[11/21/02)

In case you hadn't heard, Star Wars Episode II, Attack of the Clones has been released in the mega large, whiz bang, really BIG IMAX format and is showing in Raleigh at the Exploris Museum.

Well, having missed the original release in the regular theaters, I added seeing it on the big screen to my "gotta do" list.  I've enjoyed IMAX flicks I've seen in the past.  The theater at Broadway at the Beach in South Carolina was my first taste of a drive-in size screen in the comfort of a climate controlled building.  And this past June I was impressed by the shot in outer space, 3-D feature of the International Space Station showing at the Space Center in Florida. (The shuttle launch caught on film is a "pin you to the back of your seat" experience! Don't miss it if you are in the area.)

So it was with great anticipation that I headed into downtown Raleigh to check out the latest in light saber action.  After all...if Star Wars was great on a regular size screen, then seeing it on one 7 stories high would be....GREAT!  Right?


Uhhhhh, not quite.  Now, don't get me wrong.  If you are interested in seeing Star Wars, you really can't go wrong seeing it Biggie Sized.  However, let me pass along some words of wisdom.  Call the Exploris and get your tickets by phone.  It's fast, easy and most importantly, you'll know if you *can* get tickets.  (The first attempt I made, they were sold out an hour before show time.)  Secondly, make plans on getting to the theater EARLY.  Why? 

Because you'll want to be at the front of the line so you can select a seat at the very back.  Take it from someone who was just 3 rows from the front...you *want* to be further away!  (To get the same effect, try watching a movie on your TV at home with your nose 1 inch from the screen.)


The difference between a film that was shot to specifically show off IMAX and a standard film that was shot in IMAX format was quite noticeable.  Those short films (like "Antarctic Adventure") are specifically photographed in a way that takes advantage of the IMAX huge screen, the seating in the theater, etc.  I've had a seat close up on some of those and it was pretty good.  However, Star Wars was, well..just..BIG!  From the third row, there were times that you just couldn't distinguish what was going on.  We were too close to get the detail (a fact even my 11 year old commented on).  Take my word for it.  Get there early and head for the back!


The IMAX sound system was the real star of the show.  Nothing like a 15,000 watt surround system to grab your attention and add to the sense of realism.  Seriously, you don't just hear the sound, you FEEL it!  Light saber fights, explosions, space craft engines.....two thumbs up from this sub-woofer lover!

One more observation and I'll climb off my soapbox.  I love going to movies and a large part of the experience is the junk food that goes with it.  Buttered popcorn, a Dr. Pepper and Raisinettes, please.  None of that at the Exploris however!  In fact, you can't take any drink or food into the the theater.  Come on guys...it's a MOVIE!  If I'm going to plunk down $11 bucks to see Yoda bounce around like a college student on NoDoze, then I at least want popcorn!  (And before you ask, the answer is yes. Every other IMAX theater I've been in sold refreshments.)

That's my 2 cents.  We now return you to your regular programming.

--Webmaster, 4042.com

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