Tuesday, September 18, 2007

IMAX No More

Posted by Nick Smith on Tue, Sep 18, 2007 at 7:21 AM

Last Friday I got an email from the local IMAX, telling me about all the cool that would be showing at the theatre through October. Transformers at the IMAX? I'd go see that. Dinosaurs 3D coming soon: an exciting film as IMAX documentaries go, with hungry dinosaurs coming right at atcha. So I was looking forward to catching these, and others, at the Aquarium Wharf theatre.

Three days after the email, IMAX shut its doors - apparently for good. There's a short message on the official website: 

With deep regret, Rivers Enterprises Real Estate, Inc. announces the closing of the Charleston IMAX Theatre Monday, September 17, 2007. After seven and a half years providing Lowcountry residents and visitors to Charleston an educational and entertaining experience, the theatre is no longer financially viable.

The loyal support of our customers, our staff, and the city has been greatly appreciated over the years. Rivers Enterprises is undertaking a complete review of its roles as part of Aquarium Wharf and looks forwards to proving enhanced services for that area in the future.

That means no more 70mm-wide helicopter shots, no more cheezy voice telling us that if we find the sensation of motion unsettling, "simply close your eyes," and worst of all, no more screenings of NASCAR 3D. Seeing that film was an indelible part of my Charleston experience when I moved here; let's just say that the audience was vocal in their appreciation of their favorite drivers. I was also touched when a thin-haired dweeb proposed to his wife at the theatre, his beaming face blown up to IMAX size (she said yes and the whole auditorium burst into applause).

The closure is a purely financial decision; IMAX Corp's aren't as strong as they'd like. But it leaves a big, sad hole in the tourist lure area of Aquarium Wharf.  And thanks for giving us some notice, guys.

Topics: Film, Recreation
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My IMAX moment was an evening when a local radio station (unnamed and no longer on our air) invited us all in to see a Rolling Stones concert on the screen "as big as a professional basketball court," with 12,000 watts of digital sound. Oh Yeah! We were allowed to bring in beers we bought there (first and only time) and, just before it started, they announced we could even jump up and dance in the aisles. "But, unfortunately," they also announced, "unlike a real concert, there is no smoking allowed. Of anything." Contact The Plex..they like to convert theaters to live music venues!

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Posted by Chucker on September 18, 2007 at 8:58 AM

My IMAX moment was an evening when a local radio station (unnamed and no longer on our air) invited us all in to see a Rolling Stones concert on the screen "as big as a professional basketball court," with 12,000 watts of digital sound. Oh Yeah! We were allowed to bring in beers we bought there (first and only time) and, just before it started, they announced we could even jump up and dance in the aisles. "But, unfortunately," they also announced, "unlike a real concert, there is no smoking allowed. Of anything." Contact The Plex..they like to convert theaters to live music venues!

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Posted by Chucker on September 18, 2007 at 8:58 AM

GASP! Closing?! That's awful! We took our three older ones there in July to see Harry Potter. It was the second time going to the IMAX for Justin, Korinne and me. The first for Hubby and Jay. We were planning on taking them again for their birthdays. Looks like that plan is out. :(

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Posted by Kaytee on September 18, 2007 at 9:20 PM

GASP! Closing?! That's awful! We took our three older ones there in July to see Harry Potter. It was the second time going to the IMAX for Justin, Korinne and me. The first for Hubby and Jay. We were planning on taking them again for their birthdays. Looks like that plan is out. :(

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Posted by Kaytee on September 18, 2007 at 9:20 PM

oh, this totally blows! The IMAX was one of my favourite places to go see some great films. I'll miss not being able to go see IMAX films. This will be an unfortunate loss for Charleston

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Posted by imabug on September 19, 2007 at 8:46 AM

oh, this totally blows! The IMAX was one of my favourite places to go see some great films. I'll miss not being able to go see IMAX films. This will be an unfortunate loss for Charleston

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Posted by imabug on September 19, 2007 at 8:46 AM

My heart breaks. For the last 4 years, I have driven to Charleston from Columbia and, in the last 2 years from Charlotte just to go to the IMAX experience. I had my heart set on another trip to see the Transformers in IMAX. What a crying shame. There were so many other opportunities for the theatre to grow that I can only attribute to bad management and marketing. Losses of that number do not make sense for such a wonderful venue. I only wonder now what will happen to the wonderful screen and comfortable seats.

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Posted by Graywolf on September 30, 2007 at 11:06 AM

My heart breaks. For the last 4 years, I have driven to Charleston from Columbia and, in the last 2 years from Charlotte just to go to the IMAX experience. I had my heart set on another trip to see the Transformers in IMAX. What a crying shame. There were so many other opportunities for the theatre to grow that I can only attribute to bad management and marketing. Losses of that number do not make sense for such a wonderful venue. I only wonder now what will happen to the wonderful screen and comfortable seats.

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Posted by Graywolf on September 30, 2007 at 11:06 AM

Hioooooooooooooooo!

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Posted by jim on March 12, 2008 at 2:33 PM

I stopped in there to get a take-out menu. My wife is Vietnamese and laughed when she saw the pho was made with chicken broth. Any serious pho is made from beef shanks. Try the New Asia on Orleans Road - worth checking out.

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Posted by Sapo on May 2, 2008 at 1:35 PM
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