The Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater reopened on Monday with the new IMAX with Laser projection system.
Don Walker, the aquarium’s director of guest services, Corey Cobb, IMAX senior operator, and Charlie Arant, the aquarium’s president and CEO, cut a ribbon of 70mm film to mark the end of one era at the theater and the beginning of the laser era.
In the past three weeks, construction workers and IMAX technicians have completed $1.2 million in upgrades at the aquarium’s theater. A new six-story screen, two 4K laser projectors and new 12-channel audio system have been installed. The result is a cinema experience unlike any other in the region.
Sarah Bowen, an aquarium volunteer who was among the first to experience the new IMAX with Laser system this morning, was impressed by the immersive experience. “I thought the new IMAX with Laser was amazing,” said Ms. Bowen. “The visual and audio experience is almost surreal and I cannot wait to see another IMAX film at the Aquarium’s theater.”
Starting Monday, movie fans can experience an 11-day Laser Launch Film Festival featuring seven 3D films that have been re-mastered for the new IMAX with Laser format. Film fans can purchase the new Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Club Pass to see all seven films and an unlimited number of 45-minute 3D films for one full year for just $40.
More than eight million guests have visited the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater since it opened on May 1, 1996.