The Last Reef

Celebrate one of the ocean’s most important – but endangered – habitats in “The Last Reef,” a new IMAX® film opening Jan. 18 that will bring a beautiful kaleidoscope of fish, coral and other animals to the giant screen of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.

This passionate film, which emphasizes our connection with – and responsibilities to – the complex ocean world, will play at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily through June 20 in Connecticut’s largest IMAX theater, with a screen that’s six stories high.

IMAX is the world’s largest film format. Outstanding image clarity and the enormous screen size, combined with The Maritime Aquarium’s 12,000-watt surround-sound audio system, result in an immersive thrill that’s so unique it’s been trademarked: “IMAX is Believing®.”

“This is a gorgeous film that all ages will appreciate, for its animal images and also for its urgent message about how human activities are damaging reefs around the globe,” said Jack Schneider, the Aquarium’s curator of animals.

“The Last Reef” offers a simple introduction to coral reefs, including their need for sunlight, how they form (by corals converting calcium out of the sea water), and how they provide sustenance and shelter for an incredible diversity of other marine life. The film’s stunning imagery immerses audiences in reef communities – among familiar dolphins, sharks and rays but also lesser-known species, such as crocodile fish, colorful nudibranchs and delicate flatworms.

Tickets for an IMAX movie are $9.50 for adults, $8.50 for seniors 65+ and $7 for children age 2-12. Maritime Aquarium members receive $2 discounts. To include a visit into The Maritime Aquarium with an IMAX film, tickets are $24.95 for adults, $22.95 for both youths (ages 13-17) & seniors (65+), and $17.95 for children (2-12).