It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our long time friend and production collaborator, Bill Reeve. A cinematographer, stereographer Bill passed away on Tuesday May 22nd after a battle with cancer.
Bill brought together a fascination with things engineered and the photographic arts to become a master of the IMAX camera. Bill’s contributions to the industry were many and included work on several Stephen Low films: Titanica, Mark Twain’s America (3D), Super Speedway, Volcanoes of the Deep Sea, Fighter Pilot, and Legends of Flight (3D). We will miss you Bill.
Streetcars Get the IMAX Treatment at Hot Docs 2018
The Trolley, a creation of award-winning IMAX filmmaker Stephen Low,
showcases the beauty, history, and impact of one of the greatest innovations in transportation.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018 (Toronto, ON) – Filmmaker Stephen Low, who has spent three decades producing and perfecting large-format cinema experiences, will have his newest project, The Trolley, debut as a Special Presentation at Hot Docs 2018. The Trolley propels audiences on a journey around the world to explore the power and potential of the trolley, tram or streetcar—a once nearly forgotten masterpiece of 19th century innovation. The film’s stunning aesthetic and ‘how-things-work’ approach turn a streetcar ride into something extraordinary. Following the trolley’s rollercoaster existence from 19th century invention to near extinction in the 1960s, the film focuses on Toronto as one of the only cities in North America to have retained an extensive streetcar network. The Trolley will have its World Premiere at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival on Saturday, May 5 at the Cinesphere, Ontario Place at 3PM EST.
“The Trolley stares down the automobile. In climate change, humanity faces a global crisis that is in scale and complexity unlike anything we have encountered before, yet we already have the solutions. And one of them is staring us in the face,” explains filmmaker Stephen Low. “I had to make this film to give streetcars their due. The film may prove especially poignant and nostalgic for Torontonians, given that streetcars (trolleys) have been these charming fixtures in the city since before we can remember. I hope we are able to give people a look at how and why they evolved – and I hope that the film helps humanize the transit system that is so vital to our lives and future.”
Can the trolley triumph? This film is sure to stimulate passions in its viewers. Showcasing surging urban machines from across of the eras, The Trolley evokes nostalgia, romance and adventure, but also underlines the dramatic transportation dilemma faced by humankind in an era of enduring auto-mania and impending climate catastrophe. In its visuals, its storytelling, its soundtrack, and its overall enchantment, the film is accessible and informative, elucidating the true and enduring magic of streetcars, including the red rockets that have been seen as both a point of pride and contention for so many Torontonians.
The Trolley has one Special Presentations screening at Hot Docs Canadian International Festival, in IMAX: Saturday, May 5 at 3PM EST, Cinesphere, Ontario Place
Links
Find out more about The Trolley here: The Trolley
Find out more about Hot Docs here: hotdocs.ca
The Science Museum of Minnesota. Photo: Diane Carlson.
Rocky Mountain Express will run at the William L. McKnight – 3M Omnitheater at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St-Paul, MN from October 13th, 2017 through March 18th, 2018.
The world premiere of Aircraft Carrier 3D (43-min) was held at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, May 24th, 2017. Aircraft Carrier focuses on the world of naval power and the astounding activity and air operations aboard a giant Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan. The film presents authentically, the true scale and drama of carrier and fleet naval operations to giant screen audiences for the first time.
Gen. Jack Dailey, Director of the National Air and Space Museum and Acting Secretary of the Navy, The Honorable Sean J. Stackley welcomed attendees to the Premiere. The project was presented by Bob Kresser, CEO, K2 Communications, with an introduction by the film’s director, Stephen Low.
The film launches in theaters immediately. Filmed in 15/70 motion picture film and Ultra-high-definition digital 3D, Aircraft Carrier is available in both 43-min and 24-min versions, in IMAX® Laser / 12.0 and in all digital 2D and 3D formats.
Sam Roberts expresses appreciation of Rocky Mountain Express. Check out: “Sam Roberts, Part 1: Love Affair With Trains” on the VIA Rail blog. Thanks Sam! Did we mention that the most recent Sam Roberts Band album is called Terraform?
[image: Matt Williams]
[Updated: Oct 2, 2016 | Originally published: Jan 7, 2016.]
Blu-ray Release Update
As of July 12, 2016, Rocky Mountain Express is available in Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray editions from local and online retailers. Check out the reviews and where to buy below.
“This is one of the most gorgeous renderings of early man-made achievements and nature. This is an unforgettable visual experience and an absolute reference-quality presentation that every home theatre enthusiast should own.” 5/5 —Gary Reber. widescreenreview.com The review at: www.widescreenreview.com
“Wow.” “This 4K UHD / Blu-ray presentation crushes it in terms of visuals and audio presentation. You’ll want to see and just take this whole thing in.”—Brandon Peters, whysoblu.com The review at: whysoblu.com
“Filled with marvelous images of steam locomotives riding a treacherous track in the Canadian Rockies, this IMAX presentation ranks among the large format elite. Rocky Mountain Express is a vista-drenched tourist ride much as it is historical saga.” 4.3 stars.—Matt Paprocki, DoBlu The review at: doblu.com
“Breathtaking.” “Rocky Mountain Express is wonderful trip down memory lane with some of the most incredible landscape photography you’ll ever see.”—Bill Kelley III, High-def Watch producer The review at: hamptonroads.com
“It has only been four days since I watched Rocky Mountain Express, and I am already itching to revisit this lovely documentary.” “Shot in 15 perforation/70 mm film, its aerial footage captured from helicopters and gyro-stabilized camera mounts, Rocky Mountain Express works as both a compelling educational document and a dazzling picturesque journey across the Great White North’s countryside. Far from a dry history lesson, the film brings a visual lyricism to its images, complemented by an eclectic music score—blues, spare piano melodies—and stirring soundtrack cues.”—Dustin Putman, theblufile.com The review at: www.theblufile.com
“A beautiful and interesting documentary on the building of a railroad, this IMAX feature looks great in 4K UHD”—John Sinnott, DVD Talk The review at: www.dvdtalk.com
The Stephen Low Company is pleased to announce an agreement with media company Shout Factory that will see the Stephen Low film “Rocky Mountain Express” released on Blu-ray 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray HD disc later this year.
Shout Factory, a multi-platform media company, has just unveiled its first slate of new family-friendly movie releases in the 4K Ultra HD™ format with high dynamic range (HDR), that will deliver visually stunning picture clarity and immersive audio for the optimal home entertainment experience. The discs are expected to be released beginning in late spring/early summer 2016 with pricing to be announced.
The IMAX® Experience Rocky Mountain Express is filmed in full 15/70 negative—world’s largest film format-guaranteeing spectacular image fidelity in the 4K Ultra HD medium. Together with its authentic story and award-winning cinematography, the film promises to be a highlight of the new medium.
“As the Ultra HD devices and entertainment content begin to populate the consumer marketplace this year, we are announcing our commitment to the UHD format joining industry leaders and major consumer electronics companies,” stated Melissa Boag, Shout’s Senior Vice President of Kids & Family Entertainment. “We look forward to presenting these awe-inspiring movies to a broad audience in the UHD format around the same timeframe that the traditional Blu-ray™ edition hits national retail.” Shout Factory plans a strategic staggered launch of these movies in 4K Ultra HD with HDR through physical home entertainment releases and select digital entertainment distribution platforms in North America, beginning in late spring/early summer 2016. A specific date for the release of Rocky Mountain Express will be announced.
About Shout! Factory
For more on Shout! Factory, visit shoutfactory.com
Colin Low passed away in hospital after a brief illness on February 24, 2016. Cowboy, artist, storyteller and pioneering Canadian filmmaker; director, animator, producer, mentor and collaborator at the National Film Board of Canada… and so much more, Colin is survived by his wife Eugénie St. Germain and sons Ben, Stephen (Shaune) and Alexander (Kate) and grandchildren Meghan, Léandre, Shannon and Laura.
A memorial service in remembrance and celebration of Colin’s life will be held Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 2:00pm at the Unitarian Church of Montreal, 5035 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Montréal, QC. To be followed by a reception. As an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice is appropriate. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Voluntas (Voluntas.ca, 514-695-7979).
Rocky Mountain Express will run at the World Golf Hall of Fame and IMAX Theater in St. Augustine, FL. between November 6, 2015 and November 5, 2016.
Check the local listing for showtimes: http://www.worldgolfimax.com/movies/rocky-mountain-express
Check other theater listings here:
http://www.rockymountainexpressfilm.com/up…/where-to-see-it/
