Galveston-based Moody Gardens(R) Premieres Jean-Michel Cousteau’s DOLPHINS AND WHALES 3D in the Enhanced IMAX(R) 3D Theater on March 14th

GALVESTON, Texas, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ — Moody Gardens, ocean explorer and film ambassador Jean-Michel Cousteau, and filmmakers Jean-Jacques & Francois Mantello invite audiences to a stunning 3D underwater experience with DOLPHINS AND WHALES 3D, narrated by actress and environmentalist Daryl Hannah, premiering Saturday, March 14 at the Moody Gardens IMAX(R) 3D Theater.

Upon the film premiere, the Moody Gardens will offer a new and improved IMAX(R) theater experience with a newly-installed, state-of-the-art IMAX(R) 3D projector and sound system which replaced equipment damaged by Hurricane Ike in September 2008. “We are pleased to reopen the IMAX(R) 3D Theater to provide a superior theater experience for our guests,” said John Zendt, Moody Gardens general manager, who explained the theater was closed for several weeks for this installation. “Moviegoers will see crisper, realistic images and dramatic sound improvements for a completely immersive film experience on the IMAX(R) screen.”

“DOLPHINS AND WHALES 3D will immerse viewers in the daily lives of small and giant cetaceans as they interact socially, play, communicate, feed, breed, migrate and fight for their survival,” added Jean-Jacques and Francois Mantello – the Mantello Brothers -, the film’s director and producer, respectively. “It also delivers a powerful message in favor of the protection of these tribes while they are facing the greatest challenge of all: to survive the destruction of their habitat and depletion of food resources.”

“Less than 1% of human beings have had the incredible opportunity to visit the underwater world,” said Daryl Hannah. “With this beautiful family adventure projected onto IMAX(R) 3D screens, viewers will don their 3D glasses much in the same way we put on our diving masks and can virtually touch some of the most incredible marine mammals in existence.”

For Jean-Michel Cousteau, “This film is an ideal means of reaching a vast audience and helping individuals around the globe to understand that we need to act responsibly in order to ensure the preservation of the world’s oceans and its inhabitants because, in the end, the most crucial partners whales and dolphins have are YOU and me.”

DOLPHINS AND WHALES 3D marks the first time that humpback whales, belugas, orcas, bottlenose dolphins and manatees have been filmed in 3D for the world’s biggest screens. Three years in the making, the film required no fewer than 12 international expeditions and 600 hours spent underwater at some of the remotest locations on Earth, including off the Pacific Ocean atolls of Moorea and Rurutu (French Polynesia), Vava’u Island (Kingdom of Tonga), Pico Island (Azores) and the Valdez Peninsula (Argentina).

Unlike other IMAX(R)-type films, DOLPHINS AND WHALES 3D was shot entirely in the wild and consists solely of underwater footage, with no humans on screen.

Jean-Michel Cousteau’s DOLPHINS AND WHALES 3D reunites the Mantello Brothers with director of photography Gavin McKinney and composer Christophe Jacquelin, the highly successful 3D filmmaking team behind 3D Entertainment’s OCEAN WONDERLAND and SHARKS 3D. The film is produced and released by 3D Entertainment and its distribution unit in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, Ocean Futures Society, the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), PADI’s Project Aware and Reef Check. The official film website is http://www.DOLPHINSandWHALES3D.com

To purchase individual tickets at the Moody Gardens IMAX(R) 3D Theater, please visit www.moodygardens.org or call 1-800-582-4673 for group sales. The film is recommended for general audiences and does not feature any violent content.

About Moody Gardens

Located on Galveston Island, Moody Gardens is a public, non-profit, educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research. For more information about Moody Gardens, visit http://www.moodygardens.com.

About 3D Entertainment

3D Entertainment Ltd. is a fully-integrated independent company specializing in the production, distribution and marketing of unique and innovative underwater-themed 3D documentaries for IMAX(R) theatres and Digital 3D Cinemas worldwide. Our mission is to immerse audiences of all ages in unique 3D story-driven experiences that inspire and educate on the vital need to protect the oceans and their inhabitants. For more information about 3D Entertainment, visit http://www.3DEfilms.com

    Press Contacts:
    For Moody Gardens, Kuriko Hasegawa, 1-800-582-4673 ex. 4209, news@moodygardens.com
    For 3D Entertainment, Alexandra Body, 1-800-819-7753, alexbody@3DEfilms.com

http://www.DOLPHINSandWHALES3D.com

IMAX is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation.

SOURCE 3D Entertainment Distribution