Could Bangor, Maine Finally Get an IMAX Theater?

Let’s add this to the long list of things Bangor needs.

If you take a moment to think about it, there are quite a few businesses we don’t have in the Greater Bangor area. Sure, we’ve got the best concert facility in New England, but an IKEA and an Apple Store are still missing from the list.

Lately, I’ve been reading about some of the big “event” movies coming soon, and it got me thinking—Maine only has one IMAX theater.

Apple Cinemas in Saco (formerly Cinemagic) is currently the only place in Maine where you can experience IMAX. It bills itself as “the world’s most innovative movie-going experience.”

There are about 1,865 IMAX theaters worldwide, in 91 countries and territories. But here in the Pine Tree State, there’s just one. To be fair, we’re still ahead of New Hampshire, which has none.

Imagine seeing upcoming films like The Mandalorian and Grogu or Toy Story 5 on a massive IMAX screen. It would truly be the ultimate movie-going experience.

So what’s the difference between IMAX and a regular theater?

IMAX theaters use larger, higher-resolution projection systems than standard cinemas, meaning the image can be dramatically larger and more immersive than what you see at home or in a typical theater. The screens are designed to fill your field of vision and pull you into the action.

There are no bad seats in an IMAX theater. With precision-tuned surround sound and dual projection systems, the result is brighter images, sharper detail, and a far more immersive experience.

Sounds pretty good, right?

Of course, we already have plenty of great places in the area to see major Hollywood blockbusters—but nothing quite on the scale of IMAX.

I can think of a few spots around town where an IMAX theater could fit nicely. Maybe one day it will actually happen. It would certainly be a welcome addition to the Bangor area.

Are there any other businesses you wish would come to this part of the state? Feel free to share your thoughts.