If you’ve lived in the South Metro area of the Twin Cities for a while, you know the building. It’s that massive, somewhat imposing structure in Burnsville that looks less like a modern multiplex and more like a postmodern Greek temple. Honestly, the first time I walked into CMX Odyssey IMAX, I felt like I was entering a themed Vegas casino rather than a place to watch a two-hour superhero flick. There are statues. There are towering pillars. It’s got a vibe that is, frankly, hard to find in the era of sterile, cookie-cutter AMC boxes.
But there is a lot of confusion surrounding this specific location lately. Some people call it the "old Odyssey," others know it as a CMX flagship, and a few unlucky folks have shown up only to realize that the theater's status has been a bit of a rollercoaster over the last few years.
The Identity Crisis of CMX Odyssey IMAX
Let’s get the elephant out of the room first. If you’re searching for CMX Odyssey IMAX, you’re looking at a theater that has survived corporate hand-offs and a global pandemic, but it’s had some recent "permanently closed" tags popping up on various listing sites. Back in its heyday as a Cobb Theatre, and then under the CMX banner, it was the destination for the big-screen experience in Burnsville.
The theater at 14401 Burnhaven Dr has always tried to be more than just a cinema. While most theaters give you a lobby that smells like stale butter and floor cleaner, the Odyssey gives you a sprawling interior that feels genuinely cavernous. It’s designed around 14 screens, but the crown jewel—the reason anyone drives past three other theaters to get here—is the IMAX auditorium.
Why the IMAX Screen Here Hits Different
You’ve probably heard the term "LieMAX." It’s a snarky bit of jargon used by film nerds to describe screens that are technically branded as IMAX but aren't much bigger than a standard auditorium.
The CMX Odyssey IMAX generally dodges that insult. While it isn't the size of the legendary 70mm film screens you’d find in a science museum, it’s a legitimate beast. The auditorium seats roughly 300 people, which is actually a pretty sweet spot for acoustics. You aren't lost in a 500-seat void where the sound gets muddy, but it's large enough that the 12-channel digital sound system can actually breathe.
I remember seeing an action flick there a couple of years back. The "heart-pounding sound" isn't just marketing fluff. When those subwoofers kick in during a bass-heavy sequence, you can actually feel the leather recliners vibrate. It’s sort of intense. Kinda loud too—actually, some regulars swear by bringing earplugs because the Odyssey doesn't believe in "moderate" volume.
The Real Talk on Comfort and Snacks
Let's talk about the seats. In the world of premium cinema, the recliner is king. CMX poured a lot of money into upgrading this location with leather (or faux-leather, let’s be real) recliners. When they work, they’re fantastic. You’ve got the legroom to fully stretch out without kicking the head of the person in front of you.
However, there’s been a bit of a localized debate about maintenance. You’ll see reviews from 2024 and 2025 where people mention that some of the recliners have seen better days. It’s that classic "luxury theater" trap: the seats are amazing when they’re new, but after a thousand people have spilled Cherry Coke on the electronics, things can get finicky.
As for the food? It’s standard CMX fare. You’ve got:
- The "one free refill" on large popcorns (a lifesaver for three-hour epics).
- Beer and wine options for the adults.
- A full bar on the second floor that was part of a major remodeling push.
- The usual suspects: nachos, pretzels, and overpriced (but delicious) candy.
What’s the Current Status?
This is where it gets tricky. If you look at Google Maps or some theater aggregators today, you might see a "Closed" label. The cinema industry has been a mess, and the Burnsville location has faced some operational hurdles. CMX, as a parent company, has been shifting its focus toward "CinéBistro" models (where you get a full steak dinner at your seat) and "Luxury" models.
The Odyssey has always sat in a weird middle ground. It has the "Luxury" seating but kept the "Traditional" concessions vibe. For a while, there was a big push to turn the second floor into a high-end lounge.
If you are planning a trip, check the official CMX Cinemas website directly rather than relying on third-party apps. Schedules for the Burnhaven Drive location have been known to vanish and reappear based on staffing and corporate restructuring.
The Competition: Why Bother With Burnsville?
If you’re in the Twin Cities, you have options. You’ve got the AMC Southdale 16 in Edina or the massive B&B Theatres at Mall of America. So why go to the Odyssey?
Honestly, it’s the lack of friction. The Mall of America is a nightmare for parking and crowds. Southdale is fine, but it feels like a mall. The Odyssey stands alone. You park in a massive lot, walk twenty feet, and you're inside. Plus, the architectural weirdness of the place makes it feel like an "event."
Actionable Advice for Your Next Visit
If the lights are on and the projector is humming, here is how you handle a night at CMX Odyssey IMAX:
- Skip the front three rows: The IMAX screen is curved and high-gain. If you sit too close, you’ll be crane-necking for the whole movie and the peripheral distortion will give you a headache. Aim for the "sweet spot" about two-thirds of the way back.
- Test your seat immediately: As soon as you sit down, run the recliner through its full range of motion. If the motor sounds like a dying blender or doesn't move, go back to the lobby and swap your reserved seat before the trailers end.
- Bring a jacket: For some reason, this theater is kept at a temperature that could preserve a woolly mammoth. Even in the height of a Minnesota summer, you’ll want a layer.
- The Popcorn Hack: If you’re going for the large, get it early. They are usually pretty good about the "one free refill" rule, but the line gets long during the mid-movie rush when everyone else has the same idea.
The CMX Odyssey IMAX remains one of those "if you know, you know" spots. It has its flaws—the occasional worn seat or the slightly dated decor—but when the lights dim and that IMAX countdown starts, those things tend to fade away. It’s a massive, loud, weird, and wonderful piece of Minnesota’s movie-going history. Check the local listings for 14401 Burnhaven Drive before you head out, and if they're showing something shot in native IMAX, just go. Your ears might ring, but your eyes will thank you.