Roving Mars


©2006 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

In addition to today's opening of Annapolis, Disney is also releasing the movie Roving Mars in the large-screen format to a handful of IMAX theaters. Below is the film's description ...

The mysterious Red Planet, Mars, has inspired countless science fiction dreams and nightmares. Now, for the first time, experience the reality of the Mars surface as seen through the eyes of two intrepid, death-defying explorers -- Spirit and Opportunity, the Mars Rovers -- in the spectacular new giant screen adventure Roving Mars, exclusively in IMAX® Theatres. The phenomenal size and clarity of the IMAX® screen draws the viewer into a spectacular landscape that is at once awe-inspiring and amazing. And the suspenseful drama of the Rovers’ dogged quest over the rugged terrain may even answer that persistently haunting question – Is there life on Mars?

Of course, Mars has been the topic of previous Disney films and attractions. Ward Kimball produced "Mars and Beyond" for the Disney television series. The theme parks had Mission to Mars. There was even a Touchstone Pictures release in 2000 by the same name. And before Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters' FastPass took over the area, Disneyland had a NASA exhibit in the old Circle-Vision building that featured a look at Mars exploration.

When I was a kid, I loved dinosaurs and outer space. I never became an astronaut, though even if I had, I don't think I'd have made it to Mars. Since I can't take a Mission to Mars in Tomorrowland anymore to give me an idea of what a trip to the Red Planet might be like, perhaps Roving Mars on a giant IMAX screen might suffice.