Regal IMAX King of Prussia: Why the 70mm Hype Still Matters

Regal IMAX King of Prussia: Why the 70mm Hype Still Matters

Honestly, if you live anywhere near the Philly suburbs, the phrase "let’s go to the movies" usually defaults to a trip to Goddard Boulevard. But not all screens at the 16-auditorium complex are created equal. You’ve likely heard the term "Liemax" thrown around by cinema nerds online, but Regal IMAX King of Prussia is one of those rare spots that actually has the hardware to back up the brand.

It’s a weird mix of old-school tech and modern convenience. While most theaters have fully transitioned to digital projection and called it a day, this location remains one of the few in the country—and the only one in Pennsylvania—that can still fire up a 15/70mm film projector for major Christopher Nolan releases.

The Screen That Actually Fits

Most people walk into an IMAX theater and expect a massive wall of glass. At King of Prussia, you actually get it. The screen is a "Grand Theatre" geometry, meaning it’s not just wide; it’s incredibly tall. When they run a movie like The Odyssey or a Dune re-release in 70mm film, the image expands to fill a 1.43:1 aspect ratio.

Basically, you’re seeing about 40% more of the image than the person sitting in the standard theater next door.

It isn't always perfect, though. One thing most people get wrong is assuming every movie shown here is in that massive format. Most weeks, the theater runs on a Single Laser projection system. It’s crisp. It’s bright. But it caps out at a 1.90:1 aspect ratio. You’re still getting a premium experience, but the "full height" magic is reserved for those rare 70mm events where the studio actually ships out a physical reel of film.

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What’s the Deal With the Seats?

Let’s be real for a second. The seating situation at Regal UA King of Prussia is a bit of a polarizing topic. If you head into the 4DX auditorium, you’re getting chairs that move, spray water, and blow wind in your face. It’s basically a theme park ride.

The IMAX auditorium? It’s a different story.

While many of the standard auditoriums in the building have been upgraded to those plush, power-reclining luxury seats, the IMAX room still uses the more traditional rocker-style stadium seating. Some people hate this. They want to lay flat while watching a three-hour epic. But there’s a technical reason for it. To maintain the steep viewing angle required for an IMAX screen, you can't really have everyone sprawling out in massive recliners without ruining the sightlines for the person behind you.

Surviving the KOP Mall Traffic

If you’re planning a trip for a big opening night, the biggest hurdle isn't the ticket price—it's the parking lot. Being right next to the King of Prussia Mall means the weekends are absolute chaos.

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  1. Arrive early. Not "trailers are starting" early. Like, 30 minutes before showtime.
  2. Use the app. Regal’s app lets you skip the box office line, which is great because that line can get backed up with people trying to figure out how to buy popcorn.
  3. Check the format. If the listing doesn't explicitly say "70mm" or "Film," you’re watching a digital laser projection. It’s still great, but don't expect the flicker of a real projector.

Why It Still Matters in 2026

In an era where everyone has a 65-inch OLED in their living room, places like the Regal IMAX King of Prussia have to offer something you literally cannot replicate at home. They do that through sheer scale. When the sound system kicks in—we're talking 12,000 watts of uncompressed digital audio—you don't just hear the explosions. You feel them in your chest.

There have been technical hiccups in the past. During the Tenet and Dune: Part Two runs, there were reports of the 70mm projector having some first-week jitters. It’s a complex piece of machinery that requires a specialized projectionist to operate. It’s finicky. It’s loud. But when it works, there is nothing else like it in the state.

How to Get the Best Experience

If you're going to spend the extra $10 to $15 on an IMAX ticket, don't sit in the front three rows. You’ll spend the whole movie looking like you're trying to watch a tennis match from the court. Aim for the "sweet spot" in the middle-to-back third of the house. This is where the audio is calibrated to converge, and your field of vision will perfectly encompass the screen without you having to crane your neck.

Keep an eye out for the 2026 70mm schedule, especially for high-profile releases like Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. These tickets usually sell out weeks in advance for the prime weekend slots.

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If you're making a day of it, hit the mall for food first, but give yourself a solid 15-minute buffer just to walk from the parking garage to the theater entrance. The scale of everything in King of Prussia is designed to be slightly overwhelming, and the IMAX theater is the crown jewel of that "bigger is better" philosophy.


Next Steps for Your Visit

Check the current "Showtimes" on the Regal website or app and look specifically for the IMAX with Laser or 70mm IMAX labels. If you’re a frequent viewer, signing up for Regal Unlimited can actually pay for itself in just two visits per month, even with the small "premium format" surcharge you have to pay for IMAX screenings. Avoid the concession rush by ordering your popcorn through the mobile app before you even step inside.