One of the many duties of the Chief Projectionist is to assemble films. Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian, like the first film, is 32 separate reels. Each reel is carefully wound to the projection system reel unit, which can take 8 – 10 minutes at a time. Every reel is numbered to indicate the sequence which is first and which is last. It takes time and a lot of patience to put together an IMAX film.
This particular “Hollywood” film only took 5 hours to assemble. Once the film is complete, then one must check their work, which is a stressful moment when assembling a film. You can say that those in the digital world do not have this duty, more like click and drop. The art of splicing remains at HMNS, the “reel” thing.
Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian has more animals, more action, more characters and a lot more laughs, which HMNS is proud to present to IMAX enthusiasts. After assembling the 32 reel; 105 minute movie, I became engulfed in this enjoyable adventure. Since the film took place in the Smithsonian, a few key artifacts from history make an appearance as well. Artifacts such as Dorothy’s ruby slippers, Archie Bunker’s chair, Muhammad Ali’s boxing robe, and notable works of art play a role in the film. Oh, and for you younger teens, the Jonas Brothers make a notable cameo too. So you could say that this movie has it all.
I would hope that museum visitors will sit in this IMAX experience and become as enthralled as I did. I would also encourage the visitors to stroll through our exhibit halls after the film if they can and see a bit of history and science, which includes an exhibition of one of the characters in the film, Genghis Khan.
If Fox studios and director Shawn Levy plan to make a third installment of Night at the Museum, I would definitely nominate HMNS for Larry Daley’s next adventure.
Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian opens today!
Steve Wallach has been performing magic since he was 10 years old. He’s not your average cheesy magician you see at a neighborhood children’s birthday party, either. Steve has made a career out of traveling around the globe and performing illusions for CEO’s, charities, country clubs, and luxury resorts.
I met Steve when I was invited, impromptu, for a meeting about a potential event we were considering for Body Worlds 2. Steve looks like he’s easy-going and from the moment you meet him you can see he’s incredibly observational and is absorbing every detail about you he can take in. As we all sat down to the table, Steve offered to give the four of us a demonstration of his skills. He picked out my co-worker Jason, who was also invited to the meeting impromptu, and requested that he think of an address from a house he had growing up. Jason recorded the information on a piece of paper while Steve was facing the opposite direction. Steve then asked Jason to think very hard about the address numbers and then proceeded to write something down on his own piece of paper. When both of the papers were lined up next to one another, they read the same numbers on each sheet.
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Magician Steve Wallach
(not pictured)
will amaze you!
 photo credit: cainmark |
As Steve’s show continued, he told me about an accident I had when I was 8 years old and was learning to ride a bike. I had careened into a cement block that busted my knee wide open. Then we opened up a travel book off of a shelf and Steve started spouting off names of the islands that were listed on the page from across the room.
I’m sure I sound crazy right about now, but cross my heart, I saw it all! Working at a Science Museum, sometimes it’s tough to believe that some things don’t have a rational explanation. Or sometimes they do, but Steve Wallach isn’t about to give away his secrets!
See Steve Wallach in all of his glory during Spirits & Skeletons this Friday night from 8pm – 12am and let him boggle your mind. Don’t miss out on the IMAX, Etoile Arabesque Belly Dancers, Fatima and her palm readers, cash bar, or lite bites either. It’s a night full of mystery, illusion, and fun at the best Halloween party in town! Buy your tickets now ($15 non-members, $13 members) this party is sure to be packed!
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I know you can get more
creative than this!
photo credit: peasap |
Although Mixers, Elixirs, & IMAX is coming to a close for 2008 it doesn’t mean we’ll stop partying! Seriously, it’s only September. I know it’s kind of crazy to be talking about Halloween, but I know the “What costume am I going to wear for Halloween this year?” conversation is already happening in the back of your head. And it should be!
Join HMNS on All Hallows Eve for the only party in Houston happening in a dinosaur graveyard. We’re going to give you so much more than atmosphere, though. We’ll have The Chromatics pumping out 80s hits all night, world-renowned illusionist Steven Wallach, Fatima and her team of psychics, Bug Chef David Temple, Etoile Arabesque Belly Dance Troupe, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and IMAX films. As tradition would have it, we’re going to be having a costume contest as well – so dream up your best outfit for your chance to win our huge grand prize! Don’t miss Spirits & Skeletons, on October 31 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. at HMNS!
And, don’t forget that Mixers goes out with a bang tomorrow night, with Grupo Ka-Che – it’s always our biggest party (1,700 last year!) and we’d love to see you there. We’d also love to see your feedback – let us know what you think – and how we can make Mixers even better next year.
Congratulations to Graciela Moore, winner of the “What’s YOUR Greatest Adventure?” blog contest. Her touching presentation about the annual Monarch migration to Mexico and stunning visual photographs that accompanied her story amazed our staff. As the winner, she’ll receive a $300 gift card to REI – to help her pursue that next great adventure.
Here’s how Graciela described her adventure:
My adventure took place in November 2007 in Angangueo, Michoacán, Mexico to visit the over-wintering site of the monarch butterflies. When I was little, my grandmother pulled out a copy of a National Geographic to show me photos of millions of monarchs. I was completely taken by the beautiful orange and black that covered the pages. The images were burned in my memory and I was so impressed that these tiny insects could travel so far. So, I took this trip to celebrate my 30th birthday. It was truly an experience I will never forget!
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Since I have been back, I have shared my experience with all those that will listen. I express how impressive it is that this migration takes place within just three generations. I also express how concerned I am for the disappearing over-wintering habitat due to logging and the disappearing milkweed in the U.S. so important for their eggs. With the help of these sanctuaries, I take comfort in knowing that there are people making an effort to protect these spots and educate the public.
Go along on her adventure in Graciela’s winning entry, I Could Hear The Rain. Click here to view her entry.
Graciela, thank you so much for sharing your story with HMNS – and congratulations on being chosen as the winner of our very first blog contest!
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