'Quantum Quest' Brings Science To Science-Fiction

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'Quantum Quest' Brings Science To Science-Fiction
September 6, 2010
by DENNIS RAYBURN
Airlock Alpha

s I'm writing this, I am a bit over 24 hours since having the honor of attending the world premiere of a new movie, heading for IMAX theaters in January.

The film, “Quantum Quest,” was premiered on Saturday night during the 2010 Dragon*Con it Atlanta, as part of a program attended by members of the cast, and by June Scobee Rodgers, one of the founding directors of the Challenger Centers.

“Quantum Quest” is the story of a young photon named Dave, who apparently has no desire whatsoever to accept the duties and responsibilities of adulthood and leave his home on the Sun to serve his people, who are led by “The Core.” Circumstances develop that forces Dave to finally leave the sun in a desperate attempt to save his people from the forces of evil led by the villainous, “The Void,” a creature that hates all knowledge, and driven by a desire to destroy all life.

This CGI movie is very unique by several factors, one of which is the incredible noteworthy cast of individuals who have lent their voices to the characters to tell this story that not only entertains, but teaches the viewers. Some of the amazing cast members include Chris Pine ("Star Trek"), Samuel L. Jackson (Star Wars prequels), Hayden Christensen (Star Wars prequels), Amanda Peet ("Burn Notice"), Robert Picardo ("Star Trek: Voyager," "Stargate: Atlantis"), James Earl Jones (the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars films), William Shatner ("Star Trek's" original Capt. Kirk), Mark Hamill (original Star Wars), and in his first film ever, Neil Armstrong, commander of Apollo 11, the first space mission to land on the moon.

Another factor that makes this film very unique is the images of space and the planets that are used. While they could have been done fictionally with CGI, the producers opted to use actual radar, photos and data from multiple satellite missions to the planets of our solar system, most notable the Cassini mission to Saturn.

The film's action-packed and very fast-paced story was written by Harry Kloor, the first person to ever earn two doctorates simultaneously from Purdue University, whose writing credits include “Star Trek: Voyager” and “Earth: Final Conflict.” Kloor shared with me that this project had been one that has taken close to 15 years, off and on, to reach completion.

The story is very entertaining, and in the tradition of shows like Discovery Channel's hit, “Mythbusters,” teaches kids while they are having fun. It runs about 50 minutes, and is a fantastic film for science centers and museums that have IMAX theaters to present. The film is also not just for kids, as it features a story that also is entertaining for adults.

Words escape me that can truly express what I felt after watching it. It was 50 of the fastest minutes I can remember in quite a while. I left the film having not only enjoyed a great science-fiction story, but absolutely stunned by the breathtaking beauty of the interplanetary images that were presented.

I strongly recommend it for viewing by everyone, and to museums for their IMAX theaters. This one is an absolute winner!