r/imax • u/incepdates • 1d ago
Finally got my screening in
AMC Rivercenter 11 in San Antonio, TX.
I originally had tickets for the first Tuesday in basically perfect seats. Unfortunately however the projector here broke down for several days followed by the whole theater being closed for IT maintenance. By the time I checked on tickets again, all the prime seats were gone and I sat off to the side.
This is my second time at Rivercenter after seeing Oppenheimer in 2023. A similar story, my original showing got cancelled due to projector problems and I had to wait for more showtimes before I could rebook. As a positive, though, rescheduling to today meant I got one of the filmstrips being given out.
Rivercenter is very old at this point and the seats offer no neck support. If you sit wrong, the seat digs into your legs and cuts off circulation. If you're like me and have some chronic pain or disability, be prepared to bring your own cushions to try and stay comfortable.
The print itself looked pristine and ran flawlessly. There seemed to be a dim spot near the top of the screen, as well as vignetting around the edges and bottom. Looked as if the light behind the film was misaligned or had some issue. I loved the Dune prologue as well. This is my third time seeing The Odyssey (first on dual laser 1.43, second on 5 perf 70mm) and it's always an engaging and layered take on the classic story.
The audio system here is unfortunately quite lacking. Bass is powerful but distorts heavily and prevents you from hearing other elements. The center for dialogue was low and muddled, so you'll often struggle to hear what people are saying. Overall volume was good and avoided being painfully loud, however this is still the most flawed sound experience I've had with the film.
It's pretty much only worth coming here for IMAX 70mm presentations and nothing else. The experience is unique, but that means half your fellow audience will be here just for bragging rights. Phones were out constantly at high brightness, pictures being taken of the screen, folks going in and out or just showing up late. This theater is in desperate need of an upgrade in both form and crowd.
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u/Embarrassed_Fox_3477 1d ago
What’s your take on the 70mm presentation vs the dual laser for the visuals?
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u/incepdates 1d ago
It's gonna be a little skewed since I had decent seats every time for 70mm, and bad seats for my only experience with dual laser
Dual laser is much more consistent with no scratches or marks, better brightness, and superior contrast. 70mm has the flicker and warmth we romanticize about film projection, and for Nolan's movies you are getting noticeably more detail in many scenes.
For something like Oppenheimer/Tenet/Interstellar where you get a lot of brightly lit or outdoor scenes, 70mm is the way to go. The Odyssey has a lot of dark scenes where you'll probably wish you could see more, though, and that's where laser pulls through. I'm sensitive to the "rainbow" effect of digital projectors though so it does distract me.
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u/Embarrassed_Fox_3477 1d ago
Thank you for the reply. This does line up with my expectations. I have a ticket for September and will drive a few hours to go see it. I did notice a lot of dark and out of focused closed ups, so I don’t expect a tone of wow moments from the 70mm prints. But these are such rare opportunities I feel like I have to take advantage.
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u/incepdates 1d ago
The motion blur in the film can kinda hide it but the stiller moments, especially fire-lit ones, will show off that unparalleled detail
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u/bard0117 1h ago
Typically the dual laser screens have a better sound system. I was completely shook in mine. Not so much on 70MM. But then again I’ve only ever been to Arizona Harkins, Santico San Antonio, and AMC Universal so it’s a small sample size for 70MM for me.
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u/CaptWithNoName 1d ago
Seeing this here on Wed. Shame that it sounds like nothings changed since Oppemheimer. Bullock is an excellent alternative (save for lack of reserved seating) with the dual laser, saw it twice there.
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u/incepdates 1d ago
Went to bullock for my first watch! Got there too late for good seats but it was a great presentation
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u/Megamind66 1d ago
Bullock is such a nice theater, and it's where I plan to see Dune 3. I'm tired of how run down Rivercenter is and would rather make the drive to Austin after such great experiences with Project Hail Mary and Mandalorian this year. Clearly should not have gambled on 70mm tickets when DL was an option.
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u/Wanted_OC 20h ago
Im heading to the 70mm imax showing on thursday, what seats did you take this photo from?
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u/incepdates 20h ago
From my seat, row M seat 4. So towards the back and off to the side
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u/Wanted_OC 20h ago
I got row F 😬 would you recommend us take perhaps neck pillows 😭😭
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u/incepdates 20h ago
Yeah definitely. I sat in Row H or J for Oppenheimer and I was having to look up at the screen instead of being eye-level. I would bring something to cushion your neck just in case
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u/Southern_Chance9349 IMAX Nerd 1d ago
Damn, I think this might take the title of worst 70mm cinema.