Alaska is coming to Memphis. Well, sort of.
This Saturday, the IMAX movie Alaska: Spirit of the Wild kicks off its run at the Union Planters IMAX Theatre at the Memphis Pink Palace Museum. It will show through June 29.
Community Relations Manager for the Pink Palace Dan Hope said it's a beautiful film.
"It's mostly a look at the fact that Alaska is a frontier on the edge of where life can exist on the planet," Hope said. "It shows some very interesting footage of the wildlife and explains how they've managed to survive each year in such conditions."
The state of Alaska, which the US purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, has approximately 3 million lakes, 5,000 glaciers and countless forms of wildlife. The largest of the States, Alaska is more than double the size of Texas.
Many myths and misconceptions surround Alaska. For instance, the Arctic climate zone encompasses only one-fifth of the State. And while wintertime temperatures range between 60 and 70 degrees below zero, summertime temperatures can reach as high as 90 degrees.
Alaska's wildlife is as varied as its climate and includes elk, humpback whales, bald eagles and polar bears. However, certain animals -- such as snakes and penguins -- are not found in Alaska at all.
According to Hope, Alaska: Spirit of the Wild will showcase many breathtaking scenes, including glacial valleys and the calving of icebergs from a glacier where it hits the sea. The film will also feature shots of Aurora Borealis and Mount McKinley, which -- at 20,320 feet -- stands as the tallest mountain in North America.
"It is very spectacular on the IMAX screen," Hope said.
With its four-story high screen and 6-channel 10,000- watt sound system, IMAX provides a film experience unlike any other.
The Union Planters IMAX theater opened in January 1995 and is considered unique because it is only one of three IMAX theaters in the world with a moveable screen.
Alaska: Spirit of the Wild runs Feb. 24 through June 29, 2001.
Tickets are $6 for adults, $5.50 for seniors and $4.50 for children. However, U of M students can purchase special discounted tickets at the UC information desk.
