3D science-based film opens at the Health Museum

Aug 5 2009

Imagine exploring an alien world where odd creatures roam bizarre terrain in search of food. Then witness the attack and counterattack of viral bacteria at a cellular level. Now imagine it all in 3D!

On Friday, August 7, The John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science, also called The Health Museum will premiere the new 3D film called Planet You 3D. It is an experience that will take you to a world you never knew existed before – a world that is so much closer than you think. It is a microscopic journey into the foreign landscape that is your own…SKIN!

This 3D film mixes live action and cutting-edge digital computer animation to tell the story of just a few of the thousands of tiny critters that live on the surface of human skin, like the microscopically scary Dermatophagoides, or, house dust mite. His sole focus in life is to feed on dead skin flakes. It turns out that this is essentially a good thing, except that the excrement of this half-millimeter creature can cause asthma or allergic reactions. Without giving the movie away, it would be wise to replace bed pillows every six months.

Other creepy crawlies starring in the film include the Louse and Deer ticks, always ready to make a meal out of us. And of course, there are the ever-present bacteria that share our lives. At this cellular level, witness the truly catastrophic paper cut, and the miraculous process of how the human body’s skin heals itself at an incredible rate. Viewers will encounter it all, at an animated, microscopic level not seen before. It will leave them both amazed and perhaps a little uncomfortable in their own skin. But it will certainly be an unforgettable experience.

The 18-minute Planet You 3D film is an original production and licensing venture of The Health Museum and The Museum of Science, Boston. This film is the first of a planned series of Planet You 3D film collaborations that will tease the senses and amaze the mind.

The partnership between the two institutions also marks the first time in museum/science center history that original, science-based, digital 3D films will be produced for a museum-focused audience. “Planet You 3D will most certainly introduce a whole new world of science to kids of every age. Adding this film to our existing, highly interactive, technology-based exhibits will further establish The Heath Museum as a leader in creating the innovative museum experience,” said Jon Iszard, President and CEO of The Health Museum.

“Considering the techno-savvy generation of today, digital 3D films are absolutely an effective way to excite kids about science while still being very entertaining,” said Phil Lindsey, Vice President of Exhibit and Business Development. “Our partnership with The Museum of Science, Boston combines experience and resources that will create a highly-interactive science adventure that will excite all of the senses – and Planet You 3D is just good gross fun!”

The Health Museum will preview Planet You 3D with media and invited guests on Thursday, August 6 at 6 p.m. in The Health Museum’s McGovern Theater, where 4D capability will add synchronized environmental effects for an even more immersive experience.

Planet You 3D is a new, permanent film at The Health Museum. Admission to the film is included in the cost of a general admission ticket to the museum.

ABOUT THE HEALTH MUSEUM

The John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science, also known as The Health Museum, is a member institution of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center and is located in the heart of Houston’s Museum District at 1515 Hermann Drive Houston, TX 77004. Recent additions to the museum include You: The Exhibit, a highly interactive look at the physical, psychological and future you, and the McGovern 4D Theater, Houston’s only 4D theater, where 3D films and environmental effects like wind, rain, fog and lightning combine to create a memorable experience.

Summer hours for the museum are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. General Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3-12 and senior adults. Museum members and children two years of age and under are admitted free. Group discount rates and school field trip information are available by calling 713-521-1515, ext. 121. For information about the Museum or its programs, please call 713-521-1515 or visit www.thehealthmuseum.org.

The John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science is an interactive and entertaining science experience for all ages that promotes understanding and appreciation of the human body, mind and spirit and inspires a lifelong commitment to health and wellness.