Blue Whales 3D
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Image attribution
SK Films
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Image attribution
SK Films
WORLD PREMIERE AT THE CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER IMAX THEATER
NOW PLAYING–Blue Whales 3D takes viewers on a journey of a lifetime to explore the world of the magnificent blue whale, a species rebounding from the brink of extinction.
Following two scientific expeditions—one to find a missing population of blues off the exotic Seychelles Islands, the other to chronicle whale families in Mexico's stunning Gulf of California—the film transforms our understanding of the largest animal ever to have lived. From its almost incomprehensible size to its spectacular feeding habits; from the surprising role it plays in the health of our oceans to its awesome long-distance communications, the film provides an unforgettable window into the lives these animals live—and the extremes scientists must endure to study them.
Narrated by award-winning actor Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars) with a powerful score by Academy-Award winner Steven Price (Gravity), experience Blue Whales 3D for the first time, life-size on the Giant Screen. Runtime: 45 mins.
SHOWTIMES NOW - NOVEMBER 3, 2024
11:00 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
SHOWTIMES NOVEMBER 4 - NOVEMBER 22, 2024
10:30 a.m.
2:30 p.m.
SHOWTIMES NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 1, 2024
Closed Thanksgiving
10:30 a.m.
2:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
SHOWTIMES DECEMBER 2 - DECEMBER 13, 2024 View Details
10:30 a.m.
2:30 p.m.
SHOWTIMES DECEMBER 14, 2024 - JANUARY 5, 2025 View Details
Closed Christmas and New Year's Day
10:30 a.m.
2:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
Official Trailer
What Do Blue Whales Sound Like?
Listen to the blue whale's unique vocalizations in this recording from The Marine Mammal Center.
blue whale vocalization
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After taking a huge gulp of water and krill the blue whales throat pleats expand to such an extent that the whale can double in size.
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Image attribution
SK Films
Today there are between 5,000 to 10,000 blue whales in the Southern Hemisphere and about 3,000 to 4,000 blue whales in the Northern Hemisphere. Researchers like Dr. Diane Gendron and Jasivi Arcos (shown above) study blue whales so we can continue to help their populations recover.
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Image attribution
SK Films
Newborn blue whales are big babies! They can reach about 23 feet in length and can weigh 5,000 to 6,000 pounds at birth. With the blue whale mother's milk, the calf can gain weight at a rate of up to 10 pounds an hour, which amounts to 240 pounds a day!
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Image attribution
SK Films
The blue whale's favorite food is krill, or small shrimp-like animals. They can eat up to 12,000 pounds of krill a day during the feeding season. They concentrate on feeding during the polar summers primarily around the Channel Islands, Monterey Bay, and the Farallon Islands/Cordell Bank off of California. During the winter months, they migrate to warmer waters in Mexico and Central America.
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Image attribution
SK Films
Blue whales have been found in all oceans around the world except for the Arctic Ocean. They’ve been observed swimming individually or in small groups, with pairs being the most common occurrence.
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Image attribution
SK Films
There are a number of distinct populations of blue whales. The North Pacific population resides in waters from Russia and Japan to Alaska and California, down to Costa Rica. There are two distinct groups in this area, with one set feeding and breeding closer to Russia and Japan, and the other closer to the United States. The Eastern stock is believed to spend winters off of Mexico and Central America, and feed during summer off the U.S. West Coast.
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Image attribution
SK Films
Blue whales are currently listed as an endangered species. The blue whale was too swift and powerful for the 19th century whalers, but with the arrival of harpoon cannons, these whales became a sought-after species for their blubber. Hunting reached its peak in 1931 when nearly 30,000 blue whales were killed. By 1966, blue whales were so scarce that the International Whaling Commission declared them protected throughout the world.
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After taking a huge gulp of water and krill the blue whales throat pleats expand to such an extent that the whale can double in size.
Image
Image attribution
SK Films
Today there are between 5,000 to 10,000 blue whales in the Southern Hemisphere and about 3,000 to 4,000 blue whales in the Northern Hemisphere. Researchers like Dr. Diane Gendron and Jasivi Arcos (shown above) study blue whales so we can continue to help their populations recover.
Image
Image attribution
SK Films
Newborn blue whales are big babies! They can reach about 23 feet in length and can weigh 5,000 to 6,000 pounds at birth. With the blue whale mother's milk, the calf can gain weight at a rate of up to 10 pounds an hour, which amounts to 240 pounds a day!
Image
Image attribution
SK Films
The blue whale's favorite food is krill, or small shrimp-like animals. They can eat up to 12,000 pounds of krill a day during the feeding season. They concentrate on feeding during the polar summers primarily around the Channel Islands, Monterey Bay, and the Farallon Islands/Cordell Bank off of California. During the winter months, they migrate to warmer waters in Mexico and Central America.
Image
Image attribution
SK Films
Blue whales have been found in all oceans around the world except for the Arctic Ocean. They’ve been observed swimming individually or in small groups, with pairs being the most common occurrence.
Image
Image attribution
SK Films
There are a number of distinct populations of blue whales. The North Pacific population resides in waters from Russia and Japan to Alaska and California, down to Costa Rica. There are two distinct groups in this area, with one set feeding and breeding closer to Russia and Japan, and the other closer to the United States. The Eastern stock is believed to spend winters off of Mexico and Central America, and feed during summer off the U.S. West Coast.
Image
Image attribution
SK Films
Blue whales are currently listed as an endangered species. The blue whale was too swift and powerful for the 19th century whalers, but with the arrival of harpoon cannons, these whales became a sought-after species for their blubber. Hunting reached its peak in 1931 when nearly 30,000 blue whales were killed. By 1966, blue whales were so scarce that the International Whaling Commission declared them protected throughout the world.
Activities & Educational Resources
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AR Encounter
Explore the blue whale up-close in immersive augmented reality. Watch its spectacular behaviors on your own submarine dive, or transform your very own whale from tabletop miniature to life-size giant. Using a handheld device or desktop computer, you’ll gain a whole new perspective on the biology, size and behavior of these magnificent creatures.
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Image attribution
SK Films
Whale Beats
The ocean is alive with sound! Discover how blue whales and other ocean dwellers communicate. Then use their sounds to compose your own musical masterpiece. What patterns can you create?
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Can You Hear Me Now? Activity Guide
HELLLLOOOO…Test your whale listening skills! Listen for patterns to find out which whale is making the call in this challenging matching game. Hearing isn’t the only way to experience sounds!
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Feeding Time! Activity Guide
What’s it like to be a hungry, hungry blue whale? Find out as you scour the ocean searching for your favorite food - krill - to win the game. But beware - the ocean is a tricky place to navigate; there will be some surprises along the way!
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Size Up! Activity Guide
A blue whale is BIG, but how big is BIG? Find out by measuring yourself and using ratios to determine how large a blue whale really is.
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Image attribution
SK Films
For educational videos and educator resources, visit the Blue Whales 3D film website.
Image
AR Encounter
Explore the blue whale up-close in immersive augmented reality. Watch its spectacular behaviors on your own submarine dive, or transform your very own whale from tabletop miniature to life-size giant. Using a handheld device or desktop computer, you’ll gain a whole new perspective on the biology, size and behavior of these magnificent creatures.
Image
Image attribution
SK Films
Whale Beats
The ocean is alive with sound! Discover how blue whales and other ocean dwellers communicate. Then use their sounds to compose your own musical masterpiece. What patterns can you create?
Image
Can You Hear Me Now? Activity Guide
HELLLLOOOO…Test your whale listening skills! Listen for patterns to find out which whale is making the call in this challenging matching game. Hearing isn’t the only way to experience sounds!
Image
Feeding Time! Activity Guide
What’s it like to be a hungry, hungry blue whale? Find out as you scour the ocean searching for your favorite food - krill - to win the game. But beware - the ocean is a tricky place to navigate; there will be some surprises along the way!
Image
Size Up! Activity Guide
A blue whale is BIG, but how big is BIG? Find out by measuring yourself and using ratios to determine how large a blue whale really is.
Image
Image attribution
SK Films
For educational videos and educator resources, visit the Blue Whales 3D film website.
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Film Partners
Learn More About the Movie View Details
SK Films
SK Films is an award-winning content provider and a global leader in the IMAX®/Giant Screen industry.
SK works across many different genres and platforms, including theatrical, television and digital media, with a special emphasis on creating high impact natural history and science related content. In 2023 SK Films is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary and has a longstanding reputation as one of the most accomplished and respected producers and distributors supplying 3D, 2D and Dome product to IMAX® and other Giant Screen theaters around the world.
SK was founded in 1998 in partnership with IMAX® co-founder Robert Kerr by Jonathan Barker, one of the most experienced executives in the worldwide Giant Screen industry and one of Canada’s most accomplished film and television executives. The company is led by CEO Wendy MacKeigan, who has over 30 years of experience in the industry, with an emphasis on feature film.
HHMI Tangled Bank Studios
HHMI Tangled Bank Studios was founded in 2012 by the HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE as an extension of our longstanding commitment to science education. HHMI is the largest private nonprofit supporter of science education and life science research in the United States. More than 30 HHMI scientists have won the NOBEL PRIZE – more than any other country in the world.
With the trust of and access to the scientific community, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios is uniquely positioned to shine a light on some of the most significant scientific and societal challenges - and breakthroughs - of our time. Our films have tracked major biomedical advances such as the inside story of the race for the COVID vaccine and the prospect of ending the HIV epidemic in America.
We select our projects based on the power of a story, its scientific and societal importance, and the project’s potential for impact. We focus primarily, but not exclusively, on the life sciences, and prioritize around four main themes. Our highest priority is stories that illustrate what can be done to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity.
Oceanic Films
Oceanic Films specialize in making wildlife films at sea, telling dramatic and engaging stories from above and below the waves. We have a deep understanding of the oceans and passion for telling stories about marine wildlife and the many challenges facing the health of our seas today. Oceanic Films was established by Hugh Pearson, an EMMY and BAFTA award-winning director and world leader at producing and directing ocean wildlife films; Hugh has a First-Class degree in Marine Biology and over two decades experience of filming at sea.
NSF
This project was made possible thanks to NSF DRL 2115860, which helped fund film production, science advisory input, educational outreach development, and project evaluation.
California Science Center
The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, school groups, adults and even young children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe-inspiring films. Located in historic Exposition Park, the Science Center is comprised of the Howard F. Ahmanson Building, containing permanent and special exhibit galleries, and the Wallis Annenberg Building for Science Learning and Innovation, used for educational and professional development programs.
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