El Capitan Theater's "Dinosaur Experience"
Dinosaurs Come to Life in Hollywood as the El Capitan Theatre Unveils New Digitally Projected Disney Film and a Unique ``Dinosaur Experience''
From May 19-July 4, following each showing of Walt Disney
Pictures' live-action/computer-animated visual effects spectacle, ``Dinosaur,''
Hollywood's legendary El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood will offer moviegoers a close
encounter with dinosaurs at ``The Dinosaur Experience,'' it was announced today by Richard
Cook. Located next to the theatre at the El Capitan Entertainment Centre, ``The Dinosaur
Experience,'' featuring three floors of visual delights, interactive games, elaborate
displays and a variety of life-size audio-animatronic dinosaurs, is included in the
admission price. Tickets for the El Capitan's special engagement of ``Dinosaur'' can be
purchased at the box office (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), by calling 1-800-DISNEY-6, or online
at www.elcapitantickets.com
Among ``The Dinosaur Experience's'' highlights are 15 fully animatronic dinosaurs, including a 28-foot Apatosaurus, that are electronically programmed for realistic movement using pneumatic systems. Visitors can also learn about dinosaurs and gain insights into the making of this extraordinary film at various locations throughout the building.
Commenting on the announcement, Cook said, ``Seeing `Dinosaur' digitally projected at the El Capitan and visiting `The Dinosaur Experience' adds up to a great entertainment package for moviegoers. This great film inspired us to come up with an added adventure that captured the sense of discovery and excitement. `The Dinosaur Experience' does all that and helps to create a complete environment for fun and education. We believe moviegoers of all ages are going to enjoy this special engagement at the El Capitan.''
Upon entering ``The Dinosaur Experience,'' visitors will step back in time to wander through the ``Nesting Grounds,'' complete with a variety of dinosaurs and their offspring (Parasaurolophus, Stegasaurus and Apatosaurus). The next stop, ``The Art of Survival,'' spotlights the world of dinosaurs and their struggle to survive harsh prehistoric times is explored. At the ``Paleontology Pavilion,'' guests can see dinosaur skull replicas on loan from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. This area also provides a chance to touch a fossilized Hadrosaur thighbone and hear a dinosaur roar (recreated from DNA information). The ``Lemur Island'' play area is filled with numerous activities including Disney Interactive's newest games on PC, PlayStation and Gameboy Color. Additionally, guests can visit ``Behind the Scenes of `Dinosaur''' and discover the innovative techniques used to make the film. They can also create their own sound and sound effects on real mixing machines and learn how voices and animation come together.
Joining the ranks of Hollywood's all-time greatest and most
impressive visual effects spectacles, Walt Disney Pictures' ``Dinosaur'' immerses
moviegoers in a photorealistic world of wonders with its blend of digitally enhanced
live-action photography, special effects wizardry and computer-animated characters. Set 65
million years ago during the late Cretaceous Period, the film follows the adventures of an
Iguanodon named Aladar, who is separated from his own species as a hatchling and raised on
an island paradise by a clan of Lemurs. When a devastating meteor shower plunges their
world into chaos, Aladar and several members of his Lemur family escape to the mainland
and join a group of migrating dinosaurs desperately searching for a safe new nesting
ground. With water and food in short supply and bloodthirsty predators posing an
ever-present danger, the herd faces many life-threatening obstacles during the course of
their treacherous trek. Aladar's innovative thinking and compassion for the ``misfit''
members of the herd brings him into conflict with Kron, the rigid and stone-hearted leader
of the group, and his loyal lieutenant Bruton. Winning support from Kron's sister, Neera,
Aladar reluctantly challenges the ``traditional ways'' and shows how being adaptable and
working together is the best path for survival.
-- Posted May 19, 2000
Source: Company Press Release