On Sunday, at its highly anticipated US premiere, Dolby Atmos technology transported viewers directly onto Arrakis, the desert planet of Dennis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two.” The latest installment in the iconic trilogy was an alluring experience from start to finish, and with Dolby and its beyond surround-sound and immersive visuals, it was very easy to feel like you had drifted right into the film. But for many premiere guests, the experience doesn’t end in the theater, and “Dune: Part Two” was no exception.
Directed by Villeneuve and boasting a stellar cast led by Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler and Florence Pugh, “Dune: Part Two” continues the epic saga of Paul Atreides as he navigates the treacherous political landscape of Arrakis. The film follows Paul’s journey as he unites with the Fremen people to wage war against House Harkonnen, all while grappling with his own destiny and identity.
If you were to search New York City for a place most resembling the planet where Paul fights alongside the Fremen in the film, one location would likely stand above all others: The Gilder Science Center at The American Museum of Natural History. Upon my first visit to the center this fall, the first words out of my mouth were “I feel like I’m on Arrakis right now.” The artistry of the exhibit, which is complete with an immersive “invisible worlds experience” that transported guests directly into the film’s most prominent scenes, created an otherworldly experience.
Just as Arrakis is a world of secrets waiting to be uncovered, the Gilder Center offers a glimpse into the hidden wonders of the natural world. From the insectarium to the floor-to-ceiling collections displays, guests found themselves immersed in an environment that mirrored the awe-inspiring landscapes of Arrakis.
The party was complete with themed bites and cocktails, including a “Water Of Life” drink that greatly resembled one of the film’s most prominent plot points, as well as an “Arrakis Spice Margherita,” which requires no explanation. With the perfect atmosphere, themes and music, there could not have been a more perfect way to celebrate the premiere of such an iconic film.
One of the best ways to experience a film with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos is by watching a film at your local Dolby Cinema. To put it simply, Dolby Cinema offers guests the best movie-going experience. It unlocks the emotional impact of every film, allowing you to see subtle details and ultra-vivid colors (courtesy of Dolby Vision) and hear sounds come alive all around you (thanks to Dolby Atmos). On top of that, Dolby Cinema also features spacious recliners with clear sight lines. Once you experience films in Dolby Cinema, you won’t want to experience movies any other way afterwards.
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