ALBUQUERQUE, NM – The Lockheed Martin DynaTheater at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science will be the first built specifically for a Digital 3-D and Digital Surround Sound experience in the State. The enhanced large-format DynaTheater will open on a regular schedule with The Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D on Thursday, May 26, 2011.

The DynaTheater, known for its immersive geometry, will be a flagship theater for partners D3D Cinema, Barco, and Dolby as it will introduce the world’s first 4K Double Projection System. The system features two new projectors, new digital surround sound, and a new five story white screen. The white screen minimizes the poor viewing attributes associated with the silver screens necessary for other 3D systems and enhances the brightness of the projection system.

“When you see the new 4K projection system, new stadium seats, new five-story white screen and custom eyewear, then hear the incredible surround sound, it will be clear that the premium components and experience is unique to New Mexico and the Southwest United States,” says Jotina Trussell, President and CEO of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation [NMMNHF].

Don Kempf, President and Founder of D3D Cinema says, “We’re really proud to be partnered on this special giant-screen installation, the first of its kind anywhere in the world. While the popularity of 3D is growing in commercial venues, it was important to distinguish the experience that audiences will have at the DynaTheater. Barco’s high resolution 4K projectors filling the giant screen canvas, coupled with premium Dolby 3D technology, will provide a 3D experience unsurpassed in quality and immersion.”

“We are honored that the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science has chosen the latest Barco DLP Cinema® solution to launch their groundbreaking large-format theater,” commented Patrick Lee, VP Digital Cinema for Barco North America. “This will elevate the DynaTheater experience to a whole new level. We’re excited to be a part of it!”

Visitors returning to the popular DynaTheater will have a chance to experience some of the new 270 stadium-style seats. A groundbreaking Kooptech 3-D glasses washing system will give viewers the ultimate in spotless, sanitized eyewear, with no operator handling after cleaning.

The inaugural Digital 3-D experience is The Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D. The audio/visual experience follows ten-time World Champion surfer Kelly Slater and Tahitian surfer Raimana Van Bastolaer as they explore the nature of waves and hunt for the ultimate wave-riding experience at the famed Pacific surf site of Teahupo'o, Tahiti.

“Myself and the entire board of directors and staff are excited that the DynaTheater will be home to such revolutionary technology for the cinema industry,” says Jason Anderson, Chairman of the NMMNHF Board of Directors. “The capabilities of the state-of-the-art conversion are almost limitless, giving way for exciting new programming and great opportunities for the community.”

The new regular schedule will kick off immediately following a media preview of the new DynaTheater on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 10:00am. The first public viewing will be at Noon on Thursday, May 26, 2011.

The official Grand Opening celebration to the public will commence on Friday, June 3, 2011. Beginning this day and throughout the weekend, museum guests will receive special giveaways and opportunities to win prizes at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

The NMMNHF has built, installed and paid for the new 2D/3D DynaTheater experience in commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

The original Lockheed Martin Large Format Theater opened in August 1999 with the film Everest and featured an Iwerks 8/70 film print projection system.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation PURPOSE: The New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation whose sole purpose is to further the cultural, educational and scientific programs and purposes of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. MISSION: The Foundation will raise and manage funds for the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science through a variety of defined fund raising and entrepreneurial activities, and will provide identified services to enhance the programs and mission of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

About D3D Cinema
D3D Cinema is a Chicago-based company that offers complete digital 3D cinema solutions and services to museum and attraction industry clients worldwide. D3D offers a fresh and unique partnership approach to cinema design and 3D content, from theater integration to signature film production. D3D is a sister company of Giant Screen Films, a global leader in large-format film production & distribution.

About Barco
Barco, a global technology company, designs and develops visualization products for a variety of selected professional markets. Barco has its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D and Manufacturing in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Barco (NYSE Euronext Brussels: BAR) is active in more than 90 countries with about 3,500 employees worldwide. Barco posted sales of 897 million euro in 2010.