"How The West Was Won"

"Cinerama is the trademarked name for a wide screen process which works by simultaneously projecting images from three synchronized 35 mm projectors onto a huge, deeply-curved screen, subtending 146° of arc, and for the corporation which was formed to market it. It was the first of a number of such processes introduced during the 1950s, when the movie industry was reacting to competition from television. Cinerama was presented to the public as a theatrical event, with reserved seating and printed programs, and audience members often dressed in best attire for the evening."

Cinerama was the IMAX of the early 60's.



This movie featured every major Hollywood Star of the time, was directed by John Ford, and had a running time of more than two and a half hours. Unheard of in 1963.

This was the epic, ground-breaking, must-see film of its time. We're talking Star Wars.

For the full effect, make sure you watch this clip in "full screen" mode and crank your sound.



The only Cinerama screen in Kansas City was the Empire.

That's where I forced my family to see 2001: A Space Odyssey.



I was 14. It was my birthday. I was expecting something along the line of The Green Slime.



I seem to recall an angry, father-led departure from the Empire theatre after the first 45 minutes of 2001: A Space Odyssey without any human dialogue, meteor showers or laser battles.