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Dive Into the Lost World of Marine Reptiles With 'Sea Monsters 3D: A Prehistoric Adventure'

A fossilized Xiphactinus, a 17-foot long predatory fish was found with an entire 6-foot fish inside - swallowed whole. (c)2007 NGHT, Inc.

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - September 7, 2007) - Extraordinary marine reptiles from the dinosaur age come to life on the giant screen with 3D technology in National Geographic's new film "Sea Monsters 3D: A Prehistoric Adventure," opening October 5, 2007 at the California Science Center IMAX Theater. From the giraffe-necked Styxosaurus and 20-foot "bulldog" fish Xiphactinus to the T-Rex of the ocean -- the 40-foot super-predator Tylosaurus -- these wondrous beasts defy imagination.

The film, narrated by Tony Award-winning actor Liev Schreiber with an original score by longtime musical collaborators Richard Evans, David Rhodes and Peter Gabriel, takes audiences on a remarkable journey into the relatively unexplored world of the "other dinosaurs," those reptiles that lived beneath the water. Funded in part through a grant from the National Science Foundation, the film delivers to the giant screen the fascinating science behind what we know, and a vision of history's grandest ocean creatures.

"This is the first giant-screen film about what lived in the water during the dinosaur age," said producer Lisa Truitt, president of National Geographic Giant Screen Films and Special Projects. "It is perfect subject matter for such an immersive format, one that allows these giants to literally swim off the screen and directly into the audience."

The Cretaceous world was very different from the Earth we know. Eight million years ago, places such as Kansas were at the bottom of a great inland sea that divided North America in two. A warmer climate meant more of the globe was submerged -- Europe was just a smattering of islands, much of Asia was underwater and a shallow ocean engulfed nearly all of Australia. On this sodden sphere, cold-blooded seagoing reptiles flourished, and as these ocean giants died, their skeletons were left in locations that are now high and dry.

"Sea Monsters 3D: A Prehistoric Adventure" weaves together spectacular photorealistic animation with standout finds from paleontological digs around the world -- treasures that shed light on the film's incredible cast of characters.

The film follows a family of Dolichorhynchops, also know informally as "Dollies," as they traverse ancient waters populated with saber-toothed fish, prehistoric sharks and giant squid. On their journey, the Dollies encounter other extraordinary sea creatures: lizard-like reptiles called Platecarpus that swallowed their prey whole like snakes; Styxosaurus with necks nearly 20 feet long and paddle-like fins as large as an adult human; and at the top of the food chain, the monstrous Tylosaurus, a predator with no enemies.

"Sea Monsters 3D: A Prehistoric Adventure" is a remarkable visual journey that also educates audiences on the "How do we know that?" side of paleontology. Do scientists need full skeletons to learn about these creatures? Not always, as we learn from shark teeth found throughout the central United States, proof that these modern-day hunters were thriving during the age of dinosaurs when Kansas was at the bottom of the sea. How do we know what these creatures ate, and what pursued them? The shapes of jaws and teeth provide dietary clues, and occasionally paleontologists are lucky enough to discover bones of one species inside the remains of another. In fact, one fossilized Xiphactinus, a 17-foot-long predatory fish, was found with an entire 6-foot fish inside -- swallowed whole.

From fossil digs to larger-than-life visions of predatory chases in shallow seas, the film immerses audiences in a rarely explored environment during the dinosaur age. Merging ultra-high resolution 3D graphics with National Geographic's trademark authenticity, compelling imagery and powerful storytelling, the film is a perfect combination of subject and medium, ancient leviathans of the deep brought to life in the world's biggest film format.

Distributed by National Geographic, "Sea Monsters 3D: A Prehistoric Adventure" will be supported by an array of companion products, including books and a video game. A complete listing of products is available at www.nationalgeographic.com/store. Additional information on the film can be found at www.nationalgeographic.com/seamonsters.

Schedule as of October 5, 2007:

About National Geographic Giant Screen Films

National Geographic Giant Screen Films is part of National Geographic Ventures (NGV), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Geographic Society, one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. Building on its global reputation for remarkable visuals and compelling stories, National Geographic Giant Screen Films produces original 2D and 3D productions for the world's largest screens. National Geographic Giant Screen Films also retains distribution rights to one of the largest film libraries in the giant-screen industry. www.nationalgeographic.com/seamonsters

About the California Science Center

The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission to Science Center exhibits is free. For recorded information, including IMAX show times, call 323.SCIENCE (323.724-3623). IMAX ticket prices range from $4.75 to $8.00. For advance ticket purchases, group rates, or to make reservations for any visiting group of 15 or more (required), call 213.744-2019. Parking is available in the guest lot at Figueroa and 39th/Exposition Park Drive at $6 per car, $10 for buses or oversized vehicles. Both the Science Center and IMAX Theater are wheelchair accessible. For further information, please visit our website at www.californiasciencecenter.org.