Cheap eye candy

Going to an IMAX movie can be great way to stay entertained for a few hours, but with the average cost of a ticket at around $13 it can also be a great way to go broke. This spring, if you want stunning entertainment without breaking the bank, then skip the multiplex and check out the 2011 Film Festival at OMSI.

The 2011 Film Festival is an eight-week celebration of 24 of the best and most impressive cinematic offerings shot in IMAX. From May 3 to June 26, OMSI will show several movies a day on the five-story screen of their famous OMNIMAX dome. On weekdays, the films will start showing at 11 a.m. and continue throughout the day, with the last one starting at 6 p.m. During the last week of the festival, there will be an extra movie scheduled each night. But on Friday and Saturday nights OMSI will extend the show times, so the last movie will begin at 9 p.m.

Tickets to see these IMAX films start at the very reasonable price of $8.50 for adult non-members ($7.50 for OMSI members) and $6.50 for youth and senior non-members ($5.50 for members) For shows starting 6 p.m. or later, ticket prices go down to $6 for adult non-members ($5 for members) and $5 for youth and senior non-members ($4 for members). If you want to see more than one or two movies, buying one of the passes is recommended. The Producer’s Pass-Single ($22) will get you into four movies of your choice with a free popcorn for each show. The Producer’s Pass ($40) will get you and a guest into four movies of your choice with a free popcorn for each show. Finally, the Director’s Pass ($90) will get you and a guest into all movies with a free popcorn for each show. Passes are limited in quantity though, so your best bet is to get them while it’s still early in the festival. Passes can be purchased by phone at 503-863-5611. Tickets and passes can also be bought at the OMSI front desk.

So, which films can you expect to see this year? Here’s a little preview of a few of the 24 IMAX gems that will be showcased during the festival:

“Amazon”

American scientists and a tribal shaman journey from the Amazon River’s source in the Andes through the rainforest in search of rare medicinal plants. Get ready to experience the utter beauty that is the Amazon basin.

“Born to be Wild”

A heartwarming movie that details the lives and experiences of the people who rescue and rehabilitate orphans from two of the most endangered species on the planet: orangutans and African elephants.

“Deep Sea”

In the farthest depths of the world’s oceans live some of the most fascinating, dangerous and entertaining animals found on the planet. These filmmakers take the audience up close to some of the world’s most bizarre creatures, including a few which have never been seen before.

“Hurricane on the Bayou”

A soundtrack of inspiring jazz, blues and gospel backs up this journey through the heart of Louisiana before, during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. This film depicts the haunting damage and the enduring hope that exists in storm-ravaged New Orleans.

 “Mystic India”

A chance to see the spectacular natural and architectural beauty, geographic and cultural diversity, and spiritual wonder that exists in the land and soul of India. The movie is shown through the true story of an eleven-year-old boy who walked 8,000 miles barefoot, across the vast country.

 “Ultimate Wave Tahiti”

Ten-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater travels through Tahiti and French Polynesia trying to find the perfect wave experience while the science behind waves and the shaping of the islands are explained. ?