St. Louis’ first, and only, flat-screen IMAX auditorium opened to the public Friday, November 18, 2005 at South County’s Ronnies 20 Cine. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire added to the “magic” by being the first film shown on the IMAX screen. Theatre sell-outs were common as St. Louis residents found the latest movie technologies on display in their backyards.

What makes IMAX features so stunning is the special film used exclusively by IMAX. The film is ten times larger than typical 35 mm film, so ten times more detail is added to every frame of action. The movie is projected on a screen twice the size of the auditorium’s former screen for an even more immersive experience. The screen’s special reflective coating brightens the vivid imagery, making every seat in the house an excellent one.

IMAX’s other unique feature is the amazing 3D ability it offers for select films. The Polar Express became the first 3D blockbuster to wow audiences at the Ronnies 20 Cine. First-time viewers literally reached out to grab snowflakes throughout the film. They would say after the film it truly looked like it was snowing inside the auditorium.

Since the success of The Polar Express, other Hollywood hits have graced the IMAX screen, including The Ant Bully and Superman Returns. (Superman Returns introduced the unique feature of interspersing 3D scenes into the primarily 2D film.)

IMAX boasts an amazing sound system as well. The upgraded speakers and digital sound system are completely state-of-the-art. The explosive sound meets IMAX’s strict quality standards, a must for any IMAX theatre.

The first Mega Screen debuted December 22, 2004 with The Phantom of the Opera. This also marked the debut of the theatre, the Galaxy 14 Cine in Chesterfield, MO. The Phantom of the Opera was the perfect film to showcase the stunning pictures and crystal-clear sound the Mega Screen boasts.

The massive screen fills an entire wall.

The giant screen is capable of playing films produced in 8 perf-70 MM format, a larger film type than the traditional 35 MM format. The larger film gives a greater area to include more detail and color than the 35 MM film. This translates to sharper, more vibrant images on the huge, wall-sized Mega Screen.

The sound is also truly amazing. New innovations in speaker technology are showcased in the Mega Screen auditorium. The speakers are uniquely designed to allow crisp audio at higher ranges; dialogue remains easily understood while sound effects and music are add to the film’s energy without being too loud and distracting.

Ronnie’s IMAX screen doubles as a Mega Screen when films not produced in IMAX format are shown. A brand-new Mega Screen is planned for the Galaxy Cine underway in Blooming-Normal, IL. It will debut in 2008.