Museum of Science, Boston

Press Release [Return to listing page]

July 31, 2009

Planet You is first in a series of 3-D films to be produced by the Museum

BOSTON, Massachusetts — July 31, 2009 — Planet You, the first 3-D film produced by the Museum of Science in collaboration with the Health Museum of Houston premiered at the Boston museum on July 24. Planet You, the first in a series of human body-related 3-D that the two museums plan to develop and produce, brings audiences face-to-face with the "alien" critters that reside on our skin. The film — which debuts simultaneously in Boston and Houston — will be distributed to museums across the country and possibly around the world.

"3-D films have long been a popular attraction for our visitors. However, there is a real shortage of films that are scientifically relevant, educational, entertaining and fun — all at the same time," said Robin Doty, filmmaker and 3-D and Omni manager at the Museum of Science. "We leveraged our expertise in education and program development and partnered with the Health Museum of Houston to create content and fills that void, we hope, at like-minded institutions everywhere."

Planet You is a fascinating journey into a world unseen by the human eye — the microscopic ecology of the human body. Scientists estimate that our bodies contain ten times as many bacterial cells as human cells and are host to complex ecosystems of microorganisms invisible to the naked eye. The film will allow audiences to come face-to-face with critters that often take up residence on our skin. To help tell this story, Planet You blends live-action sequences with computer-generated animation.

The collaboration involved a team of 60, three production companies and the latest in digital production. Creative, technological, and educational talent worked together in real time and over great distances in Boston, Austin, Houston, Los Angeles and London.

Future films in the Planet You series on human physiology will provide visitors with new 3-D experiences that are lively, informative and fun to watch. Planet You is now showing in the BOSE 3-D Digital Cinema at the Museum of Science and will available there at least through the holiday season of 2009. Tickets are available at the box office and in the online store at mos.org.

About the Museum of Science:

One of the world's largest science centers, the Museum of Science takes a hands-on approach to science, attracting approximately 1.5 million visitors a year through its vibrant programs and over 700 interactive exhibits. Highlights include the Thomson Theater of Electricity, home of the world's largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator; the Charles Hayden Planetarium; the Mugar Omni Theater, a 180-degree IMAX® domed theatre; and the Gordon Current Science & Technology Center (GCS&T), which offers breaking news stories to the public with interpretation by Museum staff. In 2004, the Museum launched the National Center for Technological Literacy® (NCTL)®—helping facilitate a nationwide expansion of technology literacy by working with regional schools, offering educational products and programs for pre-K-12 students and teachers, creating curricula, and supporting an online resource center. For more information, visit mos.org