Cool off at these IMAX films + 4 things including “The Dog House” you need to know about

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Do you think the IMAX Dome Theater at McWane Science Center is one of the most incredible experiences in Birmingham? Trust us, it gets even better.

Since my daughter was born, McWane has been one of my favorite places to go when it’s hot outside. And the IMAX Dome Theater is one of the highlights of every trip

We recently hung out with Greg Stanford, Director of the IMAX, to learn some behind-the-scenes magic most movie-goers don’t know. Read on to find out what we discovered.

Grab your IMAX tickets in advance now.

1. McWane’s IMAX Dome is the largest in the Southeast

In 2020, McWane’s IMAX Dome Theater underwent Phase One of a major renovation. 

The biggest upgrade? Replacing the original film projection system with the installation of IMAX with Laser, which brought next-level images and sounds.

It also allowed McWane to show a wider array of digital content including documentaries and blockbuster films. 

One thing Greg told us that we couldn’t wait to share is this—it’s the only IMAX with Laser system in Alabama and the largest laser dome in the Southeast.

2. The projector resides in a unique spot during films

If you’ve ever visited McWane’s IMAX Dome, you may have noticed a large gray-covered box of sorts sitting center row toward the back of the theater. Inside it is the IMAX with Laser projector.

McWane’s IMAX team came up with a clever way to keep the projector safe from guests and to keep guests safe from the projector’s laser—“The Dog House.”

Fun fact: Each week, the IMAX projector gets a maintenance check. To do this, the team heads to the projection room, pushes a few buttons and the projector is slowly lowered from inside The Dog House above. This allows workers to clean it and check to make sure it’s running properly.

3. A company in Pelham installs 95% of IMAX equipment in the US

Have you heard of Sparrow AV? It’s an audio-visual company that was founded in Birmingham in 2008 and is currently located on Highway 31 in Pelham.

Greg filled us in on some interesting things about this local company that I bet you didn’t know. We sure didn’t.

Here’s what we learned about Sparrow:

• It was contracted by IMAX and installs 95% of IMAX equipment in the U.S.—including McWane’s IMAX Dome.
• It created McWane’s IMAX pre-show, which plays on the big screen before each film.

4. The Little Mermaid is McWane’s biggest film to date

Disney’s The Little Mermaid returned to McWane’s IMAX Dome in July 2023 and it was a mega success.

According to Greg, the film was so popular it drew in between 3,000-5,000 movie-goers with tickets continuing to sell out.

During that period, The Little Mermaid was such a hit that McWane’s IMAX claimed the number one spot for stand-alone theater with the highest number of ticket sales in the country.

BONUS: IMAX has its very own Instagram

DYK McWane IMAX has its very own Instagram page? It gives an exciting peek into all things IMAX including what’s playing, official trailers, ticket info and more. Follow it now.

What’s showing at the IMAX Dome this summer

Grab your BFF for a movie in IMAX. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

• Despicable Me
  • Begins Wednesday, July 3 | All shows vary by date
• Twisters
  • Begins Friday, July 19 | All shows vary by date
• Deadpool & Wolverine
  • Begins Thursday, July 25 | All shows vary by date

Know before you go

• Where: 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 9AM-5PM | Saturday, 10AM-5PM | Sunday, Noon-6PM
• IMAX Dome Ticket Price:
  • $10 – Adults (13-64)
  • $9 – Seniors (65+) and Kids (2-12)
  • Kids 2 and under get free admission
• Tickets

Don’t miss what’s on-screen at McWane Science Center’s IMAX Dome this July. Grab your tickets in advance now.

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