IMAX :-(

The place where campers hang out after a long day in the sims.

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ApolloXI
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IMAX :-(

Post by ApolloXI »

A right of passage for Space Camp ended this weekend. The IMAX played its last shows over the weekend, it is being replaced by a planetarium. I am sad to see it go, I have many memories of sitting in the curved room watching Space and Aviation related movies. I also have memories working their while I worked at Space Camp, I had seen Kung Fu Panda probably ten times on Space Camp counselor assistance to IMAX.
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Re: IMAX :-(

Post by p51 »

Dang, I didn't know they were replacing it. I thought they were remodeling it.
Wow, that stinks, as it was always a neat thing to go to SC and watch a space movie, sometimes with Hoot Gibson or Bob Springer in the audience with us!
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Re: IMAX :-(

Post by majtom7 »

I suppose it only makes sense as most new IMAX movies are made for flat screens instead of the dome yet the dome is SO MUCH BETTER when the movie is made for it!!!
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Re: IMAX :-(

Post by Hotdog »

I went by and paid my last respects on Friday. Lots of memories in that theater! :cry:

I snapped these images for posterity on the way out:

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Re: IMAX :-(

Post by SpaceCanada »

Oh, some of my fondest camp memories and silly inside jokes happened in that theatre. OREOs and IMAX will make me giggle for years to come.

As it will be sad to see IMAX depart (bye bye Canadian technology), I think a planetarium will be a great addition, as I always wondered why there wasn't one in such a large space centre. New planetariums can be impressive.

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Re: IMAX :-(

Post by airkale »

Man hearing about the closing makes me sad. I always loved watching movies after the day's activities at SC. It was a good way to hang out, cut loose, and see some guys on other teams. The Omnimax theaters were always better than the flat screen counterparts. I just wished the idea would have stood the test of time. Spacedome will be missed.

The pictures Hotdog posted reminded me of the older pictures of the block houses from the Apollo, Gemini and Mercury days and how the Omnimax consoles have that old button and light setup, rather than the computer screens and touchscreens of today.

Maybe they will save some old equipment and it can be part of the museum???

One side note. Without the Spacedome, counselors are going to have to keep the kids occupied a whole bunch more time of the day now. Bummer.
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Re: IMAX :-(

Post by majtom7 »

airkale wrote:One side note. Without the Spacedome, counselors are going to have to keep the kids occupied a whole bunch more time of the day now. Bummer.
Naw, they'll just run them over to the IMAX theatre in Davidson. The longer walk will tire them out more.


OMNIMAX was the best.
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Re: IMAX :-(

Post by airkale »

I just watched Dream is Alive in omage to the Space Dome tonight. Maybe Hail Columbia tomorrow. Just had a thought, what happens to the films now that the theater is closed? I'd sure love to see them get a new home. We have an Omnimax at the Shreveport La science center. It would be cool if the old guard movies could play once again in a new home.
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Re: IMAX :-(

Post by majtom7 »

airkale wrote:Just had a thought, what happens to the films now that the theater is closed? I'd sure love to see them get a new home. We have an Omnimax at the Shreveport La science center. It would be cool if the old guard movies could play once again in a new home.
My guess is that they'll just use them in the Davidson IMAX.
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Re: IMAX :-(

Post by Hotdog »

You guys are not going to believe what we have now in place of the old Spacedome IMAX! The new Intuitive 3D planetarium is literally out-of-this-world! This is going to be a game-changer for the Rocket Center and for Space Camp! The 8k laser projection system is the first of its kind in the world and delivers stunningly clear images of the night sky and solar system. You will be amazed!

Image

While the inside of the theater looks about the same, you'll notice the entrance and concession area has been transformed. Much nicer, yes? In addition to the standard movie concession fare, wine and cocktails are also available. The IMAX projector room has been converted into an immersive classroom with a digital projection globe that can display the moon and planets.

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Happy to say I had a hand in designing some of the graphics for the entrance way and concession stand areas. The old movie panels by the bathrooms are now tributes to NASA's four great observatories, the Hubble, Compton, Chandra and Spitzer space telescopes.

Hats off to the Rocket Center for making this major upgrade happen! It really helps bring the museum into the 21st Century and is a big step forward! This will be something to look forward to on your next trip to Camp for sure.
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Re: IMAX :-(

Post by SpaceCanada »

Wow, this looks like a wonderful upgrade. Well done, USSRC. Though, I will admit I enjoyed watching the three Space Camp films over and over in the corridor when I had down time. But, Hubble and Chandra have a special place in my heart, too.
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Re: IMAX :-(

Post by airkale »

Guys,

I need a life line here. Are there any 2019 Alumni activities this year? My son wants to go to a program during the summer and I would like to have it the same time as one of the activities. Is the 50th anniversary concert the same as Summer Fest from previous years? Is anything else going on?

Can someone help me out? I texted Jason and Vince, but they must be busy in the sims because they haven't gotten back to me. :-)

Thanks,
Kale

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Re: IMAX :-(

Post by Conan »

The Alumni Festival Summerfest is running from July 13 through the 15. I am planning on being there.
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