Moviegoers immersed as IMAX opens in Saskatoon

Saskatoon’s first-ever IMAX shows packed hundreds into Cineplex’s downtown theatre Thursday night as people turned out for Avengers: Infinity War.
The new auditorium, converted ahead of schedule, featured a wall-to-wall screen and new leather seats which gave off a new car smell.

For Cassie Venne, it was her first time in an IMAX.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “It was like it was happening right beside you.”

Even those who had previously experienced the larger screens and bigger sound were left impressed.

“The seats were very comfortable, it had great visuals,” Darren Ens said.

Several members of Thursday’s audience told 650 CKOM they had often travelled to Regina, Calgary or Edmonton for their IMAX viewings.

Mike Stushnoff said he’s glad he’ll be able to save on the mileage.

“I went to Calgary just to see Transformers in IMAX,” he said.

“I’ve wanted Saskatoon to have one forever.”

Some did note the screen was slightly smaller than Regina’s, though Saskatoon is the new standard for IMAX’s digital projector builds.

Marla Rogers said she was disappointed the screen was narrower, using an interesting measurement as an example.

“Usually I get motion sick at an IMAX, but this didn’t have that,” she said.

“I’m not sure if it’s a good thing.”

Another resident who had experienced the IMAX to the south liked the newer, closer theatre.

“This one is definitely better than the Regina one,” Lamlam Cheung said.

The Saskatoon IMAX screen is selling tickets for two showings of Avengers: Infinity War per day.