Amazon Adventure 3D, Hurricane 3D @ CA Science Center's IMAX Theater

Since Wing is much more of a cinema technophile than I am, she'll be taking the reins on this blog post.

The newly installed IMAX with Laser projection system is a fantastic addition to the California Science Center. It has finally resolved one of the common issues that plague many regular 3D movies - the dullness of images viewed in stereoscopic 3D. With the new laser projection, the 3D images are bright and crisp; the colors are vibrant. On top of that, the 12-channel surround sound system provides a great audio boost to go with the beautiful visuals - the perfect combination to experience the many nature-themed films that the Science Center has to offer.

Amazon Adventure 3D follows the journey of naturalist Henry W. Bates into the Amazon. It was breathtaking, seeing the rainforest brought to life on the gigantic 7-story high screen.

Hurricane 3D, a documentary that tracks the beginning and end of an Atlantic hurricane, showcases both the beauty and destructive power of nature. The 12-channel surround sound especially shined during this film. It was so immersive I felt like I was in the eye of the storm.

Tips:

• To get the best IMAX experience, definitely try to pick seats that are in the upper center rows. As with most 3D projections, the images on the edge of the screen tend to be harder on the eyes when one is seated on the side. The effect is even more pronounced when viewing 3D on an IMAX scale screen.
• If you haven't yet, definitely swing by the space shuttle Endeavour special exhibit. For the low admission price of $2, you get to witness one of the greatest human achievements on display.

** Photos provided by Boutique Publicity

EMP Museum @ Seattle, WA

Andy is not impressed by the architecture

EMP (formerly known as Experience Music Project) Museum, designed by Frank Gehry (it's supposed to resemble the vibrancy of music, but to me it looks like the Disney Concert Hall threw up on it), is what the Grammy Museum would like to grow up to be.  It features an amazing stage for concerts and impressive, interactive displays on music and pop culture.

If I lived in Seattle, I would definitely become a member of this museum.  Hell, I'd probably even volunteer there.  Hm, looking for job openings...

Favorite Exhibits:

• Can't Look Away:  The Lure of Horror Film
  
• Scream Booth



HC, Fiona, Sin, Andy's tongue

• Philip Worthington's interactive shadow monster installation.  Monster parts grew and changed with our movements.  

  

  Me on the right

• Old movie posters
• Movie and TV props  



Rubert Giles' spell book in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Photo via EMP

• Commentaries on Michael Jackson's Thriller and Evil Dead 2 (one of my fave scary movies).  Learned that Evil Dead 2 was one of the most successful horror sequels, which I found amusing because it's pretty much a remake of the first Evil Dead (commentary even admitted this right when I was thinking it!) 
• Icons of Science Fiction
• Putting on costumes to pose in the compositing special effects installation
• So, this is how much of a nerd I am.  The Dalek (major recurring enemies in Doctor Who) was the first thing I rushed over to see.  I got super excited about it, and naturally no one knew what I was talking about. Looked much less threatening in person.
  

  

  Dalek from 1988 ep of Remembrance of the Daleks. Photo via EMP

• Command Chair from Star Trek:  The Original Series
• Neo's coat from The Matrix.  Didn't realize how tall Keanu Reeves is.  He's like a foot taller than I am!
• Rifle from Men in Black
• Superman suit.  So much spandex...
• Concept sketches of Darth Vader's helmet
  
• Displays of science fiction books that actually got me curious to read them.  Putting The Forever War on my To Read List. 
• Nirvana:  Taking Punk to the Masses



Kurt Cobain during soundcheck 1992

• An abundance of information on Nirvana and the Washington music scene.  
• Personal photos, handwritten lyrics and letters, demo tapes, album covers gave insight into Nirvana.  There were remnants of a guitar smashed by Kurt Cobain that were reunited for the first time in years that gave me chills.  
• Had no idea Death Cab for Cutie was from Bellingham, WA.  We were there the day before! 
• The listening stations allowed me to check out bands I had always heard about.  And even though I'm behind the times, I think I could get into The Posies and The Young Fresh Fellows.
• Guitar Gallery:  The Quest for Volume
• Is a must for anyone who plays or loves guitars 
  
• Jimi Hendrix:  An Evolution of Sound
• Had no idea he used to play with Little Richard
• The Rolling Stones
• Because of my age, I've only ever known them as old, wrinkly rockers.  It's hard to remember they were actually young and attractive once.  

  

  Keith Richards before he was an old pirate

• Sound Lab
• Where I listened to Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) over and over again and learned how to mix