Lockheed Martin Dynatheater

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES
A CLEAR PICTURE AT THE MUSEUM'S NEW
LOCKHEED MARTIN EXTREME SCREEN DYNATHEATER

As the location for the first Iwerks Large Format Theater in the country, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science has a great tradition of giant screen cinema. The new Lockheed Martin Extreme Screen DynaTheater adds to that history by bringing the latest in technology to the giant screen in Albuquerque.

The Museum's new theater opened on October 2, 1999 with the spectacular film "Everest." The new DynaTheater features a giant screen measuring 65 feet wide by 49 feet high, and stadium-style seating for 284 people compared to the former theater's 96 seats.

"The development of the new theater at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History is a testament to the advances Iwerks has made in technology over the past decade", said Charles Goldwater, Iwerks president and CEO. " Our long association with the museum has established a marquee attraction at a tremendous facility, enabling the museum to provide visitors with a tremendous entertainment and educational experience." The new DynaTheater has several significant differences in the systems that make up a Large Format theater as compared to traditional commercial cinemas, which show 35-mm film. The new DynaTheater utilizes 8/70 film, which is twice the size of 35-mm and features eight perforations as opposed to four. Perforations are the openings on the side of the film stock that fit into the sprockets in the projector to pull the film over the lens and lamp. The larger film requires a projection system with larger lenses and more powerful light sources.

The larger Iwerks' projection system utilizes "Iwerks Linear Loop" technology, one of the first major advancements in projection in three decades, and delivers the brightest, steadiest images for 8/70 3D and 2D formats. This projection technology, combined with a six-story screen provides viewers with an opportunity to experience a truly immersive entertainment adventure.

The advancement in projection technology pioneered by Iwerks, coupled with increased interest and success in the development of commercial and educational Large Format film, enhances the Museum's ability to provide quality content in a unique viewing environment.

The new DynaTheater adds to the Natural History Museum's position as a key member of the Iwerks family, which includes one-third of all the Giant Screen theaters in the world and, two-thirds of all the 8/70 Giant Screen theaters worldwide.

The new theater provides optimal seating for visitors with disabilities. An LED projected captioning system for the hearing impaired and descriptive services for the visually impaired is planned for the future. Wheelchair access is available in the front and rear of the theater in optimal viewing areas.

These theater improvements are made possible in large part by a $1 million gift from Lockheed Martin/Sandia National Laboratories and other Capital Campaign donors as well as the State of New Mexico.

Iwerks Entertainment Inc., founded in 1986, is one of the world's leading full-service providers of high-tech entertainment systems, support services and film-based software in Large Format, ride simulation and specialty venue attractions. More than 250 Iwerks attractions can be found in 38 countries worldwide at location-based entertainment centers, amusement parks, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, shopping centers, casinos, resorts, nightclubs, restaurants, museums, fairs, festivals and more. Visit Iwerks Entertainment on the World Wide Web at www.iwerks.com. The new DynaTheater was designed by DCSW Architects of Albuquerque and built by Telstar Construction Company of Albuquerque.

Interior view of the new DynaTheater, late August 1999