Ancient
Egypt comes to life
on the giant IMAX screen
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Sept. 4, 2000) - Experience the intrigue
of life in ancient Egypt, soar over the Nile river and explore
a pharaoh's tomb in the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater newest
feature, "Mysteries of Egypt, " opening Sept. 30. The
IMAX film adventure from National Geographic unlocks the myths
and reveals the masterpieces of this fascinating empire that
began some 5,000 years ago.
Egypt is captured for the first time on the giant screen,
and is brought to life by Omar Sharif, the audience's guide
into the "Mysteries of Egypt." Receiving exclusive access
to the Valley of the Nile, the filmmakers have captured breathtaking
aerial shots of the pyramids and give the audience a close-up
look at the pharaohs' treasures.
Through the magic of large-format cinematography, "Mysteries
of Egypt" explodes onto a screen that is six stories tall,
taking the audience on a thrilling flight rushing over the
Nile, the world's longest river. Soaring over the great pyramids
of Giza, viewers cross the deathly quiet Valley of the Kings
and descend into the shadowy chambers of the scared tomb of
King Tutankhamun. The large-format screen allows the audience
to truly experience the magnificence of Egypt.
The first time Lisa Truitt, the film's co-producer looked
over the massive rock pyramids and enormous structures marking
the ancient Egyptian Empire, she thought jokingly, "The pharaohs
must have had these built for the giant screen."
Based on an ancient Egyptian belief that death was not an
end, but the beginning of a great journey, the Egyptians carved
out a kingdom of limestone monuments, enormous pyramids and
spectacular golden treasures, creating mysteries that continue
to fascinate the world.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of the history of Egypt is
that these people went to a great deal of effort to tell their
own story. Everywhere you look, on the walls and columns of
the great temples and in the dark tombs of the pharaohs, there
are symbols and signs teeming with information about a civilization
that loved life.
The film transports the viewer to the time when the great
pyramids were built, recreating the scenes, as archaeologists
now believe they occurred.
"We found the ramp that the workers used to move the blocks,"
says Dr. Zahi Hawass, director general of the Giza Pyramids
and Saqqara, and film consultant. "We believe the people who
built these monuments were very proud and committed to this
national project."
"Mysteries of Egypt" also depicts the process used to prepare
a pharaoh's body for eternal life. Reenacting the ritual,
the film engages the viewer as Egyptians ready the body of
the teenage pharaoh, King Tut, then ceremoniously carrying
him deep into his dark tomb.
The powerful tale of ancient Egypt is told by legendary screen
actor and native Egyptian, Omar Sharif ("Doctor Zhivago,"
and "Lawrence of Arabia.") He plays a grandfather enchanting
his granddaughter, played by Kate Maberly ("The Secret Garden"),
with a great detective story of tombs and treasures.
Weaving a story of determination, discovery and tragedy, Sharif
recounts the tale of the British archaeologists who discovered
King Tut's tomb. The film also uncovers the amazing accomplishments
of this ancient civilization in fascinating detail.
"Mysteries of Egypt" is the first large-format film co-produced
by National Geographic Films and Destination Cinema in association
with NOVA/WGBH Boston, the Museum of Science and Industry-Chicago,
the Canadian Museum of Civilization and Centex Investment
Limited. The film's beautiful photography can be viewed on
National Geographic's web site www.nationalgeographic.com.
Explore the most important monuments and treasures in the
world at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX theater.
For more IMAX movie information,
click here!
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