Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood

A blockbuster that demands the biggest picture possible hits theaters and—if you’re a videophile like us—you fall down a rabbit hole of researching cineplex screen sizes and which auditoriums are equipped with real IMAX screens. We’ve done the research for you: If something comes out that was shot in an IMAX-friendly format, see it at the seven-story theater (auditorium 19) inside the AMC at CityWalk, but only if you can secure a spot in the back third of the auditorium, preferably toward the center. That’s a tall task sometimes; the ticket-buying process (especially for IMAX 70mm films) has become ruthless in recent years, so settling for a spot in the front half of the steep auditorium means craning your neck up in relatively narrow and upright seats that aren’t nearly as comfortable as other premium theaters.

The rest of the theater is your standard multiplex, albeit one in a hilltop theme park shopping mall. If you reserve tickets directly through AMC you’ll get a barcode for $5 parking at the otherwise quite pricey garage; alternatively, you can refund the difference at the box office, but there’s sometimes a line right before showtime. Opt for a matinee for a slightly cheaper ticket, and yes, even IMAX screenings are eligible for AMC Stubs discounts.