3D Film Hidden Universe

The 3D production Hidden Universe has been released in IMAX® theatres and giant-screen cinemas around the globe. The film shows state-of-the-art telescopes in high-resolution time-lapse, mesmerising 3D versions of celestial structures, and a 3D simulation of the evolution of the Universe. Watch the 30-second clip…

To actually visit the most cutting-edge telescope facilities in the world, one has to travel to far flung places — such as the Chilean Andes at altitudes of up to 5000 meters. Now there is an easier way to experience these extreme locations.

Helix Nebula in infrared

For the first time in IMAX^® 3D you can now explore ESO‘s flagship facility, the Very Large Telescope (VLT), on screen, as well as visit the largest astronomical project in existence — the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA, an international astronomy facility supported by Europe, North America and East Asia in cooperation with the Republic of Chile) in the film Hidden Universe.

Screenshot from IMAX® 3D movie Hidden Universe showing the ALMA antennas / credit Russell Scott/ESO

Russell Scott directed the film, and worked on location during the shooting in November 2012. “The experience of filming in the Atacama Desert at such world-class observing facilities has been amazing,” he says. “Some of the otherworldly locations among the Andes mountains almost make you feel like you’re on another planet, and this sensation of nature — beyond what we are used to — is exactly what I want to transmit to the audience.”

Carina Nebula

“Hidden Universe will explore the Sun, our human connection to the cosmos, and amazing views of faraway galaxies in a previously unseen way — giving a fresh insight into the Universe,” explains producer Stephen Amezdroz.

“We’re enthusiastic to showcase ESO’s telescopes and groundbreaking science results in IMAX,” said Lars Lindberg Christensen, ESO’s Head of the education and Public Outreach Department. “Only the IMAX format can really convey the breathtaking experience of seeing humanity’s most advanced telescopes in action!”