Heikoff IMAX Dome

Greg K a year ago

We saw the Future Cities movie and really enjoyed it. The entry coordinator has stuff to check out and a well stocked gift store. The movie theater had comfortable seats and we liked sitting in the higher level chairs. We didn’t have to crane our necks at all.

Raj Shankar 6 months ago

The Heikoff Giant Dome Theater has incredible potential, but right now that potential is effectively on hold. The Fleet is undergoing a major renovation that began in September 2025 and is expected to wrap up in Spring 2026. I understand that construction impacts operations, and upgrades like a new dedicated queuing and concessions area for the Dome Theater are genuinely positive improvements—especially for handling large crowds during major events. That said, defaulting to a documentary-only schedule during this period feels like an overly conservative choice for a 75-foot IMAX dome. The stated focus on educational programming and serving schools is important, but it doesn’t have to come at the total exclusion of limited-run blockbuster or special event screenings. Many science centers successfully balance both. San Diego already has very few true IMAX experiences. Temporarily sidelining one of the most immersive screens in the region—especially for films that are made for this format—feels like a missed opportunity to engage a broader audience during the renovation period, not just after it. The upgrades sound promising, and I hope once construction is complete, the Dome Theater fully embraces its world-class capability. Until then, it’s hard not to see this as wasted cinematic potential.

Cyndi Ann Cross 4 years ago

Nice theater. However: The seat rows are much too close together, and cramming waaaaaay too many people into the theater, so there is NO leg room for those of us with LONG legs. A slight redesign (to accommodate adults) would be awesome. Other than that ... we do like the theater.

Ernesto Esqueda 4 years ago

Very unique viewing experience. Watched the Batman movie 2022. In my experience watching a movie with a wrap around screen like this, it took a little getting adjusted and can be a bit dizzying at first because of such a wide angle view. For the most part the picture is ok but some scenes are more apparent that the film is not meant for such a curved screen.( The edges of the image are stretched). If there was a way to correct for the curvature it would awesome. The seating in the theater is not the best. The width is average but the legroom is very small. If feels very cramped when someone needs to leave their seat and must pass in front of other people. There are lower level seating(closer to screen) and an upper level. I did not see one person in the lower level possibly because it may seem to close but I cannot say what it's like because I sat in the upper level. The theater sound was great, it was so good that explosions and music could be felt in the seats. I've been to other IMAX theaters that don't turn up the volume as much as this. Overall I enjoyed the movie and would recommend to at least try it once and see for yourself. It's really something that can't be explained in a review or a video. I look forward to going back when they have a new movie.

Andrew 9 months ago

The theater was recently redone in 2023 and is state of the art. I recently saw Blue Angels, and the sound and visuals make you feel like you're in the cockpit of the airplane. Highly recommend.