Esquire IMAX 3D: Avatar, It’s Like You’re Really There
By John Benton
Staff Writer
A six stories tall, eighty- foot wide screen, wrap-around sound with 12,000 watts of power, stadium seating for four hundred--the cinematic experience will blow you away. Add in the amazing 3D imaging and watching a movie at the Esquire IMAX is an experience that just might be too much for the squeamish. Photo: Jake Sully and Neytiri
I recently visited the Esquire IMAX to see James Cameron’s newest film, Avatar. The line for tickets went across K Street and down toward the Convention Center on this, the twelfth day that Avatar had been playing at the Esquire IMAX Theater in Sacramento. Once again, the theater was sold out: 407 patrons were eager for the opening credits.
The Snack line was equally long, although it moved very quickly. Management and employees of Sacramento’s almost seventy year-old theater know how to handle crowds. As we took our seats and donned our 3D polarized glasses, we could hear the buzz of excitement coming from the rows of theatergoers. Our seats were in row J, dead center, which some call the "sweet spot." I try to sit in this vicinity each time we visit the IMAX, as it helps the experience to be fully enveloping.
Local celebrity Mark S. Allen, also six stories high, introduced us to specifics of the theater through a quick opening sequence. The lights fell and the sound system started to crank up. The crowd’s voices went silent as Avatar began. Set in the future, Avatar takes place on a distant planet called Pandora. Marine Jake Sully is indoctrinated into a group of scientists whose main role is to understand and work with the local intelligent life.
The Na’vi people, a large, blue, catlike race, are a civilized and nature-centered group, seen as "savages" by Earth’s corporate entity that is there simply to mine for valuable resources. There is also a large military presence on the planet to assist the corporation in their endeavor. Sully’s military back-ground and competitive nature lead him to work closely with the military while getting to know the Na’vi. Photo: Neytiri
The Avatar program uses hybrid bodies that look like the Na’vi, which the human scientists "drive" from a remote station, using a DNA connection. In his Avatar body, Sully learns a lot more about the Na’vi than he expected to, which interferes with his ability to complete his mission. The film is a roller-coaster ride through action and emotions, causing you to think about humanities role in the universe.
Avatar is a spectacular experience visually, aurally, and emotionally. The amazing 3D brings to life some of the most spectacular filmmaking I’ve ever seen. Canadian born James Cameron is well known for writing stories and screenplays that bring fantasy to life. His filmography includes such memorable films as the Terminator series, Aliens, The Abyss, and, of course, Titanic. He was also the director on these films, as well as many others. I’ve seen all these movies, and find it hard to say which one is my favorite. This is the first of his films I’ve seen in an IMAX theater, and I can’t wait to see it again.Photo: Fight
Whether you are looking for an over the top entertainment experience or a place to host an out of the ordinary business meeting, 
Sacramento has the perfect place. The Esquire IMAX Theater is available for other events as well. They are available to host groups of 20 or more for corporate events, product launches, multi-media presentations, satellite down-links and private film screenings. They can help you create an experience for your group unmatched in the Sacramento area. They also offer a wide range of educational experiences for schools. Photo: Na'vi warrior races into battle
The Esquire IMAX Theater, located at 1211 K Street in downtown Sacramento, is an incredible theater that offers much more than a typical movie theater. The large format IMAX films, superior sound system, and state of the art 3D viewing make the 1940’s style movie theater stand apart from other theaters.
Right now you can experience one of the most amazing films ever released, James Cameron’s Avatar, in this historic location. Movies will never be the same! Call (916) 443-4629 for show times or more information, or visit their website at www.imax.com. For more details about the Esquire IMAX Theater and equipment: www.imax.com/sacramento/theatreinformation/imaxexperience.htm
NOW PLAYING AT IMAX THEATERS: ALICE IN WONDERLAND!
Photos Courtesy of 20th Century Fox
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