Lansing - It's here.
Since it was announced last spring, film fans and cinemaphiles have watched the construction and fantasized of what might come.
Like little kids at Christmastime, they have held their noses pressed against the glass windows of their cars, dreaming of the plush red chairs, crisp stereo tones and a screen large enough to totally immerse a viewer in the movie-going experience.
And all of that will end at 6 p.m. today when the ribbon will be cut and Lansing's first IMAX will be open for business at Celebration! Cinema, 200 E. Edgewood Blvd. in Lansing.
The first film to be shown will be "Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West," at 7:15 p.m. Tickets still are available for all showings.
On Monday, chairs were being screwed into place, purple paint was drying on the hand railings and the massive screen was secured tightly to the ceiling.
"It took about an hour to get it raised," operations manager Todd Hiler said of the massive movie screen. "It's getting there, just a few finishing touches."
Crews were working to adjust the picture and sound quality, as others made sure the 340 seats were secured to the flooring. The smell of new cushions and fresh paint permeated the air.
"People have been asking about it," Hiler said. "Now, people finally can begin to start enjoying it."
But why is there so much hype surrounding the construction and opening of the two new screens?
Well, the $3.5 million to $4 million project will make Lansing one of 10 capital cities to have an IMAX theater in the United States.
The real hype over the project, though, has been the 44-by-70 screen, which is about the height of an eight-story building. The screen also is the first MPX screen installed in the world. The MPX screen differs from others because it is curved and tilted to improve the filmgoing experience. Films shown on these screens are shot on 15/70mm film - as opposed to 35mm - giving them a larger-than-life quality. Included with the screen is Proportional Point Source sound, which is a speaker system that blasts out life-like, crisp sounds.
Hiler said when 3-D movies play on the screens, people won't know what to expect.
"It's nothing like 3-D films on the small screen," he said. "When they reach out to try and touch what's in front of them, then you know you got them."
But other movie theaters are saying even with the added amenities, the IMAX won't ruin their ticket sales.
Kristy Smith is day manager for NCG Eastwood Cinemas, 2500 Showtime Dr. in Lansing, and she said IMAX is so different and has such a specific purpose that it won't matter.
"I think it will draw people over," she said. "It attracts a lot of school groups, educational types of things."
The educational function was a selling point for city officials who are anticipating the ribbon cutting.
David Wiener, an executive assistant to Lansing Mayor Tony Benavides, said the business it will bring as well as the educational possibilities will make the IMAX a jewel for the south side of Lansing.
"It is a wonderful cultural asset to have," he said. "Students can come as part of a class trip (and) link with existing cultural programs, such as the Michigan Historic Museum or the Impression 5 museum or the MSU Museum."
But it isn't just the cultural aspect that has others prepared to buy a ticket and the popcorn-and-pop combo.
East Lansing Film Festival Director Susan Woods said it is more than just educational; it is "a wonderful expression of what film is all about."
Gary Hoppenstand, a professor and associate chairperson of the Department of American Thought and Language, said it is a great technology to have in the Lansing area. Hoppenstand also is a film instructor.
"I saw 'Matrix Reloaded' on an IMAX, and it was a great experience," he said. "(People enjoy) the immersive experience."
And while many people have seen a movie on an IMAX screen, some have only heard about the experience but are curious to see what all of the hype is about.
"I think it will be popular," English senior Rebecca Hector said. "I know people that go to the Grand Rapids one, and so the one in Lansing should be popular, too."
Shaun Byron can be reached at byronsha@msu.edu.
