Esquire IMAX Theatre

Saw The Force Awakens here and unfortunately got seated in the 2^nd row. They shouldn’t even sell these seats as you’re just too close to the screen, or they should sell them for half price. Have yet to sit further back from the screen so haven’t had the full Imax experience yet. But avoid first 2 row seating at all costs!

Amazing News: «The Esquire IMAX Theatre has the 5^th highest IMAX attendance rate in North America for Star Wars.» It’s not the easiest area to find a parking place*. So how can this be?
1. True 6 story IMAX Screen. The ONLY
other true IMAX screen is at The Metreon in SF.
2. Powerful, clean multi channel sound.
3. Choose your seat when you buy your tickets.
4. Clean lobby.
5. Clean bathrooms.
* Even though the following is all very true, I am leaving my rating for this theatre at 5 stars, because it is (as far as I know) NOT their fault that they don’t have adequate parking…
Before this IMAX Theatre opened in 1999, there was a lot of news and boasting by the City and others about «revitalizing» the downtown area. Some of what they did was nice, but this huge Theatre is right across the street from a very large pre-​existing Community Theatre AND Convention Center AND a large Hotel. And NOW, a bunch of new clubs… And absolutely NO additional parking was ever added anywhere for this IMAX Theatre!!!
So, since I like IMAX films so much (and that’s all they used to show) I considered myself lucky to be living in Sacramento from 1991 to 2005, and during this time I learned that parking could ONLY be easily found on most AFTERNOONS. Don’t even try to find parking for this theatre during a large convention OR during a popular Broadway show at the Community Theatre, OR on Friday or Saturday nights, etc…
Yes, this is ridiculous. And even worse is the lure they use with their so-​called validated parking in their very own parking spaces. THIS IMAX THEATRE DOES NOT HAVE ANY OF ITS VERY OWN PARKING SPACES ANYWHERE!!! ALL SPACES ARE SHARED WITH MANY DIFFERENT VERY LARGE VENUES.

With the dark days and rain and overall sad weather, it was high time to get Tuesday movie nights started again (usually in it for Tuesday discounts, but IMAX was an exception)!
Saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens over break but only at a 2D Century theater. Coworkers proposed seeing it (again) at IMAX in 3D and I was in. Everything looks and sounds so darn good in IMAX, no? Didn’t get into that Spectre red carpet première as I wasn’t Gold Elite yet… so hadn’t been to Esquire IMAX since «The Dark Knight Rises» in 2012, and once before that for a BloodSource special event. The new leather seats, concessions area and ticketing system put in in late 2014 are a very nice update.
I’ve seen the true IMAX experience everywhere from the Metreon in SF, to the Tech Museum of Innovation (San Jose), to the Reuben Fleet Science Center (San Diego), to the SM Mall of Asia (Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines), to Kennedy Space Center (Florida). Does Soarin’ Over California at California Adventure and Universal Studios Hollywood count too?
The screens may vary (domes vs. flat), 2D or 3D capabilities, and digital and/​or 15/​70mm. In the case of Esquire Sacramento (80’x60’ flat screen, 3D, digital and 15/​70mm), it’s definitely a great local choice that does it justice (please don’t fall for that Edwards «IMAX» in Fairfield).
Ticketing: Purchasing tickets online or at box office is easy, reserved seating is always nice. «Go green» by not printing — smartphone e-​mail has barcode to scan, and can also get you 10% off concessions. $ 18 general admission, online booking includes a fee.
Parking: Street meters free after 6pm Mon-​Sat, free Sun. Box office will give you $ 5 off coupons for the city Capitol Garage on 10^th and L Streets. If you enter that garage after 5pm weekdays (or all day weekends) the flat rate is $ 5 so the coupon makes it free with validation. The Hyatt garage, Esquire garage, and Sheraton garage are only partially validated.
Concessions: Ruhstaller, Coors, Racer 5, Blue Moon on tap, Woodbridge cab and chardonnays available. Typical popcorn, giant pretzels, soda, etc. but also pizza, chicken tenders, soup, salad, and grilled sausages with fixins. Prices pretty much on par with fancier movie theaters, sporting event, or the Community Center Theater. Nearby places to eat include Mayahuel, Ella, Esquire Grill, Pizza Rock, Mother, Downtown and Vine. Lobby area also has TVs, posters, cardboard displays, etc. but specific to Star Wars they also had paintings, and glass cases with props/​memorabilia.
Movie: Trailers are not in 3D. If you bring your own 3D glasses from another theater, I’d still recommend using the ones provided by Esquire. I won’t comment or spoil anything about Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but the 7pm showing had a pretty good turnout. There are a little less than 400 seats, which is actually comfier than any lower-​division undergraduate lecture I had at UC Davis… actually, that’s even smaller than the size of my high school graduating class! 3D Glasses provided (recyclable), we sat in Row F which was just right, not too close. Could lean back to prevent potential neck strain.
Esquire IMAX also had some neat giveaways on their social media (Facebook, Instagram) of Star Wars Funko vinyls and movie tickets.
Careful not to get it confused with the other art-​deco neon-​lit theater at the other end of K Street (The Crest)! Esquire is closer to the Cathedral, for reference.

This is a true IMAX theater with the correct screen height and width.
The ability to pick your seat ahead of time really takes away the anxiety of getting to the movie right before it starts.
The concessions are great and include alcohol for all you booze hounds like me. (be careful not drink too much otherwise you end up with a $ 20 nap!)
Seats are comfy and theater is always clean.
Only negatives I have are that it only has one screen so times are limited and that the theater does need to be remodeled because it feels outdated. However once you are in the theater and lights are out you won’t care!

The signature screen and 3D experience here really enhances any movie you’re watching. «Go big or go home» really applies to this theater. I loved Star Wars: The Force Awakens THAT much more because of this theater and movie experience.
I’m all about organization so I love that you choose your seats before the movie time. There’s no standing in line for hours, potential angry fights from «cutting“in line or not finding seats together.
A downfall I found was parking around the theater. We parked at the nearest garage and had to pay $ 15.75 for less than 4 hours of parking. We expected to pay a lot since we’re downtown, but it’s hard to swallow to pay that much for parking.
Another downfall is there is not a lot of room on the inside, so they usually make you wait in line all the way out the doors before they let you in. Thank goodness this is sunny California, but this would suck on the rainy, windy days.
Nonetheless, $ 18.00 admission is definitely worth the big ticket blockbuster movies. I’m thisclose to becoming a snob to regular theaters after this place!

The theatre itself is awesome. Seeing a movie there is wonderful. The concessions, on the other hand, leave a lot to be desired. They have some great food choices, but when we arrived to see Star Wars (which was a sold out show) they had no hot dogs available to purchase. We were told at 15 minutes before the movie started that they would be ready in 10 minutes. Instead of selling us the hot dogs right then, and having us pick them up when they were available… we had to get back in line and wait. Needless to say, the line was so long because of the sold out show we never made it even halfway through the line again before we had to leave the line to see the movie. Poor planning on their part. Should have enough staff available for a sold out popular movie like Star Wars… and have food already cooking so that people can purchase it BEFORE the show starts.

The way movies should be viewed! Wish there were more of these in the Central Valley!

I love how you can buy your seats in advance. It really helps save on time getting to the movie.
We saw Star Wars here and it was AMAZING on the IMAX and in 3D!
The selection of refreshments is nice and there is a decent lobby here to hang out.

This is the second time I have been and the first time I have reviewed. As always IMAX delivers the movies, in comfort, with the GINORMOUS screen and, in this case, in 3-​D.
The employees were happy and pleasant, the ticketing experience fast and easy and this is during the whole Star Wars rush.
All in all, very happy.

Do you want to watch your movie clearly on a ginormous screen?
Do you want to watch your 3D movie with a bright projector to offset the tinted 3D glasses?
Do you want the full experience of a 3D movie to view the forward images, background, and everything in between — just as the film producer intended for you to watch?
Do you want to listen to the special effects and music in superior surround sound?
Do you want to choose where you sit and have wide spaces between you and the chair in front?
YES!!! Then you’ve come to the right place. Given the shortage of IMAX theaters in Sacramento County, Esquire is one of the few IMAX 3D theaters to choose from and meets up with the expectations.
Make sure to order your tickets ahead of time online to reduce the inconvenient time of parking downtown. I parked at their 10^th & L location and didn’t like walking 2 blocks at night. So if you have the extra funds, park at the Hyatt across from the theater. Their concession menu could also use some updating. Their large popcorn seemed smaller due to the popcorn served in a bag vs. a bucket like other theaters.

I had pre bought tickets 2 months away from the premier of a movie and I found out 1 day before the movie that the handicap seat that I bought didn’t actually have a seat there. Handicap does not mean wheelchair! They don’t have any extra seats that they can put there so they made me split up my seats so one is in the back and one is in the very front row. This is a gift for my sister on her birthday and it’ll be like we aren’t celebrating it together. Why don’t they have it on their website that there isn’t a seat in the handicap area? I’m extremely upset because I bought the tickets so long ago and they are now saying something! Ridiculous! 1 star!

I can’t get over the amazing quality of the sound system. The thunderous bass is cranked to earth shaking levels without any distortion. Just pure clean explosions! The screen is awesome too and is actually perfect if you sit in the back row, where the middle of the screen is around eye level,
The seats are decent, but firm and not cushy (depends what you like). They serve beer if you like that kind of beverage, and food too? (I was there for a special event.)
I saw the Force Awakens trailer and now I GOTTA SEE IT ON IMAX.

Great big movie theater! I came here to watch spectre007 and it was a great turnout! The movie theater was not too packed which is even better. The staff was very friendly and nice at this event that we had for Unilocal tonight. Everything was clean even the bathrooms are spotless and that’s pretty good considering it was a movie theater. The refreshments were good anz the popcorn was perfectly buttered I am definitely coming back to see another movie!

I came here today for a field trip with my little one! We were here with 3 classes from her school and another school to watch the Expedition of Lewis & Clark!
When we entered, all kids got, with their paid school ticket, a popcorn & drink. Funny how kids will stick their tongue into their popcorn them offer you some of theirs, hahaha, no thank you, kiddos!
Of course the theater was huge! The screen was from the floor up to the ceiling, maybe 3 out 4 floors up? The aisles were very clean, floors were nice and clean… made me feel very comfortable sitting in their establishment. They even helped worth seating worth all the kids. Making everyone scoot in to fit everyone.
The movie was an hour long, full of scenery, it was up to date, interesting for the kids, thank goodness. And when it was over, we ask grabbed our popcorn bags, drink cups and disposed of them.
Thank you for a great time!

Overall a good experience when I watched «Jurassic World» with my brother. I loved the feeling of me actually being apart of the movie [that gave me an unbelievable feeling!!]. I’ve never felt like this when watching in XD or a regular showing.
The screen was huge! The last time I was in an IMAX theater is over 10 years ago in the Luxor Hotel. So this was a good time to experience it at this age (being 22 now) which was cool!
The only thing that I was iffy on is how the my brother and I got seats on row K. We sat in the back yet the screen was still overwhelming. The seats still seemed so close to the screen. I got an instant headache and my eyes were overwhelmed. Which made it hard to fully see the scenes at some points cause of my eyes. It wasn’t use to it. I don’t know if all IMAX’s theaters were like this. But when I last experienced being in an IMAX the seats were at a good distance from the screen. That is why when I saw how close the seats were I just got a little overwhelmed. Haha. My eyes!!! Lol.
All in all, I’m glad I experienced it though. :) I’ll probably be experiencing other IMAX’s in different locations to see how they are too!

Short story: Lost my wallet in the theater. They found it a few days later and returned it!!!
Long story: Thanks in part to the comfortable theater chairs, my wallet fell from pocket. Even with the help of staff after the movie, I couldn’t find. I gave my name and number in case it turned up. Called the next 4 nights: no wallet. Called one last time on the 5^th day, and THEY FOUND IT! Professional cleaners do a deep cleaning twice a week and they spotted the wallet. It was returned with everything in it, including the cash. I wish they’d called me back when it was retrieved, but I’m really glad and thankful they found it. THANK YOU!
Otherwise: the 3D glasses are one size fits all. Good air conditioning in the theater. They also have a smushed penny machine (IMAX themed) in the lobby!

I thought i wrote a review for this place, but guess i haven’t. I am a fan of this place.
Layout
The layout of this place is simple. When you enter the lobby there are some posters and advertisement for future movies that are coming out. Next you see the goodies such as popcorn, soda, and candy and snacks. They do serve alcohol in here now as they have a sign saying that in front of the box office. I am not sure how much is the beer but I’m assuming under 10 bucks maybe.
Popcorn
The popcorn is pretty good. i do notice the popcorn are less oily and less salted which is a bit more healthy than other theaters. i do like the flavor powder they have with the popcorn. i did try the white cheddar, jalepeno, garlic. The jalepeno powder is very strong and will make you sneeze. The flavors for the popcorn is awesome and definitely makes it more awesome and flavorful popcorn-​gasm!
Seating
The seating in here is definitely comfortable. its more roomy than other theaters. We get a lot of space for our legs and arm as well. the seats were in leather. The seats weren’t squeaky so thats a plus. The seats are comfortable enough for 2 to 3 hour movies. The AC is cool inside the place and was kind of chilly towards the middle of the movie.
Screen
The screen is definitely awesome! its like 100 ft by 100 ft! it does give the special effects. Although no matter where you sit the screen is very close to you. It does make my eye work out all over the screen. For best result is sitting in the very back row in the middle to observed it all. i do feel that every 3 d movie here is excellent and gets the best quality for the 3d effects flying at you.
3D Glasses
i LOVE the 3d glasses! they are oversize and built with great quality! they are super clear and just awesome for 3d movies! They definitely are comfortable to wear for 2 to 3 hr movies and don’t feel sore on my ears or face. They do have signs saying to return them and recycle.
Location
The location is in the heart of midtown! i love the location a lot. Parking maybe hard to find or might need to just park in the parking structure to save you some time. The location is like nearby with lots of restaurants such as ellas fine dining food, or to casual place like osakas sushi, or even a starbucks around the corner. The location is surrounded by lots of restaurants for sure you won’t get hungry or thirsty.
Parking
There are a few parking garages nearby and is about 2 blocks away too. I usually park right by the 11^th and j street parking structure. Also don’t forget to grab some coupons are that inside the imax by the popcorn station so you get a discount for parking. For example my parking fee was 8 bucks but they had a 5 dollar coupon so my parking fee ended up only 3 bucks! which was a steal for parking over 3 to 4 hours long.
Overall love this theater and love getting full 3d quality experience for movies like Jurrasic world! Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!

It has been a LONG time since I saw a movie at the Esquire IMAX Theatre… do I even dare tell you whatI saw there? Heres a hint: boy band concert. LOL… laugh all you want, we were in college and the concert was AWESOME.
I returned to the IMAX last week for a screening of Jurassic World. The staff managed the line well and prevented seat savers and line jumpers from sneaking in line after others had already been waiting for hours. When we finally got in the aroma of popcorn was enticing and it was nice to see the improvements in the lobby and the fact that they sell beer and wine now. The theater was clean and sound was phenomenal. Seats were comfy and you feel like you are in the movie from any seat in the house. Movies cost a little more than average (which now a days is pretty expensive) so it keeps the riff raff out. If you want clarity, amazing sound and an experience, go see your favorite blockbuster at the Esquire IMAX. I have passes to another screening later this month so I’m looking forward to seeing the new Terminator there and trying some of their popcorn!

Last year, I was heading to the Esquire IMAX movie theater for the very first time thanks for the advance movie screening of «the Amazing Spider-​Man 2.» As I entered, the atmosphere is well-​kept and tidy. The lobby looks fantastic as I smelled the popcorn through my nose. After that, I headed this one large room where the screen placed closest to the seats. I finally managed to get a good seat to watch.
The theater performance is well remarkable and visionary. The closest screen experience showing the actual movie in 3D is amazing! I can see the clarity and details as the movie rolls in from start to finish. The sound quality is outstanding as I can hear the SFXs normally.
The service is very good as I welcomed there. No problems at all!
In the end, Esquire IMAX theater is the best closest 3D movie theater that moviegoers will experience the thrill ride of these latest blockbuster movies. Highly recommend for this Downtown movie theater!

New Seats For Hobbit Trilogy Marathon Makes Middle Earth A Lot More Cozy!
SITREP
I have to give mad props to IMAX Theater Manager Doug L. for overseeing some great upgrades to The Esquire! But also kudos for showing some real flexibility in customer service.
THE SETUP: MIDDLE EARTH!
So. Us nerds got together — fully enabled by Doug L. — for a «Hobbit Trilogy Marathon» today — in fact, for only $ 30, and from 1pm to nearly 11pm, we were sitting on our asses, glued to the IMAX 3D shows, viewing one Hobbit film right after the other:
* Hobbit #1: «An Unexpected Journey» (Bilbo leaves the hood)
* Hobbit #2: «The Desolation of Smaug» (Bilbo gets roughed up by a dragon); and,
* Hobbit #3 — «The Battle of the Five Armies» (Bilbo kicks ass, but loses very special friends)
OUT-​OF-​THE-​ORDINARY MOVIE-​GOING
So understand that this is not your usual scenario of random groups of people coming in for just one movie, and then leaving, since there are different movie-​metrics at work when people are sitting in the theater for almost 10 hours. There are a lot of things that could go wrong in a situation like this:
* Uncomfortable seats? No. Luckily for us, The Esquire has just gotten some seating upgrades in Stadium-​style ass-​friendly seats, and we couldn’t have been more comfortable!
* Lack of Munchies & Drinks? Again, no. Doug and his crew set up so many discounted food specials throughout the day, including:
= A mere $ 10 for all you can eat/​drink popcorn & soda. Granted, not exactly a healthy diet, but then again, this isn’t a spa or whole foods store. Easily the best deal you’d find at any theater where you are there for, count ‘em, TEN HOURS to put off the hunger for the long haul.
But wait! There’s more!
= You could pre-​order whole pizzas and/​or pizza slices to redeem at the theater for you munchies throughout the day!
* Unreasonable Movie Start times? Again, no. Doug and crew were very flexible in making sure people were getting their potty break times, and that they were getting through the concessions getting their food, their drinks, their pre-​orders, and whatever else they needed to ensure the patrons’ comfort.
INTERMISSION FUN!
During intermissions, Doug would host a raffle based on our seat numbers, and there were no fewer than a couple dozen prizes ranging from Hobbit posters, shirts, movie passes, and the like that really lightened up the spirits for us.
SUGGESTION BOX
If I could make one suggestion? If doing another long-​run trilogy (Rebooted Star Treks? Marvel Comics? Whatev), during all the downtime in the theater itself during intermissions — each lasting well into 20 – 30 mins — why not play some Warner Brothers cartoons? You know, Bugs Bunny? Or Scooby Doo? Or Three Stooges? Or stream some E.T. TV for us to watch.
But thanks for a great job on everything else!
*KUDOS!*
A big shout out to Doug & crew for treating us all very today, for making us feel comfortable during a long 10-​HR stay, and for the fun time!
THE LOWDOWN
A fantastic time in The Esquire!