I was thrilled to experience the new Science Museum IMAX with Laser projector and immersive sound system with BBC Earth’s documentary, Antarctica 3D, narrated by Academy Award®-nominated actor, Benedict Cumberbatch, ahead of its UK premiere. It is an absolute MUST-SEE for the whole family during the festive season and beyond. I don’t know you, but I am so ‘hungry’ for anything cinematic at the moment.
Following ten months of closure for a major revamp to mark 20 years of the cinema during the pandemic, the Science Museum’s popular IMAX – The Ronson Theatre – reopens tomorrow Wednesday 9 December 2020 with a big bang. The newly refurbished IMAX screen is a treat for all those who have missed cinematic experiences. I am one of them. The Science Museum has now one of only two screens in Europe that feature the very best of digital and analogue cinema and immersive sound. It brings together IMAX 70mm film and next-generation IMAX with Laser on one screen alongside the museum’s incredible objects. This makes it a unique and truly immersive story-telling experience.
The Science Museum’s IMAX cinema will host newly-released blockbusters, 3D educational films and cinema classics as well as an array of live events, all at the home of science and technology. The design by Ellis Williams Architects, who recently completed a major refurbishment of the Leicester Square Odeon, features modern cinema seating for visitors to enjoy films and events in maximum comfort, while a new concessions area will complete the cinema-going experience with relaxed seating and refreshments bar.
IMAX: The Ronson Theatre at the Science Museum © Science Museum Group.
For 45 minutes during the screening of Antarctica 3D, I felt really immersed in the breath-taking landscape, treacherous climate and wildlife of the icy continent like never before through increased resolution, crystal clear projection, sharper and brighter images, deeper contrasts as well as the widest range of colours available to filmmakers.
The trailer
It is a perfect activity to do for families with kids of all ages. One of those attractions that pleases everybody. At the moment there are two other documentaries showing: A Beautiful Planet 3D, narrated by Jennifer Lawrence, which provides a unique vantage point to witness humanity’s impact on the natural world; and Hubble 3D, narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, which follows a team of astronauts as they perform one of the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history.
Antarctica 3D is a very fitting film to open this new cinema as it explores the impact of climate change on our planet post coronavirus and how saving this part of the planet can save all of us.
Being locked up at home for almost a year has taught us that we cannot live without movies and that when we go to the cinema we want to watch something more extraordinary than home films. Cinema has a tremendous power to spark our imagination and transport us to other worlds, a means of escape that is much needed by us all today. IMAX adds value to a movie night.
IMPORTANT COVID SAFETY NOTE!
The safety of visitors and staff is the museum’s top priority and a number of measures are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Visitors will be asked to book their cinema tickets in advance online, and must also pre-book free, timed tickets for museum entry. Cinema capacity will be limited with socially distanced seating arrangements, hand sanitiser stations will be located at key points, and there will be enhanced cleaning of the cinema between screenings. More information about the Science Museum’s health and safety measures can be found on the FAQs page.
Tickets are available to book now on the Science Museum’s website. Booking now open for Antarctica 3D, A Beautiful Planet 3D and Hubble 3D from 9-16 December 2020. Future programme to be announced in due course.
