Last Saturday (February 6th, 2016), my family and I watched a special advance media and special invitation screening of MacGillivray Freeman’s National Parks Adventure at the California Science Center’s IMAX Theater. I always enjoyed nature, but found a greater appreciation for it after meeting my husband (who loves to hike), and having a child (because I want her to like the outdoors). After seeing MacGillivray Freeman’s National Parks Adventure, I want to visit as many National Parks as I can in my lifetime! It’s a beautiful, informational, and awe-inspiring film that visits over 30 national parks and will make you appreciate nature on a whole other level. Here are my top four reasons to watch MacGillivray Freeman’s National Parks Adventure:
You Will Learn Some History and Thank Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir
This year, the U.S. National Parks celebrates it’s 100th birthday. The film captures the essence of the creation of the National Park Service with the 3-day camping trip U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt took with John Muir in the Yosemite Valley in 1903. I did not know much about John Muir before watching the film, but have seen his name almost everywhere. I’m so glad I know more about him and his contribution to this country. Teddy Roosevelt went through some tough times right before meeting John Muir. During his camping trip, he learned about the powerful healing powers of nature. It’s a great example of activism in action and being in the right place at the right time.
It Will Make You Plan Your Family Vacations Differently
I remember watching movies in the 80s and 90s about families that took road-trip vacations to national parks such as Yellowstone. My family never went on trips like those, mainly because my parents worked a lot and were not into nature. Family vacations for us, were trips to Disneyland and other man-made creations. Now, as an adult with a family, I want to explore further and introduce my daughter to the beauty of nature. I believe the sense of awe and wonder national parks provide is something unmatched by anything manmade.
The Shots Are Amazing
MacGillivray Freeman’s National Parks Adventure is one of the last movies fully shot on 70mm celluoid, rather than digitally. That might make it the last IMAX feature on film.
The three adventurers the film follows are experienced climbers – world-renowned climber Conrad Anker; his step-son, adventure photographer Max Lowe; and Max’s long-time friend, climber and artist Rachel Pohl. The shots of them climbing, mountain biking, and exploring are phenomenal. The IMAX camera, rigged half-way up Devils Tower captured breathtaking shots; the camera captured the freedom of biking natural ramp formations on Slickrock Trail in Moab; and it was like being in a fairy tale seeing the natural ice castle in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Upper Michigan, which looks like a real life scene from Elsa’s castle in Frozen.
It Will Inspire You To Get Outside
There are tons of gorgeous shots of nature on Instagram, but how many of us actually set out explore the things we appreciate on our devices? Download the Printable Map with Activities from the Educator link on National Parks Adventure’s website and plan your next adventure!
For More Information
For more information about MacGillivray Freeman’s National Parks Adventure, go to nationalparksadventure.com
MacGillivray Freeman’s National Parks Adventure opens at the California Science Center’s IMAX Theatre on February 12, 2016
Click here to find a showing at a theatre near you
Enter my giveaway for MacGillivray Freeman’s National Parks Adventure promo items HERE
All photos in this post are Courtesy of MacGillivray Freeman Films and used with permission
Disclaimer: I attended this screening as a member of the media and was not compensated for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.
