“The Light Before Christmas” Brings Holiday Magic to the IMAX® Dome Theatre

Animated IMAX film spins a wonder-filled winter holiday tale

November 23, 2010

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A holiday tradition revisits Uptown Charlotte as “The Light Before Christmas” returns to Discovery Place’s The Charlotte Observer IMAX® Dome Theatre, taking audiences on a whimsical adventure just in time for the season. This magical animated wintry journey will run Friday, November 26, 2010 through January 2, 2011.

Produced in stop-motion animation by Evergreen Holiday Classics and Tandem Motion Picture Studios, released by Cinema Group, “The Light Before Christmas” is the delightful tale of young Katie and her brother Makean, who lose their way in a Christmas Eve blizzard only to be rescued by the Candleman, an old sage who imparts wisdom, hot chocolate, a warm cottage and stories.

In an effort to raise the children’s spirits with a bit of holiday magic, The Candleman opens a weathered book and begins to read the classic tale, “The Night Before Christmas.” To their astonishment, Katie and Makean find themselves magically transported into the poem, where they experience the wonder and delight of Santa’s visit to their home, complete with an elf and full team of reindeer. Hoping not to be seen, the children sneak from their bedroom and watch wide-eyed as Santa carefully fills the stocking and tucks gifts under the glittering Christmas tree.

This stunning Stop-Motion Animated film fills the giant dome theatre with lavishly detailed sets and characters inspired by the fascinating designs of renowned artist, James C. Christensen, while the musical score hearkens back to many beloved Christmas classics.

The theatre audience is also treated to a fun-filled tour of movie-making magic at the end of the film. Santa and Hob the Elf reappear and take the audience on a whimsical tour through the magical workshop that created “The Light Before Christmas.” Movie-goers will see how the artists at Tandem’s studios build life-like miniature sets and characters; voice actors demonstrate their talents; and how the animators devote their skills and experience in bringing the script to life.

“The Light Before Christmas” is a film suitable for all ages.

“The Light Before Christmas” runs through January 2, 2011. Tickets are $8 for ages 14-59, $7 for ages 2-13 and 60+, and are free for children younger than 2. Group and Member discounts also are available. Visit discoveryplace.org or call 800-935-0553 for showtimes.

About Discovery Place

One of the top hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place provides ever-changing, entertaining facilities that engage the public in the active exploration of science and nature. More than a half-million people from all over the United States visit Discovery Place, its IMAX® Dome Theatre and Charlotte Nature Museum each year. In June 2010, the Museum completed an 18-month, $31.6 million renovation, resulting in a completely transformed and re-imagined experience with all-new interactive exhibits. Discovery Place is supported, in part, with a Basic Operating Grant from the Arts & Science Council.
Discovery Place is located in uptown Charlotte at 301 N. Tryon Street. Convenient parking is available in the Museum’s parking deck – the Carol Grotnes Belk Complex – at the corner of Sixth and Church Streets. For more information about Discovery Place, call 704- 372-6261 or visit discoveryplace.org.

About IMAX Corporation

IMAX Corporation is one of the world’s leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in digital and film-based motion picture technologies. The worldwide IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event Hollywood films around the globe, with IMAX theatres delivering the world’s best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX 3D, and IMAX DMR technology. IMAX DMR is the Company’s groundbreaking digital remastering technology that allows it to transform digitally virtually any conventional motion picture into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience. IMAX’s renowned projectors display crystal-clear images on the world’s biggest screens, and the IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences for consumers. As of September 30, 2006, there were 280 IMAX theatres operating in 40 countries.

IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, IMAX MPX® and The IMAX Experience® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at imax.com.

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