Opening mid-July 2009, 'Fab4D' will take people on an exciting multi-sensory 4D journey through the music of the Beatles. Audiences will experience a stunning 3D computer generated animation combined with a dramatic 4th dimension which will stimulate and tease their senses. Using the latest 3D technology and 4D special effects, the 40-seat theatre will thrill visitors by immersing them in a new virtual world which explores the music of the Beatles.
The Fab4D animation was created using the same cutting edge technology that has propelled hit movies like Monsters Vs. Aliens to cinema screens. Red Star 3D, a 3D film effects studio which recently won the Best Children's Film Award at the Stuttgart Animation Festival 2008, wrote, produced and directed the animation. Simulation specialists Simworx installed the Beatles Story's 4D effects theatre.
![Fab4d [Fab4d]](gfx/fab4d2.jpg)
Building on the major success of the Beatles Story's first site in Liverpool's historic Albert Dock, its second home - 'the Beatles Story Pier Head' is housed at the new £10.5million Mersey Ferries terminal building on Liverpool's globally renowned waterfront.
In addition to the Fab4D experience, the Beatles Story Pier Head features a second Fab4Store offering one of the largest collections of official Beatles merchandise in the world and a dedicated area showcasing world class special exhibitions.
Beatles Story Pier Head is also home to the world premiere of White Feather: The Spirit of Lennon, a personal new exhibition, presented by Julian and Cynthia Lennon, showcasing previously unseen Beatles heirlooms.
The Beatles Story's development in the Mersey Ferries Terminal follows a significant expansion in 2008 when the world's leading permanent Beatles-themed visitor attraction tripled in size. An interactive children's Discovery Zone, exhibition area celebrating the solo careers of the Fab Four and themed Starbucks Coffeehouse significantly increased the attraction's visitor capacity.
Jerry Goldman, Managing Director of the Beatles Story said, "The Beatles Story's expansion in 2008 was incredibly beneficial, both to the business and to Liverpool and we were determined to continue this growth with significant investment in our second site and in the 4D experience at Pier Head. We're very excited to be opening the city's first 4D theatre and we feel Fab4D will bring the music of the Beatles to life in a totally unique and inspiring way."
Neil Scales, Chief Executive and Director General of Merseytravel, said: "All of our visitor attractions are in the business of creating world class experiences. I've no doubt that the Fab 4D theatre and extended Beatles Story in Pier Head Ferry Terminal will leave a lasting impression for thousands of people who visit Liverpool to soak up some of its musical history. Combine this with The Beatles Story at Albert Dock and we will continue to be the world's number one Beatles experience forever."
Ben Smith, Creative Director at Red Star 3D said: "Creating this film for the Beatles Story was an amazing opportunity for Red Star. We're very proud to have used our fantastic 3D animation to take audiences on an incredible journey through the music of the world's favourite band."
Terry Monkton, Managing Director of Simworx said: "We were delighted to work with the Beatles Story on this unique 4D Effects Theatre project. The attraction's MD, Jerry Goldman took an active role in the development of the creative concepts for the storyboarding of the film and the scope of supply for the hardware. Our brief was to create a 'wow factor' for visitors and as the first 4D cinema in Liverpool, we feel this has certainly been achieved."
