ILM Screening Room

The LucasFilm Première Theater is not open to the public and is used as an industry screening room. However, they do, on rare occasion, host special events. I have attended two of these, co-​sponsored with the San Francisco Film Society (related to education). As soon as I entered the theater I was struck by how the sense of normal ambient sound was different. There is no echo. The theater is attractive with wood paneling and comfortable seats. There is an underground parking lot with an elevator that leads to the lobby. The lobby features two life-​size Star Wars figures, Boba Fett and Darth Vader. There are also other smaller items on display. They must have the place lead-​lined, because there is no cell signal. And that is actually a nice feature to have in a movie theater. Also, no food or drink allowed, and that’s okay, too.

This is one of the premier screens to catch a flick in the Bay Area. Housed in the LucasFilm center in the presidio, you get to move past Star Wars memorabilia and a collection of kick ass vintage movie posters in the theatre lobby.
Inside, everything is top of the line from the seats to the surround sound and screen. It’s grand and warm at the same time. Definitely looking forward to seeing more films here.

Seats are comfortable and the view is clear from every seat even if some tall guy chooses to sit in front of you (which always happens to be me, grrr!), so I love this. Acoustics are top notch! Restrooms are near, plentiful and clean. There is no cell reception though — was this planned so movies could be enjoyed without interruption? There are no snacks, popcorn or soda — I can understand this as they don’t want to deal with the mess, but I always feel a iittle parched when I come here (I should just bring my own water). Otherwise, watching a movie here is a real treat!
Getting here without a car is a little bit of a challenge. We usually take a taxi out here but then find a bus line back. The 43 connects with the 1 or catch the 30 on Chestnut or the 45 on Union.

I had the great fortune to be invited to a special screening of Avatar hosted by George Lucas including a Q + A with James Cameron. It is a showpiece for ILM and is the nicest screening room I have seen. I am not in the biz so my experience is limited. Great sound and comfortable seating. I highly recommend it! Fun to see the various awards employs have won. A little taste of Hollywood in the bay area, no unwashed masses and free!

A very nice, clean, posh theater with outstanding sound. The lobby is filled with memorabilia. There is a huge garage for parking within the compound.
It’s a little bit tough to find so leave yourself an extra ten minutes to navigate the Presidio.

My boyfriend works for ILM, so we get to see movies weekly at the ILM screening room… and I have one thing to say:
NA NA NA NA NAAAAAA!
This place is amazing. The sound? HOLY SHIT! Not having to sit through a bazillion commercials before they get to the movie? HOLY SHIT x 2! Getting to see movies a week or two before they are released to the public, for *free*? WTFBBQ!
Talk about an awesome perk.

Hands-​down, absolutely the best screen, sound, and architecture of any theater in the Bay Area. Question is, can you pass the background check to get in the house of George?

If you need to rent a theatre for a screening this is hands-​down the best I have encountered in SF. The sound and screen are great, and the seats are beautiful, well-​made, and comfy… HEAPS of leg room.
The Yoda Fountain and lobby for the screening room (complete with Star Wars odds-​and-​ends) adds to the charm.