Esquire IMAX 3D: Avatar, It’s Like You’re
Really There
By John Benton
Staff Writer
A six stories tall,
eighty- foot wide screen, wrap-around sound with 12,000 watts of
power, stadium seating for four hundred--the cinematic experience
will blow you away. Add in the amazing 3D imaging and watching a
movie at the Esquire IMAX is an experience that just might be too
much for the squeamish.
Photo: Jake Sully and Neytiri
I
recently visited the Esquire IMAX to see James Cameron’s newest
film, Avatar. The line for tickets went across K Street and down
toward the Convention Center on this, the twelfth day that Avatar
had been playing at the Esquire IMAX Theater in Sacramento. Once
again, the theater was sold out: 407 patrons were eager for the
opening credits.
The Snack line was equally long, although it moved very quickly.
Management and employees of Sacramento’s almost seventy year-old
theater know how to handle crowds. As we took our seats and donned
our 3D polarized glasses, we could hear the buzz of excitement
coming from the rows of theatergoers. Our seats were in row J, dead
center, which some call the "sweet spot." I try to sit in this
vicinity each time we visit the IMAX, as it helps the experience to
be fully enveloping.
Local celebrity Mark S. Allen, also six stories high, introduced us
to specifics of the theater through a quick opening sequence. The
lights fell and the sound system started to crank up. The crowd’s
voices went silent as Avatar began. Set in the future, Avatar takes
place on a distant planet called Pandora. Marine Jake Sully is
indoctrinated into a group of scientists whose main role is to
understand and work with the local intelligent life.
The Na’vi people, a large, blue,
catlike race, are a civilized and nature-centered group, seen as
"savages" by Earth’s corporate entity that is there simply to mine
for valuable resources. There is also a large military presence on
the planet to assist the corporation in their endeavor. Sully’s
military back-ground and competitive nature lead him to work
closely with the military while getting to know the Na’vi.
Photo: Neytiri
The Avatar program uses hybrid bodies that look like the Na’vi,
which the human scientists "drive" from a remote station, using a
DNA connection. In his Avatar body, Sully learns a lot more about
the Na’vi than he expected to, which interferes with his ability to
complete his mission. The film is a roller-coaster ride through
action and emotions, causing you to think about humanities role in
the universe.
Avatar is a spectacular experience
visually, aurally, and emotionally. The amazing 3D brings to life
some of the most spectacular filmmaking I’ve ever seen. Canadian
born James Cameron is well known for writing stories and
screenplays that bring fantasy to life. His filmography includes
such memorable films as the Terminator series, Aliens, The Abyss,
and, of course, Titanic. He was also the director on these films,
as well as many others. I’ve seen all these movies, and find it
hard to say which one is my favorite. This is the first of his
films I’ve seen in an IMAX theater, and I can’t wait to see it
again.Photo: Fight
Whether you are looking for an over the top entertainment
experience or a place to host an out of the ordinary business
meeting,
Sacramento has the perfect
place. The Esquire IMAX Theater is available for other events as
well. They are available to host groups of 20 or more for corporate
events, product launches, multi-media presentations, satellite down-links
and private
film screenings. They
can help you create an experience for your group unmatched in the
Sacramento area. They also offer a wide range of educational
experiences for schools.
Photo: Na'vi warrior races into battle
The Esquire IMAX Theater, located at 1211 K Street in downtown
Sacramento, is an incredible theater that offers much more than a
typical movie theater. The large format IMAX films, superior sound
system, and state of the art 3D viewing make the 1940’s style movie
theater stand apart from other theaters.
Right now you can experience one of the most amazing films ever
released, James Cameron’s Avatar, in this historic location. Movies
will never be the same! Call (916) 443-4629 for show times or more
information, or visit their website at
www.imax.com. For more details
about the Esquire IMAX Theater and equipment:
www.imax.com/sacramento/theatreinformation/imaxexperience.htm
NOW PLAYING AT IMAX THEATERS: ALICE IN WONDERLAND!
Photos Courtesy of 20th Century Fox
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