Ancient Egypt Comes to Life on the Giant Screen in Mysteries of Egypt at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Film Starring Omar Sharif Opens September 10, 2004, in Phipps IMAX Theater
DENVER—Take a virtual tour of some of the world’s most famous archaeological landmarks when Mysteries of Egypt opens in Phipps IMAX Theater at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on Friday, September 10, 2004. The film is a perfect complement to the Museum’s new temporary exhibition The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt, which opens the same day.
The film’s powerful tale of ancient Egypt is told by legendary screen actor and native Egyptian Omar Sharif (Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago). He plays a grandfather enchanting his granddaughter, played by Kate Maberly (The Secret Garden), with a great detective story of hidden tombs and treasure hunts. Through the course of the film, she also discovers new things about how Egyptians lived centuries ago and what they believed.
Based on an ancient Egyptian belief that death was not an end but the beginning of a great journey, the Egyptians carved out a kingdom of limestone monuments, enormous pyramids, and spectacular golden treasures, creating mysteries that continue to fascinate the world. The film transports the viewer to the time when the great pyramids were built, re-creating the construction as archaeologists now believe it occurred.
Mysteries of Egypt also depicts the mummification ritual, preparing a pharaoh’s body for eternal life. In a reenactment, the film engages the viewer as Egyptians ready the body of the teenage pharaoh, Tutankhamun, ceremoniously carrying him deep into his dark tomb where he will lie undisturbed for centuries. Another reenactment portrays the moment in 1922 that archaeologists discover Tutankhamun’s resting place, and the wealth of artifacts placed in his tomb with him.
The large-format screen allows the audience to experience the magnificence of Egypt. Audience members are whisked from their seats and taken on a thrilling flight over the Nile, the world’s longest river. Soaring over the great pyramids of Giza, viewers cross the deathly quiet Valley of the Kings and descend into the shadowy chambers of Tutankhamun’s sacred tomb.
National Geographic Films, which coproduced Mysteries of Egypt with Destination Cinema, received exclusive access to the Valley of the Kings to capture these breathtaking aerial shots, and received unparalleled access to the ancient civilization’s most spectacular treasures. With more than 85 years of experience covering Egypt and funding major archaeological research, National Geographic has brought Egypt’s wonders to its 9 million members and worldwide audiences in six cover articles and 36 major feature articles in its magazine, and through 18 television programs. Its Committee for Research and Exploration has also awarded more than 80 research grants to support scientific field projects in Egypt.
Mysteries of Egypt is the first large-format film coproduced by National Geographic Films and Destination Cinema in association with NOVA/WGBH Boston, Museum of Science and Industry-Chicago, Canadian Museum of Civilization and Centex Investment Limited. The film is presented in Denver by Qwest Communications.
Press Screenings: Members of the media are invited to attend special preview screenings of Mysteries of Egypt. They will take place Wednesday, September 1, and Thursday, September 2, at 8:30 a.m. Please RSVP to Laura Holtman at 303-370-6407 if you would like to attend a screening.
Ticket Prices: Admission to both The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt exhibition and the Mysteries of Egypt IMAX film:
Members Nonmembers
-Adults $10 $24
-Juniors (ages 3-18) $7.50 $17
-Seniors (ages 65+) $7.50 $17
Admission to the Mysteries of Egypt IMAX film only:
Members Nonmembers
-Adults $5 $8
-Juniors (ages 3-18) $4 $5.50
-Seniors (ages 65+) $4 $5.50
School and group discounts available. For more information and show times, call 303-322-7009 or check www.dmns.org.
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DMNS-04-73
Many of the Museum’s educational programs and exhibits are made possible in part by generous funding from the citizens of the seven-county metro area through the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). IMAX is a registered trademark of Imax Corporation.
