IMAX: `THE LIVING SEA' BEGINS JULY 4 AT THE PINK PALACE

"The Pipeline" at the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, is the most famous surf break in the world. The scene is featured in the IMAX film "The Living Sea."

MEMPHIS -- Whether it's a volcanic eruption or a swim through a coral reef, the four-story screens and surround sound of Image Maximum theaters are always showing a blockbuster movie.

"Ring of Fire" is the current hit movie at the Union Planters IMAX Theater inside the Pink Palace. "The Living Sea," an Academy Award-nominated film narrated by Meryl Streep, will take the screen July 4. The Pink Palace Museum is located along Central Avenue in Memphis, Tenn., and is operated by the Memphis Museum System.

With its mixture of science and video technology, "Ring of Fire" bursts with action. Volcanoes along the Pacific Rim erupt on the screen as lava and ash flow so close to the audience that viewers often feel like part of the film. Viewers can even see an earthquake shake the streets of San Francisco.

Theater employees suggest that if the action gets too close, "just close your eyes and remember that you are sitting in our comfortable theater and aren't part of the action."

As the hot lava flows like a river down a Hawaiian mountain, setting fire to everything in its path, you can easily forget it's just a movie and not the real thing.

The blur between fantasy and reality is just what draws thousands of people to IMAX theaters.

Since the Union Planters IMAX Theater opened in January 1995, more than 270,000 people have seen films on the four-story screen. The theater, with amphitheater seating, holds 240 people per show. It can also seat up to 400 people for business presentations.

The success of the IMAX Theater is proof that people support high-quality entertainment, said George Brown, director of theaters with the Memphis museum system.

But entertainment is only part of the show at an IMAX theater. The first titles available to the large screens were science-related movies that demonstrated scientific principles through the use of fast-paced action. Most IMAX theaters are found in museums around the country because that's where the titles were, said Pat Boren, public relations director for the Pink Palace.

The theater's next film, "The Living Sea" combines science and the colorful world of water.

The movie takes the audience to the bottom of the ocean to swim with jellyfish, whales and barracuda.

Preview audiences for "The Living Sea" have been positive, said theater manager Tony Hardy, adding that it is expected to be the most popular IMAX film yet.

It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary and features the voice of actress Meryl Streep and the songs of pop singer Sting.

Both "Ring of Fire" and "The Living Sea" run about 40 minutes, but viewers should arrive about 30 minutes prior to show time. Reservations are recommended.

Tickets cost $5.50 for adults and $4 for children. For more information and show times, call (901) 763-IMAX.