The 'Polar Express 3D' is pulling into Imax Theater

"Polar Express 3D" holiday movie will return to the Tennessee Aquarium Imax Theater on Nov. 23. / Facebook.com
"Polar Express 3D" holiday movie will return to the Tennessee Aquarium Imax Theater on Nov. 23. / Facebook.com

"Polar Express 3D" has been shown on the six-story screen at the Tennessee Aquarium Imax Theater for more than a decade. And the tradition will continue this year beginning Friday, Nov. 23.

Starring Tom Hanks as the conductor of a magical locomotive bound for the North Pole, this Oscar-nominated animated film shines even brighter on Chattanooga's Imax with laser projection.

Part of the fun of the movie's holiday screenings at the Imax is PJs and Polar Express, when guests are encouraged to come to the show wearing their pajamas.

This year's pajama parties are at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 15-16. Before watching the movie, guests will enjoy cocoa and pastries and can hobnob with The Conductor.

Register for these special screenings in advance at community.tnaqua.org. For a full schedule of "Polar Express 3D" showings, visit tnaqua.org/imax/the-polar-express.

Take a Virtual Reality Dive

In the Imax Theater's lobby, guests can don special headsets to embark on a prehistoric dive, a new virtual-reality experience. Participants are placed in the digital boots of a team of explorers who are mysteriously catapulted through time into the harrowing waters of a primordial ocean.

During the adventure, the headsets transmit realistic 3-D imagery that changes based on where guests are looking. The platform on which they are seated moves in response to the onscreen action. Together, these elements make for an experience that's completely immersive. This optional paid experience is $8 for members, $10 nonmembers.

The Imax Theater is located at 201 Chestnut St. Tickets are $11.95 per adult, $9.95 per child. Aquarium/Imax combo tickets are $37.95 adults, $26.95 children.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.tnaqua.org or by phone at 1-800-262-0695.

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