Iwerks Entertainment Inc. announced Friday it has agreed with Zion National Park Theater Investors to design and build a $1 million-plus giant-screen theater outside the Utah park.
Iwerks said the theater features a 60-foot screen and will open in May. The company said the theater will be the first to have its "Iwerks 1570" system.Michael R. Dulion, president of the attractions and technologies division of Iwerks, said the new theater will screen a 40-minute film titled "Zion - Treasure of the Gods," showing out-of-the-way views previously seen only by the most experienced hikers.
The giant-screen theater has been surrounded by controversy. Last year, the Springdale, Washington County, Town Council first rejected, then approved the project. The theater was opposed by environmental groups, which argued that the project at the mouth of Zion Canyon would spoil the area's natural beauty.