FPL Exclusive Local Sponsor for

Forces of Nature

Newest IMAX® film adventure from National Geographic

Now Showing at Blockbuster® IMAX® Theater

December 6, 2004, Fort Lauderdale -- The Museum of Discovery and Science and Blockbuster® IMAX® Theater have partnered with Florida Power & Light to be the exclusive local sponsor of the newest IMAX® film adventure from National Geographic Forces of Nature, now showing through May 2005. A fearsome forces themed weekend is planned for January 15-17, 2005 featuring special speakers and demonstrations on South Florida’s Wild Weather.

It’s one thing to contemplate the immense power of nature; another to experience these forces first-hand. Forces of Nature is spectacular, engrossing, and at times almost overwhelming in its larger-than-life images of molten lava and clouds of ash, shattered cities and whirling storms.  The film showcases the awesome spectacle of earthquakes, volcanoes and tornadoes—from volcanic eruptions on the island of Montserrat and trembling fault lines in Turkey, to storms ripping through the notorious “Tornado Alley” of America’s Midwest. 

“This large format film has a smashing, seat rumbling intro. This great teaser of volcanoes, earthquakes and tornadoes is a good indication of the science to come, while its visuals and sound effects go directly for the visceral,” wrote Ross Anthony, Ross Anthony’s Hollywood Report Card.

Audiences will learn what is being done to predict and prepare for these events by following scientists to the very brink of erupting volcanoes into the paths of deadly pyroclastic flows, along massive fault lines, and aboard vehicles barreling toward severe and tornadic storms.  Narrated by Kevin Bacon; Forces of Nature is a National Geographic film, produced by Graphic Films, made possible by Amica Insurance and funded in part by National Science Foundation.

The mission of the Museum of Discovery and Science is to provide experiential pathways to lifelong learning in science for children and adults through exhibits, programs, and films.  Founded in 1976 as The Discovery Center, the nonprofit facility serves approximately 400,000 visitors each year.  Major operational support for the Museum is provided through generous support by Leadership Guild members including: American Express, City Furniture, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Sun-Sentinel and Wachovia.

FORCES OF NATURE WEEKEND January 15-17, 2005

Saturday, January 15 & Sunday, January 16, 2005

Special demonstrations on extreme weather and electricity shows scheduled throughout the day at the Museum’s Science Café.

Meet the Storm Chasers! Monday, January 17, 2005

Mike Theiss* and Jim Leonard* co-owners of Cyclone Tours will conduct a Q&A session after the Forces of Nature film. Learn about their experiences as storm chasers in Tornado Alley and see their eyewitness video of 2004 Florida Hurricanes that has been featured on Good Morning America, CNN, Weather Channel and National Geographic. *Speaker availability subject to current weather conditions.

Forces of Nature Show times

Saturday, January 15, 2005
10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 16, 2005
12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.

Monday, January 17, 2005
10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m.

New film companion exhibit Fearsome Forces

This new exhibit that focuses on the awesome forces of nature such as hurricanes, tornados, volcanoes and earthquakes. Have you ever wanted to be on television?  You will be able to role play as a weather forecaster while your friends and family watch you on a monitor.  See actual ash from the Mount Saint Helen’s eruption. See fulgurites and a rocket used by the University of Central Florida to attract lightning. View igneous rocks created by volcanoes compliments of the Florida Gold Coast Gem and Mineral Society. Examine a collection of hurricane windows and shutters made to protect Florida homes, and see how the windows perform in the strength and durability testing process. Hurricane windows and shudders provided by Quality Glass Exteriors and Innovative Window Concepts.

ABOUT THE BLOCKBUSTER® IMAX® THEATER

The Blockbuster® IMAX®Theater owned and operated by the Museum of Discovery and Science, opened in 1992.  The 300-seat theater is a showcase of state-of-the-art motion picture technology. The Blockbuster® IMAX®Theater features a 60 ft. x 80 ft. screen and a 15,000 watt digital sound system that delivers six discrete channels of clear sound through 42 speakers.  The IMAX® projector’s 15,000 watt Xenon bulb projects images of unsurpassed brilliance and clarity onto the five-story-high screen. Both 2D and 3D films are shown in the theater.  3D films are viewed using electronic headsets.  The IMAX® experience is an unparalleled fusion of sight and sound.  For show times, visitors should call 954-463-IMAX (4629).

ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE

The Museum is open seven days per week (including Thanksgiving and Christmas); Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m. with extended IMAX® hours on Friday and Saturday evenings.  General admission prices are $14.00 for adults; $13.00 for seniors; $12.00 for children 3 to 12.  Children under 3 are free.  A General Admission Ticket includes admission to the Museum exhibits and one IMAX® film.  The Museum of Discovery and Science is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312.  For more information about the Museum, visitors should call (954) 467-MODS (6637) or visit our web site at www.mods.org

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