If it weren’t for a series of cataclysmic events; a comet impact being first on the list, our planet could still be the domain of dinosaurs.
Dinosaurs fascinate us so much, that many people wish they were among us. Fortunately, Dinosaurs 3D will be the closest thing to actually being in the presence of these extraordinary creatures. Deeply rooted in science, the film carries the audience back in time to witness these amazing beasts come to life.
Meet the largest living animals to have ever walked the Earth: the titanesque plant-eating Argentinosaur, and its nemesis, the Giganotosaur, a bipedal carnivore, that could easily challenge the famous T-Rex!
Dinosaurs Alive is a global adventure of science and discovery – featuring the earliest dinosaurs of the Triassic Period to the monsters of the Cretaceous “reincarnated” life-sized for the giant IMAX ® screen. Audiences will journey with some of the world’s preeminent paleontologists as they uncover evidence that the descendants of dinosaurs still walk (or fly) among us. From the exotic, trackless expanses and sand dunes of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert to the dramatic sandstone buttes of New Mexico, the film will follow American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) paleontologists as they explore some of the greatest dinosaur finds in history. Through the magic of scientifically accurate computer-generated animation, these newly discovered creatures, and some familiar favorites, will come alive … in a big way!
Beginning in the 1920s, AMNH scientist and adventurer Roy Chapman Andrews, who is believed to be the inspiration for the Indiana Jones character, led five expeditions to the Gobi Desert. Andrews and his team found hundreds of dinosaur remains, many new to science, including the first Velociraptor, the first dinosaur nests with eggs, and fossils of early mammals that lived alongside dinosaurs in the Late Cretaceous Period. Andrews also happened to take along a Hollywood cameraman with him to film the expedition’s discovery. This rare and beautifully preserved footage, juxtaposed against the large-format footage of today’s expeditions, provides audiences with a unique perspective into field paleontology over time.
Following in the footsteps of Andrews, AMNH paleontologists, Mike Novacek and Mark Norell, have been making annual expeditions to the Gobi every summer since 1990. Some of the greatest dinosaur fossils ever found have come from the Gobi. Collapsing sand dunes quickly and completely covered whole communities of animals, preserving them until the skeletons are exposed today by erosion. One of the most dramatic sequences in the film features a Velociraptor and a Protoceratops locked in mortal combat as a sand dune sweeps over them and kills them. The famous fossil of these fighting dinosaurs shows that they died in a deadly embrace, claws and jaws still grasping at each other. Great dinosaur moments like these, actual fossilized stories, are brought back to life through state-of-the-art CGI.
Dinosaurs Alive will also introduce audiences to the breakthrough discoveries taking place under the towering red sandstone buttes and rock chimneys in northern New Mexico. Since the 1940s, AMNH scientists have uncovered excellent specimens at the mysterious Ghost Ranch, where erosion has cut down through the many levels of sediment to expose fossils of the earliest dinosaurs from the Triassic Period, some 230 million years ago. At that time reptiles still ruled the earth and dinosaurs were actually modest in size—no larger than a cat, dog, or human. Dinosaurs exploded in diversity and size during the later Jurassic Period. Scientists have recently discovered a “monster” buried near Ghost Ranch. It was a long-necked sauropod called Seismosaurus—meaning ‘thunder lizard’—that was a massive 121 feet long. In the film, audiences will witness this behemoth thundering about on screen, in stark contrast to the more diminutive Triassic dinosaurs.
Finally, in an exciting development captured by our cameras, Novacek and Norell, travel to the site and inspect an extraordinary discovery made by AMNH graduate students — one of the oldest dinosaurs ever found in North America. The film will show how the fossil was discovered, protected in a plaster jacket, carefully removed from the rock, and studied at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Dinosaurs Alive shows how new scientific insights are sometimes built from previous discoveries, and each new generation of paleontologists continues the legacy of people like Roy Chapman Andrews.
Dinosaur Passage to Pangaea is a stop-motion, 3D animated adventure explaining one of the greatest geological events in the history of the Earth: the separation of the supercontinent Pangaea. When two children embark on a geology field trip back in time, they are thrown into a fantastic voyage where they witness incredible geological wonders and learn the mysterious process that created our present-day continents. From racing across the landscape atop Dinosaurs to plummeting to the center of the Earth, Dinosaur Passage to Pangaea is the perfect educational glimpse at the tectonic forces that forged our world. It is the ultimate field trip!
June 6, 1944: The largest Allied operation of World War II began in Normandy, France. Yet, few know in detail exactly why and how, from the end of 1943 through August 1944, this region became the most important location in the world. Blending multiple cinematographic techniques, including animation, CGI and stunning live-action images, D-Day: Normandy 1944 brings this monumental event to the world’s largest screens for the first time ever. Audiences of all ages, including new generations, will discover from a new perspective how this landing changed the world. Exploring history, military strategy, science, technology and human values, the film will educate and appeal to all. Narrated by Tom Brokaw, D-Day: Normandy 1944 pays tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom … A duty of memory, a duty of gratitude.
The ability to fly is one of the greatest wonders in the natural world. Millions of creatures soar above our heads today, using a fabulous variety of techniques to defy gravity and master their aerial environment. But how did animals make the incredible transition from land to air?
Conquest of the Skies uses the very latest science and stunning special effects to uncover the 300-million-year story of flight—and it’s not simply about birds. Using advanced 3D filming technology we capture the beauty and excitement of the whole world of flying creatures, from the fastest predatory falcons to the most acrobatic of insects, night flyers like owls and bats, and the soaring and gliding specialists capable of traveling huge distances. Audiences will enter the truly amazing world of these remarkable animal aviators, and leave the theater both stunned by the spectacle and thrilled by the story of how animals rose up and conquered the skies.
Most will never experience the exhilaration of seeing a half-ton-grizzly bear in the wild — but now people of all ages are daring to get closer than ever before to some of the largest predators on the planet.
From the safety of giant-screen theaters worldwide, of course.
From black bears in Montana to polar bears in the arctic, the National Wildlife Federation’s fourth giant-screen film, Bears, features a fresh view of these powerful, majestic and often misunderstood animals in the full glory of their natural habitat, and highlights the universal threats to bear populations.
Cool Cities is an immersive global journey that explores how science and technology together with a cultural renaissance are opening the door to a sustainable future in many of the world’s most iconic mega-cities. The film will offer a practical vision for more livable cities that all people of all continents can connect with and be part of. We will showcase the human stories and real solutions that provide hope for a planet that cannot only survive, but thrive for countless generations to come.
Arabia reveals a unique culture, a history full of adventure, an environment of extreme challenges, a people of strong faith, and a chance for a film to bridge cultures and reduce misunderstanding between peoples.
An epic combination of historical recreations and contemporary scenes of everyday life, Arabia 3D follows the story of charismatic 22-year-old Arabian filmmaking student Hamzah Jamjoom as he returns home from Chicago’s De Paul University to make a film about his native culture. As Hamzah discovers the roots of his people’s ancient traditions, audiences will learn how Arabian society developed through history into what it is today and discover a visually striking world of fascinating heritage.
Travel to the exotic and fascinating land of Arabia. Explore the ancient tombs of a lost city; dive through the reefs of the Red Sea; and experience the Hajj — the largest gathering of people on Earth. Discover an extraordinary culture and experience modern day Arabia in the midst of monumental change.
Traveling to Antarctica from the tip of South America by sailboat and then along the Peninsula by sea kayak, foot, small plane, and dive gear, we will take a look at this one-of-a-kind place and bring back a unique perspective on our planet’s most remote land and sea and ice, and the incredible wildlife that call it home.
This family friendly film was shot on location in Antarctica, the southernmost region on the planet. The story follows a colony of Emperor Penguins as they emerge from the sea and begin their long march sixty miles inland during the cold winter. Presented in stunning 3D, this true-life tale will warm the hearts of audiences as they witness the hardships and sacrifices of these curious creatures in their fascinating triumph over the elements.
We are at the beginning of a period of unprecedented technological advancement, catalyzing a new age of scientific discovery. Travel with us on this immersive giant screen film, as we explore the most exciting machines ever conceived by man, including the Large Hadron Collider and James Webb Space Telescope. See how these new experiments allow us to look deeper into our origins, and unveil the mysteries of dark energy, dark matter and extra dimensions.
Super powers exist. Right here on Earth. They are beneath our feet. They include beetles that shoot chemical fire and lift enormous weights; scorpions that glow in the dark with astonishing crushing powers; spiders that can make themselves virtually invisible and hypnotise their prey; even a bug that can transform itself into another creature entirely.
Shrink down in size and view life from the perceptive of the real rulers of our planet – the bugs.
Witness some of nature’s most incredible spectacles as millions of creatures embark on Amazing Journeys of survival. Film director George Casey introduces audiences to six of nature’s truly unique phenomena. From the distant reaches of a hidden Mexican village to the sunny, warm surf off the Baja coast, fly on the delicate wings of a butterfly and dive into the depths of the oceans with a colossal whale to experience awe-inspiring life and death migrations. Along with the immense distances they travel, these species face many obstacles—obstacles that may change their migratory patterns forever. Go along on a most unbelievable road trip as nature struggles to the very ends of the earth.
Alaska: Spirit of the Wild is the ultimate story of survival, where life triumphs season after season against fierce conditions and challenges.
“It is a place little contaminated by the present, where we can rediscover a vitality and beauty vanishing from our lives. Whether or not we will ever reach Alaska, we all want to know such a place still exists.” This is narrator Charlton Heston’s poignant summation of the film Alaska: Spirit of the Wild.
Transporting viewers on a voyage into the last great frontier where nature enchants the eye with magnificent spectacles, this film takes audiences fishing with brown bears, soaring with bald eagles, dodging calving glaciers, and racing on the hooves of caribou — all from the comfort of their theater seats. Director George Casey masterfully relates the genesis of Alaska and then explores its rich history, surprising wildlife, magnificent landscapes, harsh climate, and abiding spirit.
Fly into Nevada’s “Valley of Speed” for a breathtaking exploration of the fastest race in the world combined with spectacular air show entertainment: the legendary Reno National Championship Air Races. Join today’s elite pilots as they fight for position, wingtip-to-wingtip, and skim 50 feet (15 m) above the ground around an oval course at twice the speed of a Nascar race. Discover this ultra-competitive world through the eyes of rookie pilot Steve Hinton as he attempts to fly his P-51 Mustang fighter plane to victory in the most highly-anticipated and unpredictable race class. Learn about the history and science behind the sport, whose concept dates back to the dawn of aviation, and see top-notch aerobatic performers, including the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. With spectacular aerial photography filmed entirely in 3D and unprecedented access granted to the course, Air Racers 3D, narrated by Paul Walker of “The Fast and the Furious” series, puts you in the cockpit to experience the intensity and high-speed thrills of a sports event like no other for the very first time in IMAX 3D theatres.
Africa: The Serengeti introduces the audience to a spectacle that few humans have ever witnessed, the Great Migration, taking viewers on a journey with over 1.5 million animals as they travel more than 500 miles across the Serengeti plains in Tanzania and Kenya. This film is a tribute to the wildebeest as they set out on their yearlong odyssey; it is also a documentary featuring a fascinating array of animals including zebras, giraffes, elephants, monkeys, baboons, and even hyenas, jackals, and vultures, with an abundance of animal trivia.