The Boeing IMAX Theater.
The Boeing IMAX Theater.

Seattle is turning into a pretty decent place to catch a flick.

Just last month, the Paul Allen-owned Cinerama movie theater reopened after an immense upgrade that includes one of the world’s first commercial 4K laser projectors, a cutting-edge sound system, giant new seats with extra leg room, a reserved seating system, and new food and drink options.

Now, the Boeing IMAX theater at Seattle’s Pacific Science Center (PSC) is getting an upgrade of its own.

The theater announced today that it will close on Jan. 4 and undergo a renovation that will bring about what the PSC calls “the world’s most advanced digital projection system designed specifically for giant IMAX screens.”

A new custom-designed, laser-powered digital projector will be able to show IMAX movies in even better quality than what’s currently installed at the theater, which features Washington’s largest movie screen. The Boeing IMAX Theater is the first science center to have this new projector.

“You won’t be able to experience movies like this anywhere else,” Diane Carlson, vice president of guest services and theaters for Pacific Science Center, said in a statement.

boeing-headerThis video describes the technology inside the laser projector, part of which was developed thanks to intellectual property IMAX acquired from Kodak.

When the theater reopens in May, visitors will also be able to enjoy new seats and an immersive sound system that features more speakers — including some right above your head.

This is the first major renovation since the Boeing theater debuted in 1998. Meanwhile, the PSC’s PACCAR IMAX, which was renovated in 2011, will stay open.

To help fund the changes, the PSC is asking for donations. If you give $1,000 or more, you’ll get your name printed on a chair plaque.

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