August 21, 2017—The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation held the grand opening of the new, state-of-the-art giant-screen Medal of Honor Theater at the National Museum of the Marine Corps and premiered their new signature film, We, The Marines, on July 22. The theater and film opened on July 23 at 10:00am.
“Opening the Medal of Honor Theater is a significant benchmark as we march toward completion of the National Museum of the Marine Corps” said Lt. Gen. Robert R. Blackman, Jr., president and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. “MacGillivray Freeman Films, a giant-screen film expert with notable productions, including To Fly!, produced for the Smithsonian, did a wonderful job producing, We, The Marines. This film, sponsored by Boeing, will afford us a powerful and engaging way to tell the story of today’s Marines and share the Marine Corps experience with all Americans.”
The theater, sponsored by Lockheed Martin, seats 369 visitors and is equipped with multiple Christie 4K RGB laser illuminated projectors blended together to create a more immersive experience. The ultra-realistic images, awe-inspiring visuals and enveloping audio by High Performance Stereo (HPS), will transport visitors into the middle of the action and the edge of their seats.
The signature film is a 40-minute visual narrative of a Marine’s journey through the Corps. Narrated by Academy Award-winning actor and Marine Gene Hackman, the film follows the journey of Marines from boot camp, to training, deployment and finally homecoming. The powerful film captures moments of action, bringing to life the sometimes intense experience of serving as a Marine. Filming took place at Marine Corps Bases including Parris Island, Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune and 29 Palms.
“With We, The Marines, we want audiences to come away with a vast new appreciation for the razor-sharp focus, the fast reflexes, the constant teamwork and the dedication and compassion it takes to serve in the Marine Corps,” said Greg MacGillivray, the film's director and two-time Academy Award-nominated Chairman of MacGillivray Freeman Films. “Marines have a higher calling, they protect our entire way of life, and our respect and admiration for this organization and leaders like General Blackman have grown tenfold from our experience making this film. We are honored to have been a part of it.”
Visitors can enjoy the new theater and film while visiting the National Museum of the Marine Corps, which is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily except Christmas Day. Admission to the Museum and parking are free. Tickets to We, The Marines can be purchased at the theater box office located in the Museum. For more information, visit www.marineheritage.org.
Photo of the We, The Marines premiere courtesy of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Pictured left to right are Shaun MacGillivray; Brigadier General Gerald McKay, Principal Manager, Construction Projects for the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation; Greg MacGillivray; Marilyn Newson, President & CEO of Lockheed Martin; Lt. General Robert Blackman, President & CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation; and Leanne Caret, Executive Vice President, The Boeing Company, and President & CEO, Defense, Space & Security
About the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation
Dedicated to the preservation and promulgation of Marine Corps history, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation was established in 1979 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation supports the historical programs of the Marine Corps in ways not possible through government funds. The Foundation provides grants and scholarships for research and the renovation, restoration, and commissioning of historical Marine Corps artifacts and landmarks. Having secured the necessary funding for the complete construction of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center, located in Triangle, Virginia, the Foundation’s current primary mission is to vigorously seek financial support to expand programs at the National Museum of the Marine Corps and beyond its walls. For more information, visit www.marineheritage.org.
About the National Museum of the Marine Corps
The Museum is a public-private partnership between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. It is located at 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway in Triangle, VA. and is open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily except Christmas Day. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 703-784-6107 or visit at www.usmcmuseum.com.
About MacGillivray Freeman Films
MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world’s foremost independent producer and distributor of giant-screen 70mm films with 40 films for IMAX theatres to its credit. Throughout the company's 50-year history, its films have won numerous international awards including two Academy Award® nominations and three films inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame. MacGillivray Freeman's films are known for their artistry and celebration of science and the natural world. It is the first documentary film company to reach the one billion dollar benchmark for worldwide box office. macgillivrayfreeman.com
About Boeing
Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial airplanes and defense, space and security systems. In addition, Boeing supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in more than 150 countries. The company's products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training. Boeing employs approximately 145,000 people across the United States and in more than 65 countries. Company revenues for 2016 were $94.6 billion.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.