posted July 10, 2008 11:59 PM               

Quantum Quest: A Cassini Odyssey, a science fiction meets science fact, 3D, large-format CGI-animated film, will take you on a fantastic atomic journey through space. Quantum Quest combines a captivating science fiction story with a mind-blowing real safari through the solar system (created using radar data and extraordinary imagery from seven NASA missions). The film is the only one to be initiated by JPL/NASA and is sponsored by JPL/NASA and DigiMax Animation Studios.

Set for a 2009 release in both large-format and Real D theaters worldwide, Quantum Quest is co-directored by Harry Kloor (Star Trek Voyager, Earth Final Conflict, Godzilla) and Dan St. Pierre (Everyone’s Hero, Shark Tale, Tarzan) and features a voice cast including astronaut Neil Armstrong, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Christian Slater, Robert Picardo, Jason Alexander, Sandra Oh, William Shatner, Chris Pine, Brent Spiner and Mark Hamill.

Footage from the film will be previewed at Comic-Con 2008 on July 24 in San Diego.

Quantum Quest tells the story of Dave (Chris Pine) a photon who refuses to grow up and leave the Sun. Until one day, circumstances force him on a quest to save his fellow photons from being annihilated by THE VOID (Mark Hamill) and his anti-matter forces lead by Admiral Fear (Samuel L. Jackson), General Ignorance (Tom Kenny) and Major Moron (Jason Alexander). THE VOID desires everything that exists to be destroyed, for THE VOID is that which existed before the universe was born. THE CORE is a being that lives in our Sun, he seeks to stop THE VOID. His children are photons, neutrinos and photons born in the core of the Sun. The best of the best of the "Sun Citzens" are selected to join The Core’s Battle Fleet which fights the anti-matter forces of THE VOID.

posted July 24, 2008 05:56 PM               

"Hi, I'm Jake Doohan. I spend much of my time exploring the world looking for meteorites. In space meteorites are called meteoroids. I have found meteorites in the Antarctica that come from the moon and some that may come from Mars. Other meteorites I have found in the Amazon that come from asteroids and in New Mexico from a comet. Meteorite hunting is but one fun activity that anyone can enjoy. I urge you to explore the education center where you can learn all kinds of things about our solar system, particle physics, and science."

posted July 24, 2008 09:54 PM               

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Originally posted by Betsy:
The Com-Con is in a week, so I look forward to hearing more about the film then.

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During the session itself, Bad Astronomy's Phil Plait filed a few reports over Twitter:

At the Quantum Quest panel, with Anousheh Ansari (female private space traveler) and Robert Picardo (The Cowboy from Inner Space).

QQ is a film originated by NASA, about a photon's journey form the Sun on adventures. Not exactly sure what that means yet.

Good heavens. Tom Kenny is doing a voice in the movie too! He is the voice of Spongebob.

Seriously, this movie sounds pretty cool and funny. Heckuva cast.

Quantum Quest (aiming for a September 2009 release in both IMAX 3D and RealD) just had its panel, and the artwork and early CG animation they showed look very promising. The opening shot -- moving through the ice chunks of Saturn's rings until we rest on the Cassini craft -- is breathtaking. Moreover, the passion of the NASA/JPL scientists, astronauts, writers, and voice actors involved in the project is contagious.

Despite the educational outreach efforts of the film, the panel made it clear that Quantum Quest is first and foremost a great, fun time at the movies, and promised that it will be spectacular when viewed in 3-D.

Stan Lowry with Discover's Science Not Fiction blog also took notes during the panel. Among his thoughts:

Clearly, we wish these guys well. Nothing would make us happier at Discover than to have an astronomy movie written by NASA scientists penetrate the public consciousness in some meaningful way.

Panel includes space tourist Anousheh Ansari, at least five guys from various iterations of Star Trek and the voice of SpongeBob. Audience seems to be mostly Trekkies.

If they can actually pull this off, QQ has the potential to be awesome.