Boston Museum Transports Viewers With The Alps

"Against a backdrop of overwhelming beauty, The Alps is a true-life story of extraordinary courage," says director Stephen Judson. The Alps follows the journey of John Harlin III, who literally follows in his father's footsteps.

Sponsored locally by The MathWorks, The Alps will show exclusively in Boston in the newly renovated Mugar Omni Theater through June 15, 2008 (the film will run through September 1, 2008). "The spirit of discovery is fundamental for the scientists, students, and engineers who use our software," said Jeanne O'Keefe, Chief Financial Officer, The MathWorks. "And the Museum of Science captures the excitement of learning and exploration. We hope many people will be drawn to the outstanding IMAX® film series — including 'The Alps' — in the weeks and months to come."

About the Film:

Forty years ago, Harlin's father, John Harlin II, long considered one of America's best mountaineers, set out to forge a bold new route straight up the Eiger's 6,000-foot face. Approaching the summit at 4,000 feet, Harlin's rope broke, and sent him plummeting to a tragic death that would shatter the lives of his family. Just nine years old at the time, John Harlin III has been haunted by the Eiger ever since.

In The Alps, Harlin faces his fears and honors his father's legacy on a climb that is both an intensely personal and a physical achievement. Through this expedition, Harlin learns why his father came to love the Alps, its rich history, culture, staggering beauty, and its people. Accompanying him are his German climbing partners: contemporary climbing stars Robert and Daniela Jasper.

"The Eiger held a part of my soul captive for forty years, and with this trip I was able to set myself free," says John Harlin III of his achievement. "I always felt I had to do this climb, and yet the thing that I really came back with is that it's my family that is the most important thing to me. Having climbed the Eiger North Face, I can now revel in spending time with my family more than ever."

The making of The Alps was a vastly ambitious undertaking that involved a team made up of climbing luminaries, hardy mountain guides and award-winning nature cinematographers. Featuring some of the most spectacular giant screen imagery ever seen — captured by intrepid helicopter and mountaineering crews — the film celebrates both the unsurpassed beauty of the Alps and the indomitable spirit of the people who live, climb and explore there.

Though the production was filled with uncertainties, ranging from how the weather might shift to whether Harlin and the Jaspers would ultimately make it to the summit, the story could not have been captured any other way. Sums up Judson: "The risk factor was high, but the results speak for themselves. It will be amazing for audiences to have the chance to get so close to climbers on the Eiger North Face. Like the best experiences, it was intense but so rewarding."

Pioneering filmmakers MacGillivray Freeman, and producers of the blockbuster hit, Everest, are the creative talents behind The Alps. The film is presented by Holcim and Switzerland Tourism in association with Four Eyes 4iS. It is directed by Stephen Judson, executive produced by Alex Biner, and produced by Greg MacGillivray and Mark Krenzien. Brad Ohlund is the director of photography, Michael Brown is director of mountain photography and Ron Goodman is director of aerial photography. The film's score features the powerful songs of rock legends Queen in collaboration with award-winning musical composer, Steve Wood. Renowned British actor Michael Chambon, best known to film audiences for the role of Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, narrates The Alps. -- www.mos.org