IMAX Theatre Opens on Cannery Row

Elaine Schumacher, Staff Reporter

elaine_schumacher@csumb.edu

April 5, 2008

The long awaited IMAX Theatre, at 640 Wave Street, Cannery Row Monterey, opened its doors to the public, April 4 at 3 p.m. The film, “Sea Monsters 3D” is now showing on a 35 by 60 foot screen with IMAX projection technology. 

“The goal of the theatre is to enhance the experience of visiting Cannery Row,” said Fred Weinert, CEO, Bella Cinema.  The theatre will also show educational and environmental films to grade school students in local schools.  “Sea Monsters 3D,” will continue showing throughout the year, phasing out as two other productions are introduced.  “U2 3D,” will begin April 25 and “Wild Ocean 3D,” in May, 2008.

The IMAX Theatre is hoping to benefit from tourism to Cannery Row and the Aquarium. At the start of the project, Weinert and fellow co-founder, Stephen Crisman, confident in the success of the Cannery Row location, agreed to take a reduction in their salaries in order to reduce the overhead expense of constructing the IMAX Theatre on Cannery Row.  “This is a long-term project that we hope people will come and experience every time they return to Cannery Row,” said Weinert.

Frank and Carmen Hernandez, visitors from Medford, Oregon were thrilled with the new addition to Cannery Row. “The forty-five minute showing was well worth the price of admission,” said Mrs. Hernandez. “It was like being under water, swimming with the fish,” added Mr. Hernandez.  

The movie was educational because it showed the evolution of the sea creatures and how the different continents were formed, added Mrs. Hernandez.  The Hernandez’s were in Monterey to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.  “We spent our honeymoon here in Monterey, 60 years ago so it is a very special place for us,” continued Mrs. Hernandez.

“We want to put the word out that the IMAX is a good source of part time employment for the student,” said Weinert.  In addition to the theatre, a small art gallery displaying the paintings of French-American artist, Guy Buffet and the Edgewater Café, featuring Ciao Bella gelato and espresso drinks are located within the building.

IMAX tickets are $9.95 for adults, $7.95 weekdays before 3 p.m.; and $7.95 for children 12 and younger.