BFI IMAX
This page is dedicated to BFI IMAX, part of the BFI.
There is only 1 screen at the BFI IMAX. For other BFI screens, check BFI Southbank.
Screen Summary1
| Screen | Capacity | Screen/Projector | Sound | CineSeat Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen 1 - IMAX | 493 Seats 4 Wheelchair | IMAX 65 foot screen 4K IMAX Laser 70mm IMAX film | 12 channel IMAX sound | Capable of displaying 1.43 and 1.9 AR films |
Notable Dates or Schedules
No information yet.
Screen 1 - IMAX
Before the film starts, you will enter the auditorium from the first floor (closest to row A). These doors are closed during the introduction.
At the end of the film you will exit through the doors at the back or top of the auditorium (closest to row Q). This also applies if you arrive late.
Seat Information
BFI IMAX has steep raking tapering off towards the end at Row P and Row Q.
There are 4 aisles, 2 on the left and right of the centre block of seats and 1 each next to the walls of the auditorium.
- Row A: standard seats, lots of legroom, with safety bars in front
- ....
- Row K: standard seats
- Row L: IMAX premium seating
- Row M: IMAX premium seating
- Row N: IMAX premium seating
- Row P: IMAX VIP seating
- Row Q: IMAX VIP seating
BFI IMAX Member's Row
There are 24 seats available for Members reserved for the first 24 hours of general sale. They expire 24 hours after general sale and are not visible if a screening has Member priority booking.
These seats are usually:
- J8, J9 on the right block
- J10, J11, J12, J13, J14, J15, J16, J17, J19, J20, J21, J22, J23, J24, J25, J26, J27 on the middle block
- J28, J29 on the left block
Member Row seat rows and number can change. The above example is for the Odyssey 70mm IMAX screenings.
Middle of Screen
- Row P: P16
- Row Q: between P9, P10
Numbered Seatmap
Thank you to Hamza from the former IMAX Vanguard community for allowing the use of this image.
BFI IMAX Numbered Seatmap
Pricing
Pricing varies for different films.
Pricing for Odyssey 70mm IMAX film
| Type | Full Price | Member Price |
|---|---|---|
| BFI IMAX Standard | £26.00 | £23.50 |
| BFI IMAX Premium | £29.00 | £26.50 |
| BFI IMAX VIP | £30.00 | £27.50 |
| Members Row (BFI IMAX) | - | £23.50 |
| BFI IMAX Wheelchair Space | £26.00 | £23.50 |
| BFI IMAX Wheelchair Assistant or Companion | £0-£26.00 |
Useful Tips
- For a quick exit - pick rows towards the back of the auditorium (towards row P/Q)
Communities
- London indie and rep cinema WhatsApp community has a dedicated BFI Southbank and IMAX group
Resources
- BFI IMAX Waterloo Refurbishment - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvoBTnfxPzU
- BFI IMAX Relaunch News Item - https://www.bfi.org.uk/news/bfi-imax-relaunches-following-major-upgrade
Fun Facts
- A laptop displays a PowerPoint presentation that contains images/adverts into the big IMAX screen before each screening.
- You enter the screen from the bottom and exit from the top.