Best place to see The Force Awakens (2D vs 3D vs IMAX 3D) *Megathread*

Rafal

Which are the best seats at IMC Savoy 1: middle, front, back? A or V, low number or high? Is the sound decent, ATMOS, perhaps?

Any other suggestions of a good, maybe VIP seating 2D screen with great sound in or near Dublin?

Why? Episode 4 was the first real movie (not a cartoon) that I saw in a cinema in my life, and I'll never forget that feeling. I'd like to see Episode 7 in the best place that could transport me back to those days... Thanks.

NachoBusiness

The back row smack in the middle, imo..

However, surely you'll want to see it in IMAX 3?

Back row, Screen 17, Cineworld IMAX will be where I'll be watching it anyway.

But Savoy 1 would be my second choice for sure.

Rafal

NachoBusiness wrote: »

The back row smack in the middle, imo..

However, surely you'll want to see it in IMAX 3?

Back row, Screen 17, Cineworld IMAX will be where I'll be watching it anyway.

But Savoy 1 would be my second choice for sure.

Thanks! I'd love to see it in IMAX but in 2D, sorry, not a fan of 3D...can't focus on the plot or action as my brain feels like it is on a rollercoaster: enjoyable ride but I've no idea what has just happened. Is there an IMAX 2D screening it? I'd like that very much.

NachoBusiness

Rafal wrote: »

Thanks! I'd love to see it in IMAX but in 2D, sorry, not a fan of 3D...can't focus on the plot or action as my brain feels like it is on a rollercoaster: enjoyable ride but I've no idea what has just happened. Is there an IMAX 2D screening it? I'd like that very much.

No 2D screenings in Cineworld's IMAX. All the Odeon iSense screenings are in 3D also.

I'm far from a format snob, and I know the Dublin IMAX is not "true" IMAX but apparently there is a huge difference between seeing it on a run of the mill widescreen average cinema screen:




..and an IMAX 70MM format:



So that's why I'm gonna see on the closet to genuine IMAX as I can and at the moment that appears to be Dublin's LieMAX.

Sad Professor

For the sake of one scene, which will only be a bit taller in the digital IMAX print, it's not worth it.

NachoBusiness

Sad Professor wrote: »

For the sake of one scene, which will only be a bit taller in the digital IMAX print, it's not worth it.

Don't you think that overall the IMAX experience, even the Cineworld Ireland one, is better overall? I just feel an overall better immersion in films there than in any other screens (when I get a back row seat at least).

The sound alone would be worth it for me. Screen 9 I think is far too low in that regard. Savoy 1 is better, sure, but still not near the IMAX.

iSense at the Point I only seen Dark Knight in and I felt it was great and all but felt that I was needing to look downwards a lot and I hated the seats there too.

Rafal

Is Savoy 1 ATMOS?

Rafal

NachoBusiness wrote: »

The back row smack in the middle, imo..

Out of interest, why the back row? Is there a good rear/sides soundstage in that row? Thanks!

Bacchus

I'm avoiding the Star Wars thread for fear of spoilers but I'd like to hear what people thought of the 3D? My local is only showing 3D on their big screen so unless the 3D was worth it, I'll be driving elsewhere.

Cheers

Falthyron

There are some shots which look quite good. For example and this is not a spoiler, in the trailer you see Rey scavenging an old ship, there is some great depth added to the scene with 3D. Some of the shots of X-Wings, etc. are good too. However, this was not filmed in 3D. It is a post-processed 3D movie which means it was added in after being shot.

I will be going to see the 2D version after Christmas as I would like to see it how J.J. intended for it to be shown, but my impression of the 3D is: it doesn't really add that much to the film, if anything at all, but it doesn't take anything from it either.

AnonoBoy

I always take the middle centre if I can get it.

Same applies to most cinemas - that's where the audio is mixed for and I think it gives the best view.

Wedwood

Being honest, I'm sorry I didn't go to the 2d version. I like 3D, but thought it was very dark and dull.

The film itself is terrific, I'm looking forward to seeing it again in 2D.

golfball37

It was fine. The Tie fighters, Star Destroyers and X Wing ships all played well but otherwise there was no need for it.

heebusjeebus

Saw the film in the Odean by the Point and the projection was far too dark so I would not recommend the 3D there.
The 3D effect was used sparingly too so it's not worth it in my opinion.

McDermotX

Good to see (or hear, rather) the Savoy still have a busted speaker or two in their big screen.

Slydice

IMAX 3D in Cineworld had some good scenes.

Wedwood

Wedwood wrote: »

Being honest, I'm sorry I didn't go to the 2d version. I like 3D, but thought it was very dark and dull.

The film itself is terrific, I'm looking forward to seeing it again in 2D.

I don't know why more people aren't complaining about this. You're essentially wearing sunglasses.

Rafal

Done. Back rows were good but I think closer to the middle would have been better, as the screen seemed a bit small from the back. Sound was good, seats ok, not great, not bad.

Movie...well, that's for another thread, but it made me cry, laugh, feel like a kid again. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Still, I wish there was a little bit more depth, and more risk taking with the plot. Can't wait for the next one!

ktulu123

IMAX 3D was class. Dundrum Screen 1 3D was quite dark but still grand

El Horseboxo

I went with a group that picked the 3D version. But I really wish I had of went with my initial thoughts of just going myself to the 2D version. I swore after Jurassic World I wouldn't see a post processed 3D movie again. Anyways I hated it. A lot of scenes looked quite dark and apart from some good shots the quality didn't seem great. I had to keep removing the glasses to just see some brightness. I seen it on the biggest and best imax screen in Oklahoma so quality of the setup wasn't the issue. Maybe I just hate 3D too much. But I'd recommend 2D over the 3D.

NachoBusiness

Rafal wrote: »

Out of interest, why the back row? Is there a good rear/sides soundstage in that row? Thanks!

Nobody to kick the back of your seat.

Ah it depends on the screen for me. Savoy 1 and I think the back row is ideal but Screen 9 in Cineworld and it would be the middle for sure as the back row seems miles back. IMAX would be another from the back row. Anytime I am in the IMAX and it's not that full, I see people leaving their seats in the middle to front and moving up to the empty seats along the side as those seats are too damn close to the screen. I had a third row seat for Oblivion there and walked out as it was a nightmare trying to watch it: hard on the eyes and neck.

Anyway, glad you enjoyed it. I'm not seeing it until next Friday (only night I could get tickets in the back row of the Imax).

darkdubh

The Savoy?That hasn't been a cinema in years.Oh hang on youre talking some place in Dublin,sorry can't help you there.

pissedoffmale

Every cinema I've checked are only showing the 3d version on their largest screens, and let's face it, the post processed 3d is just a money grab. Does anybody know where is the best 2d experience going is in Dublin? Thanks

e_e

pissedoffmale wrote: »

Every cinema I've checked are only showing the 3d version on their largest screens

http://lighthouse.admit-one.eu/?p=details&eventCode=21437

D-FENS

On Wednesday night, I booked a 9:45am showing for the Thursday morning at the newly refurbished Vue, Liffey Valley.
I got the back row, slap bang in the middle, about 20 other people in there and nowhere near me.
Not had a more pleasant, uninterrupted cinema experience in years, probably since the naive, joyous days of the Ep. 4-6

Sad Professor

A warning about Vue: the ads in front of Star Wars are excessive, more than usual. And I don’t mean trailers. Ads!

Arrive at least 20 minutes late.

And if you are seeing it in 2D, avoid screens 1, 4, 5, 9 and 10.

McDermotX

Can add the biggest 2D Screen 3 to that list in Vue.

Annoying pressure mark on the screen in the top left quadrant which sticks out like a sore thumb in the bright Jakku scenes.

The Savoy Screen 1 has at least a couple of busted speakers as well, so there's very limited potentially 'perfect' venues to see it.

e_e

I saw it in screen 2 of IMC Dun Laoghaire (Thursday morning, 2D) and sound and picture were fine. Crucially I felt the rumble of the low end bass whenever the lightsabers whooshed.

Rafal

pissedoffmale wrote: »

Every cinema I've checked are only showing the 3d version on their largest screens, and let's face it, the post processed 3d is just a money grab. Does anybody know where is the best 2d experience going is in Dublin? Thanks

The reason I started this thread is because Savoy in Dublin is showing it in 2D on its Screen 1, which is "the largest screen in Ireland" according to their blurb. I would definitely recommend it there, it was very enjoyable, even if the cinema is not perfect, as others have noted.

Pat Mustard

So, 3D: yea or nay?

jonnbinn

I presume 4 rows from the front in the IMAX is far to close. Ya?

orubiru

jonnbinn wrote: »

I presume 4 rows from the front in the IMAX is far to close. Ya?

If you are near the middle of the row then it'll be fine. It'll be great actually.

I only think IMAX 3D is a problem if you are too far to the side. Even then, it's not THAT big of a deal.

Whyohwhy?

Seen it in imc santry, the new fangled "galatic" screen, 2d . has the atmos dolby ****...
Screen way too small imo, and atmos? The trailer for that system is pretty cool, definitely shows its capabilities but the film itself didn't seem to utilise it to full effect tbh.

Will be going to savoy 1 for second viewing, busted speakers or not.

Slydice

jonnbinn wrote: »

I presume 4 rows from the front in the IMAX is far to close. Ya?

For one scene it might actually be really like "WOAH!!!!!"

Rafal

Pat Mustard wrote: »

So, 3D: yea or nay?

No. I'd rather focus on the plot and its subtleties while watching a movie that offers depth, so 2D it is for Star Wars. If I were to see something more about the effects than the plot then 3D would be fine: my brain feels like it is on an enjoyable ride but not much more than that...can't focus attention.

NomadicGray

**** it, booked in too see it in 2d in cineworld about lunch time tomorrow. Usually prefer 2d anyways, but if i like it I'll go back and see it again 3d after xmas

jonnbinn

Booked for Wednesday. Cant come fast enough!! Was at the IMAX a very long time ago when I was a child to see some "under the sea" thing. Think it was called the Sheridan IMAX then.

johnny_ultimate

jonnbinn wrote: »

Booked for Wednesday. Cant come fast enough!! Was at the IMAX a very long time ago when I was a child to see some "under the sea" thing. Think it was called the Sheridan IMAX then.

The current IMAX is nothing like the full 70mm one that was there years ago. That was the full, massive screen, this is just a pretty good screen with an unwarranted premium ticket price and aggressive branding everywhere. You need to go abroad to find a proper IMAX screen these days.

Indeed none of these 'branded' digital screens have won me over to be perfectly frank: they all just seem like ways to bump up ticket prices (and it works), and tend to be more impressive in tech demos than in actual films. They're not bad screens by any stretch, but in my experience they're usually barely noticeably superior to any modern, well calibrated system. That the IMAX shows most things in 3D (when there's a 3D version anywhere) rules it right out for me too, and I feel the seats are too close to the screen. Not to mention my first experience there - The Hobbit in 48FPS - was horrid (more the frame rate's fault than the screen's, true :pac:) and that kinda ruined it for me.

Just give me Lighthouse 1 - simple, effective, comfortable, well priced and reliable quality.

NachoBusiness

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

The current IMAX is nothing like the full 70mm one that was there years ago. That was the full, massive screen..

Aye. I was only in in it once back in the 90s and it was amazing. It was so steep that they had railings for people to hold as they walked up to their (very uncomfortable) seats but wow was the 3D good. It was so good you were putting your hand out to try and touch things which appeared as if they were right in front of you, or at least that is my teenage memory of it. From memory it was some dinosaur film with that long blonde haired guy from that TV show Thirty Something.

AMKC

I have seen Star Wars TFA,s twice now. Seen it once in an Odeon Cinema and found it perfectly good for both picture and sound. Also seen it at screen 2 in the Savoy as well and found it good too. Did not see the point of paying extra for screen 1 when the only difference between 1 and 2 there is the branding.

Whyohwhy?

Rafal wrote: »

No. I'd rather focus on the plot and its subtleties while watching a movie that offers depth, so 2D it is for Star Wars. If I were to see something more about the effects than the plot then 3D would be fine: my brain feels like it is on an enjoyable ride but not much more than that...can't focus attention.

Spoilers : there's not much plot or subtleties in this movie.

D-FENS

Sad Professor wrote: »

A warning about Vue: the ads in front of Star Wars are excessive, more than usual. And I don’t mean trailers. Ads!

Arrive at least 20 minutes late.

And if you are seeing it in 2D, avoid screens 1, 4, 5, 9 and 10.

Oh yes, you're right, but I had to drop my kids to school so I actually timed it perfectly, arrived just as a trailer for the new Independence Day was on, which I've no interest in, and then straight into the movie.

mrcheez

For the 3D shows do we bring along our RealD 3D glasses, or do they give them for free there?

and for the record, Cineworld IMAX is better than Odeon is this right?

ondafly

McDermotX wrote: »

Can add the biggest 2D Screen 3 to that list in Vue.

Annoying pressure mark on the screen in the top left quadrant which sticks out like a sore thumb in the bright Jakku scenes

and once you see the pressure mark - you can't unsee it. It didn't take too much away from the film, except during the lighter scenes, when it was very obvious.

mrcheez

My question was ignored in the other thread so can anyone say whether it's better to see Star Wars in Cineworld IMAX or Odeon ISENSE ?

Also for both do I need to bring a paid of RealD 3D glasses, or are they different?

Sad Professor

mrcheez wrote: »

My question was ignored in the other thread so can anyone say whether it's better to see Star Wars in Cineworld IMAX or Odeon ISENSE ?

Also for both do I need to bring a paid of RealD 3D glasses, or are they different?

Neither. See it in 2D in the Lighthouse or Savoy 1. But if you insist on 3D, see it in Digital IMAX which should be brighter that regular 3D.

I’ve merged this with the existing thread.

mrcheez

Sad Professor wrote: »

Neither. See it in 2D in the Lighthouse or Savoy 1. But if you insist on 3D, see it in Digital IMAX which should be brighter that regular 3D.

I’ve merged this with the existing thread.

ya I likes the 3D ... can watch 2D anytime after

OK Cineworld IMAX it is, thanks

mrcheez

oh btw do I take my RealD 3D glasses with me, or do they give them free in Cineworld for the IMAX version?

Sad Professor

mrcheez wrote: »

oh btw do I take my RealD 3D glasses with me, or do they give them free in Cineworld for the IMAX version?

Not sure but I think they are included in the price.

mrcheez

Sad Professor wrote: »

Not sure but I think they are included in the price.

yeah just went through the cineworld booking process and it has a note:

This is an IMAX 3D performance, glasses will be provided at the cinema.

Falthyron

david75 wrote: »

I've been 9 times in the cinema. And cannot wait for the DVD.

Have you seen it in the same location each time? If not, I would like to know where you felt the best showing was. I saw it on Screen 1 in Vue and I felt the sound was disappointing. I saw it in 3D on the Empire IMAX in Leicester Square and was blown away by both the sound and display (IMAX laser projector), but I want to see it in 2D again somewhere in Ireland. Was thinking of the iSENSE in Blanch, but if you have a recommendation I would like to hear it.