New IMAX Films Honor Historic Events of World War II
Blank IMAX® Dome Theater summer films explore history, military strategy, science, technology and human values
- Monday May 8, 2017
This summer, the Science Center of Iowa’s Blank IMAX® Dome Theater invites audiences to step back in time with two World War II-themed films:
- “D-Day: Normandy 1944” is an educational documentary that focuses on the Allies’ massive, seaborne assault on Nazi-occupied France. Narrated by renowned journalist and author Tom Brokaw, the film blends multiple cinematographic formats, including animation, CGI, high-definition aerial and drone photography and live-action sequences shot exclusively on location in Normandy, France. “D-Day” opens at the Blank IMAX® Dome Theater on Memorial Day, May 29.
- “Dunkirk” is director Christopher Nolan’s latest feature-length film, which recounts one of the most massive military rescues in history, the evacuation of 330,000 Allied soldiers to safety in Britain during WWII. According to Nolan, a steadfast proponent of IMAX film, “Dunkirk” will feature more than 100 minutes of footage shot with IMAX® film cameras. “Dunkirk” opens July 21.
In addition, SCI will feature a special exhibit produced in partnership with local WWII collector and historian Mel Pins. The exhibit, which will be housed in the IMAX projection booth near the theater entrance, will include WWII artifacts, relics and memorabilia related to the films.
“Dunkirk and D-Day are the pivotal events of the war in western Europe,” said Pins. “As time passes, it’s important that the personal sacrifices made in these struggles are not forgotten. These films, and this exhibit of the life of the Allied soldier in WWII, give viewers the opportunity to see, learn and understand more about this epic conflict.”
To honor active military and veterans, SCI has planned special promotions:
- Military Sundays, June-August: Every Sunday, active military and veterans as well as their families can receive $5 tickets to “D-Day: Normandy 1944,” with a military ID.
- D-Day Anniversary event, June 6: On the 73rd anniversary of D-Day, SCI is opening its theater to 100 military veterans for a special free screening of “D-Day: Normandy 1944,” a color guard presentation and a special exhibit discussion by Mel Pins. Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, and each veteran may invite one guest. People interested in attending this event can contact SCI at 515-274-6868 ext. 222 for details.
Tickets to “D-Day: Normandy 1944” are $9 for adults and $7 for children 2-12 and seniors. “Dunkirk” tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for children 2-12 and seniors. A ticket package is available, and vouchers can be used for any scheduled showing. The WWII Package is $20 for adults and $16 for children and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online at www.sciowa.org/imaxshowtimes, by phone at 515-274-6868 ext. 222 or in person at the Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX® Dome Theater Box Office. Advance tickets are recommended, especially for Military Sunday screenings.
“Dunkirk” is rated PG-13 for intense war experience and may not be suitable for all ages.
About the Science Center of Iowa
The Science Center of Iowa engages and inspires Iowans along their journey of lifelong science learning. The 110,000-sq. ft. facility located in Downtown Des Moines features dynamic experience platforms, large format theaters and daily interactive science demonstrations, including the NAEYC-accredited SCI Preschool. The Science Center of Iowa also provides educational outreach programs across the state of Iowa. For more information, visit www.sciowa.org.