Quote: "Build it and they will come," or so hoped the government of Cathedral City. The centerpiece of the city's redevelopment plan was a huge IMax complex.

The complex is new and fresh and very well laid out. The stadium seating makes sure everyone has a great seat. The seats are as comfortable as that favorite chair in your den at home.

The complex's centerpiece is the theater but it also had cafes and shops when it first opened. Not all projects make it. The city has vowed to keep pumping money into the theater, but the cafe and shops have already closed. I worry that the theater may be next to close down.

The movies they show in Imax quality cannot compare to other smaller theaters. You feel the action, you are there! We have seen the Lion King and it was all-engrossing. The sound was beyond compare. I have also seen a documentary on looking for the Titanic and one on Alaska here. In both features it gives you a real sense of being here. Some movies are shown in 3D and those features are really fun! The ticket prices are $7.50 for adults and $6.50 for kids, not much more than smaller screen theaters.

IMax offers all the regular theater snack bar items like popcorn and candy. The cafe is closed, but the people working here promising the city is looking for a new buyer to reopen a cafe.

When we went to the Alaska show there were only six people in this large theater. However when we went to The Lion King the theater was packed.

Cathedral City has made a commitment to keep the IMax open. It would be a shame to close. Palm Springs needs more activities for the evening and this is a great alternative for a family outing or a fun date.

It's easy to find right on Hwy 111. It's a large complex and it can't be missed. Check out the latest offerings at Desert Imax. They built it, let's hope they will be coming soon!

From journals Palm Springs