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Chattanooga,
Tenn. (May 8, 2008) – Huge images of a humpback
whale filled the IMAX 3D screen as a theater filled
with elementary students collectively said, “Ooooh!” Giggles
and squeals of excitement burst forth from the group
as a pod of friendly dolphins appeared to swim into
their laps. Many children reached out to touch the
dolphin’s face that seemed to be smiling back
at them. Within seconds, “Dolphins and Whales
3D” had already become an unforgettable experience
for this young audience at the Tennessee Aquarium
IMAX 3D Theater. |
Young or old, people are emotionally
drawn to these magnificent animals even though most people
will never have the opportunity to see them in the wild. “Less than 1% of human beings
have had the incredible opportunity to visit the underwater
world,” said Daryl Hannah, the actress and environmentalist
who narrates the film. “With this beautiful family
adventure projected onto IMAX 3D screens, viewers will
don their 3D glasses much in the same way we put on our
diving masks and can virtually touch some of the most incredible
marine animals in existence.”
“Dolphins and Whales 3D” marks the first time
that humpback whales, belugas, orcas, bottlenose dolphins
and manatees have been filmed in 3D for the world’s
biggest screens at IMAX theaters. The filmmakers spent
over 600 hours underwater shooting footage in some of the
world’s most remote locations. In all, eleven different
cetacean species are featured in the film as well as the
West Indian manatee.
Unlike previous IMAX films, “Dolphins and Whales
3D” was shot entirely in the wild and consists solely
of underwater footage, with no humans on screen. Filmmakers
Jean-Jacques Mantello and Francois Mantello, the film’s
director and producer respectively, say that was the only
way to tell a captivating and important story. “’Dolphins
and Whales 3D’ will immerse viewers in the daily
lives of small and giant cetaceans as they interact socially,
play, communicate, feed, breed, migrate and fight for their
survival,” said the Mantellos. “It also delivers
a powerful message in favor of the protection of these
tribes while they are facing the greatest challenge of
all: to survive the destruction of their habitat and depletion
of food resources.”
The filmmakers have enlisted Jean-Michel
Cousteau, son of the legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau
to serve as ambassador and special adviser to the film.
Cousteau believes that “Dolphins and Whales 3D” will
be entertaining while moving audiences to consider ways
they can help ensure the preservation of the world’s
oceans and its inhabitants.
"Our goal with ‘Dolphins and Whales
3D’ is
to have you fall in love with the tribes of the ocean.
We will take you on a journey into the world of dolphins
and whales with the help of the twelve marine mammal species
featured in our film. You will learn all about their lifestyle
and physical characteristics, and their vulnerability to
an ever-changing environment,” said Cousteau. “As
the only species that can protect all living things, we
have a moral obligation to better understand our counterparts
in the sea because deep down inside we know that if we
cannot protect them, we cannot protect ourselves.”
“Dolphins and Whales 3D” opens at the Tennessee
Aquarium’s IMAX Theater Friday, May 23rd.
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The Tennessee Aquarium inspires wonder and
appreciation for the natural world. Admission is $19.95 per
adult and $12.95 per child, ages 3-12. Each ticket purchased
helps support Aquarium conservation programs. The IMAX® 3D
Theater is next door to the Aquarium. Ticket prices are
$8.50 per adult and $6.00 per child. Aquarium/IMAX combo
tickets are $25.95 for adults and $17.95 for children.
Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.tnaqua.org
or by phone at 1-800-262-0695. The Aquarium, located on
the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, is a non-profit
organization. Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas,
the Aquarium and IMAX are accessible to people with disabilities.
Members enjoy unlimited visits and other benefits. Call
267-FISH to join. |
