IMAX in Space

Written by: Mark Kresser
Date: April 2002

Big Movies have celebrated the space program in six films over the last 20 years. In the wake of the recent Columbia space shuttle tragedy, BMZ mourns the loss of seven courageous astronauts. In honor of the pioneering efforts of these and all other space program workers, BMZ presents you with a look at film info, video clips, reviews and more info from all six films.

The first-ever IMAX 3D film shot in space, SPACE STATION, premieres April 19th, and will open in over 100 Big Movie theaters over the next year or so. But this is by no means the first time space has been the subject of an IMAX film; in fact, there have been no less than five 2D Big Movies in space, making space one of the most popular (and successful) Big Movie genres ever. Space is a natural subject for the Giant Screen due to its scientific significance, inherently photogenic quality... and the fact that most of us will never actually go there.

Take a trip through Big Movie space history... preview all six titles here:

(Addendum - Five months after this article was published, IMAX Corporation unveiled its new DMR technology, enabling it to digitally remaster 35mm films into true IMAX size and clarity. The first film to test the process was, appropriately-enough, the space-themed 1995 release Apollo 13. Click these links for clips and info from the IMAX version.)

APOLLO 13: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE (2002)

Video Clips
Trailer ( Real 300K / Real 56K / Real 300K / Real 56K)
Walking on the Moon ( Real 300K / Real 56K)
Tom Hanks Interview ( Real 300K / Real 56K
Ron Howard Interview ( Real 300K / Real 56K

Worldwide Theater Listings:   Now Playing, Coming Soon

Main Film Page:  Synopsis, Filmmaker Info, Credits, Reviews
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SPACE STATION 3D (2002)

Video Clips
Trailer (Real 300K / Real 56K / Real 300K / Real 56K) Featurette (Real 300K / Real 56K) Montage (Real 300K / Real 56K)

Interview: Astronaut Susan Helms, and DP James Neihouse

Interview: Astronaut Camera Trainer James Neihouse

Worldwide Theater Listings:   Now Playing, Coming Soon

Main Film Page:  Synopsis, Filmmaker Info, Credits, Reviews
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MISSION TO MIR (1996)

Video Clips
Featurette - Real 300K / Real 56K
Training Astronauts - Real 300K / Real 56K
Docking with Mir - Real 300K / Real 56K
Astronaut Bill Ready - Real 300K / Real 56K

Main Film Page:   Synopsis, Filmmaker Info, Credits, Reviews

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DESTINY IN SPACE (1994)

Video Clips
Zero G's - Real 300K / Real 56K
Shuttle Launch - Real 300K / Real 56K
Outer Planets - Real 300K / Real 56K
Trailer - Win. Media / Real 128K

Main Film Page:  Synopsis, Filmmaker Info, Credits, Reviews
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BLUE PLANET (1990)

Main Film Page:   Synopsis, Filmmaker Info, Credits, Reviews








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THE DREAM IS ALIVE (1985)

Main Film Page:   Synopsis, Filmmaker Info, Credits, Reviews








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HAIL COLUMBIA (1982)

Main Film Page:   Synopsis, Filmmaker Info, Credits