If you’ve lived around the Fox Valley for a while, you probably remember the old Randall 15. It was a staple. Solid, reliable, but eventually, it started showing its age. People used to flock there specifically for the IMAX theater in Batavia IL, which was the big draw for years.
But things changed.
Honestly, the "IMAX" brand isn't even the main character in Batavia anymore. In 2020, Emagine Entertainment bought the place and decided to go big. Like, really big. They didn't just slap some new paint on the walls; they demolished four entire auditoriums to build something called the Super EMX.
The Screen That Ate the IMAX
Most people searching for an "IMAX" experience are actually looking for the biggest, loudest thing possible. That’s why the Super EMX matters. It is currently the largest movie screen in Illinois.
We’re talking 96 feet wide.
To put that in perspective, a standard basketball court is 94 feet long. If you stood an NBA court up on its side, this screen would still be wider than the court is long. It’s about 53 feet tall, which is roughly five stories.
Comparatively, the "traditional" IMAX screens you find in most suburban multiplexes—often nicknamed "Lie-MAX" by hardcore cinephiles—usually top out around 70 feet wide. Batavia’s new setup blows that out of the water.
Why the tech shift happened
The old Randall 15 IMAX was a classic, but it used older projection tech. When Emagine took over, they pivoted to 4K Laser projection.
Why does laser matter? Because it doesn’t fade. Traditional xenon bulbs lose their brightness over time, making movies look muddy or dim. Laser stays crisp. If you’re watching a movie with a lot of dark scenes—think The Batman or any space epic—you actually see the details in the shadows instead of just a gray blob.
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The Sound System is Kind of Overkill (In a Good Way)
The Super EMX auditorium uses a 70-channel Dolby Atmos system. Most home theaters have maybe five or seven speakers. Even a decent standard cinema has maybe twenty.
70 is a lot.
They used speakers from a company called MAG Cinema, including some of the most powerful surround units they make. Because the room is so massive (it seats over 400 people), you need that many channels to make sure the sound "moves" correctly. When a plane flies off-screen to the left, you don't just hear it in the left speaker; you hear it travel across the ceiling and down the wall behind you.
It’s Not Just About the Movie
The vibe at 550 N. Randall Rd has shifted from "generic theater" to "entertainment hub." It's sorta weird to walk into a movie theater and see people bowling, but that's the reality now.
The High Roller Room
They built a semi-private area called the High Roller Room. It’s got:
- Four lanes of duckpin bowling (the smaller balls, no rental shoes needed).
- A full bar with actual cocktails, not just watered-down rail drinks.
- Pool tables and shuffleboard.
It’s a smart move. In the 2020s, you can’t just sell movie tickets. You have to sell a "night out." You've probably noticed that theaters everywhere are adding bars, but Batavia went further by adding the arcade and bowling elements.
What it's like inside the theater
One thing you’ll notice immediately is the seating. The seat count actually dropped when they renovated. They went from over 2,200 seats down to about 1,000 across the whole complex.
Why? Because the seats are huge now.
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Every single auditorium—not just the big one—has power-reclining, heated leather seats. If you’re someone who is always cold in a theater, the heated seat thing is a game changer.
The Cuddle Chairs
They also have these "cuddle chairs" in the front rows. They’re basically oversized sofas built for two people (or three if you’ve got a small kid with you). It’s a bit more private than a standard seat, though being in the front row of a 96-foot screen means you’re going to be doing some neck gymnastics.
The "Fake IMAX" Controversy
There is a segment of the internet that gets very upset about what constitutes a "real" IMAX. Specifically, they talk about 70mm film projection.
If you want 70mm film, you usually have to drive to the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis or maybe a specific museum in Grand Rapids. The Batavia location is 100% digital.
Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily.
Digital 4K Laser is incredibly sharp. While it doesn't have that "filmic" grain of 70mm, it also doesn't have the scratches or jitter that come with physical film. For 99% of people, the Super EMX at Emagine Batavia is going to look better than any other screen they’ve ever seen.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you’re heading out to the theater, here is the lowdown on how to actually enjoy it without overspending or getting a headache.
1. Pick your seats wisely
In the Super EMX room, do not sit in the first five rows. Seriously. The screen is so wide that you won’t be able to see the edges without turning your head. Aim for the middle-back. The sound is tuned for the "sweet spot" about two-thirds of the way up.
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2. The Rewards Program
If you go more than twice a year, join the Emagine Rewards program. They do "Discount Tuesdays" where tickets are significantly cheaper, and you get points for all that overpriced popcorn.
3. Parking and Traffic
Randall Road is a nightmare on Friday nights. If your movie starts at 7:00 PM, aim to be in the parking lot by 6:30 PM. The parking lot is shared with other businesses, and it fills up fast.
4. The Popcorn Secret
They have self-serve popcorn seasoning stations. You can mix and match. Also, they have those Coke Freestyle machines, so you can make your weird cherry-vanilla-lime concoctions.
Is it worth the drive?
If you live in Aurora, Geneva, or St. Charles, it’s a no-brainer. It’s the best theater in the immediate area. If you’re coming from Chicago, it’s a hike. But for a "tentpole" movie—the big Marvel stuff, Dune, or whatever the latest James Cameron epic is—it is actually worth the 45-minute drive.
You aren't just going for the movie; you're going because you want the walls to shake when the bass hits.
The transition from the old Randall 15 to the current Emagine setup reflects where movies are going. They have to be events. When you have a 65-inch OLED TV at home, you need a 96-foot screen to justify leaving your couch. Batavia has that.
To get the most out of your trip, check the showtimes specifically for the "Super EMX" auditorium rather than the standard screens. While the standard rooms are nice and have the same heated recliners, they don't have the massive scale that makes this specific location famous. Booking your tickets online via the Emagine app is the only way to guarantee those center-row seats, especially on opening weekends for blockbusters. Don't forget to arrive at least twenty minutes early if you want to hit the bar or the duckpin bowling lanes before the trailers start.