theater!!! I have been a Power Pass holder for the past few years. The 3-D is absolutely incredible and I'm amazed that some people even go to other theaters for these films. Don't snooze on this awesomeness!!! read more

Love coming here for certain movies. We saw The Dark Knight here and enjoyed it. Just get there early for new movies so you can stand in line to get a good set. read more

I've been to the IMAX Theatre at Marbles two times now, both times with Kindergarteners for a field trip. We all LOVED it. The experience was wonderful. The staff were wonderful. The movies were, obviously, bad ass and... wonderful! Most of my students have never been to any type of movie theater, so seeing these amazing movies on the big IMAX screen in 3D with the surround sound speakers was mind blowing for them. I can't wait to go back! I hope to take my students there next year! (We drove all the way from Greensboro and it was completely worth it.) read more

Awesome theater with great shows. Highly recommend the annual power pass if you like movies. The documentaries are great for kids and adults the concessions are well priced. It's a little small but that makes the experience a little more intimate. Recommend you buy tickets online because they so sell out. read more

All the staff are very nice and considerate. The theatre itself is very clean. Including the restrooms. Sound system was amazing and the screen was ginormous. read more