June 6, 1944: D-Day, an event that forever changed the course of history. The Henry Ford IMAX Theatre and 3D Entertainment Distribution invite audiences to step back in time with our new film, D-DAY 3D: Normandy 1944.
The upcoming 70th Anniversary of D-Day will be marked by national and local commemorations on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as in Eastern Europe, Asia and Australia. Narrated by renowned journalist and author Tom Brokaw, D-DAY 3D: Normandy 1944 is a new giant screen film produced entirely in 3D that provides a new, penetrating look at this moment in history in a unique manner to both teach and remind audiences of the largest-ever Allied operation and its lasting effect on the world. D-Day itself is well-known, yet very few people are aware of exactly why and how, during 100 days in the summer of 1944, Normandy became the most important place in the world.
In May 1943, World War II is at its apex. To counter Hitler and the Axis forces, the Allies decide to open a Second Front on the western side of Europe. The Allied forces, led by General Eisenhower, have just months to organize the operation, code-named “Overlord,” (with only a 50/50 chance of success) that will break Hitler’s Atlantic Wall fortress and lead to the Battle of Normandy.
Following significant industrial growth, the United States and its allies will, in a very short time, succeed in assembling millions of soldiers in southern England, as well as thousands of boats and planes alongside millions of tons of supplies in preparation for the landing on the beaches of Normandy. The choice of location was kept a secret from the Nazis by tricking them through disinformation operations.
Taking advantage of a small window of opportunity, the great offensive armada goes to sea on June 5, 1944. At dawn on June 6, D-Day, the landings begin, with over 150,000 men on the first assault. Despite heavy losses, the landing is a success and, by the evening, the Allied forces have breached the Atlantic Wall.
Following the successful landing, the battle of Normandy begins. Military and civilian casualties run into the tens of thousands but, after fierce fighting, by August the battle of Normandy finally ends. The Allied troops liberate Paris on August 25.
Thanks to Operation Overlord the course of World War II swings back in favor of the Allies. But it will take another year to defeat Nazi tyranny and restore peace and liberty in the world.
D-DAY 3D: Normandy 1944 brings a new perspective to this monumental event in history that changed the world. Over three years in the making and with a budget of $5 million dollars, all live-action sequences for the film were shot exclusively on location in Normandy, France. Exploring science, technology, engineering and mathematics, audiences of all ages, including new generations, will discover from a new perspective—in breathtaking 15-perforation/70mm IMAX 3D film—how this landing changed the course of history.
D-DAY 3D: Normandy 1944 is recommended for all audiences. The running time is 44 minutes. It will play at The Henry Ford IMAX Theatre for 12 months. Check out the film’s official website for more information.
Join us for a special free screening for veterans, active military and their guests on Friday, June 6, at 1:00 pm. Pre-screening remarks will be given by Representative John D. Dingell and Senator Carl Levin. While the event is free, registration is required. Reserve your tickets here.
Ron Bartsch is Senior Manager, IMAX Projection & Programming, at The Henry Ford.
