The Dark Knight Rises in Branson on the Largest IMAX Screen in the Midwest

Branson, MO – Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex will debut it’s first Hollywood IMAX DMR film presentation to a sold-out crowd at 11:59 pm on Thursday, July 19th, filling the largest IMAX screen in the Midwest, a whopping six stories tall and 83 feet wide.

The first Hollywood IMAX DMR film presented will be the highly-anticipated “The Dark Knight Rises” – an epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. In helming the film, Christopher Nolan employed IMAX cameras even more extensively than he did on “The Dark Knight,” which had marked the first time ever that a major feature film was partially shot with IMAX cameras.

“Having shot almost half the picture with large-format IMAX film cameras, it is very important to me that we show ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ in the IMAX film format wherever possible,” stated Christopher Nolan.

The Ozarks Discovery IMAX Theater inside Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex underwent an extensive upgrade process for days in preparation.

“It was a perfect time to offer IMAX DMR – The IMAX Experience – to our audiences,” said Randy Brashers, President of Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex. “The Dark Knight Rises will represent the best of what IMAX DMR can be, with nearly an hour of the movie filmed in IMAX’s native, superior 70mm format.”

IMAX’s proprietary DMR (Digital Media Remastering) process, allows conventional films to be upconverted into IMAX format. This special digital technology allows films shot on 35mm for conventional theaters to be shown in IMAX venues. In 2002, “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones” and an IMAX-format re-release of the 1995 film “Apollo 13,” were the first official applications of the DMR process.

The Ozarks Discovery IMAX Theater is one of only a handful of IMAX Theaters in the country still opting to use actual 70mm film for Hollywood IMAX DMRs, instead of a smaller digital projection.

“What does this all mean” asked Brashers. “It means that our images for Hollywood IMAX DMR films have the potential to fill the entire screen, all six stories tall and 83 feet wide. It means that it’s the largest Hollywood IMAX DMR presentation in the Midwest. And it comes with all the trademarks of “The IMAX Experience” – exceptional quality, sound and clarity – it’s truly immersive.”

“The Dark Knight Rises,” after it’s midnight debut, will show daily at Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex at 1:50 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. For tickets or more information, call 800-419-4832 or visit www.bransonimax.com. Stay up to date on events, special promotions or announcements – Like Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex on Facebook!

This Saturday a local group called, “Branson Flash Mob” will surprise shoppers at the TANGER OUTLETS mall with two Flash Mobs. In celebration of the premiere of this summer’s blockbuster movie, “The Dark Knight Rises”, Bob Nichols Company is rallying the troupes for an outdoor dance ambush. This is the second time BNC has teamed with Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex to promote the opening of a Hollywood Movie.

Branson Flash Mob is a group of mostly local citizens who enjoy the fun of this type of guerilla marketing. Flash mobs, originally created as a type of rebellious public celebration, was first utilized as this type of marketing tool last year, when BNC produced its first effort for the Hollywood opening of “Harry Potter”, also at the IMAX Entertainment Complex.

“From there it grew into a Facebook page and now is being revived to even larger participation,” said Bob Nichols, Managing member of BNC.

Once again, Michelle Willadsen, of Branson’s Midwest Dance Revolution, is choreographing the mobsters. Participants learn the choreography by watching the rehearsal video posted online, then they just show up and dance!

The “Batman” flash mob will be this Saturday, July 14 at the Tanger Outlet Mall. There will be two dances, the first in front of the Fudgery at 4:30 p.m. and the second in front of SAS Shoes just 20 minutes later, at 4:50 p.m. There will be a third flash mob inside the IMAX Entertainment Complex just before the official premiere of “The Dark Knight Rises: The IMAX Experience” in all-new IMAX DMR at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, July 19.

Please feel free to attend any of these events. They are colorful, with many different age groups participating, and enjoying the show. If you have any questions or would like to talk about the event, please call Bob Nichols at 417-593-3418. Flash Mob Branson is operated by BNC and full information regarding this, and future events, can be found at www.Facebook.com/BransonFlashMob.

Other entertainment opportunities such as commercial video and photo shoots as well as gigs for professionals can be found at www.Facebook.com/BobNicholsCompany.

For more information about “The Dark Knight Rises: The IMAX Experience” or to purchase tickets – go to: www.bransonimax.com.

A Critical Point in Time for CAM Food Pantries

July 11, 2012… Over the past 25 years, Christian Action Ministries (CAM) has helped to fight hunger in Taney County. Currently CAM operates food pantries in both Branson and Forsyth, as well as a monthly mobile outreach to eastern Taney County and an average of five major food drops per year. For several years now, the need has continued to escalate to the point that CAM is now assisting an average of over 1,000 families per month. Those seeking help are provided a four-day supply of nutritionally balanced food for each member of the family. Food drops, sponsored by various grants, enable families to gather a significant supply of food from a semi-truck load distributed at the First Baptist Church parking lot in Forsyth.

According to CAM Board Chairman Jack Burke, “We have been blessed with an extremely supportive community that has enabled us to continually meet the needs and actually expand our services. However we are approaching a critical point in time with the Farm Bill of 2012 that is now being debated in Congress. As it stands, the bill would cut approximately $16 billion dollars from the SNAP Program (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program formerly known as food stamps). Since the majority of the people we help are on the SNAP program, these cutback will put additional strains on our supplies. Estimates vary, but experts predict that 1.8 to 3 million people will be cut from the SNAP program under the cutbacks in this bill.”

Burke went on to explain that there have also been recent cutbacks in the monthly shipments of federal commodities, “Normally we receive 6 to 7 commodity items per monthly shipment. This month it was reduced to only two items and it appears that this shortfall will continue for a while.”

When shortfalls hit the CAM inventory, CAM then proceeds to purchase subsidized food through the regional Ozark Food Harvest bank and/or supplement their stock with wholesale purchases from local food markets. The food bank is the first choice because CAM is able to purchase food for 12 to 18 cents per pound. The alternative of purchasing from retail food stores is considerably more expensive.

That’s where the problem is further compounded according to Burke, “Thanks to generous grants and specific fundraisers, we have substantial credits on hand to buy food from the Ozark Food Harvest. However, they have been hit by reductions as well and their current selection is very limited. That means we have to use cash on hand to buy direct from food stores. Local managers have been wonderful in keeping costs down for us, but it’s still 6 to 10 times more expensive than using the food bank.”

These economic hurdles increase the importance of CAM’s upcoming annual fundraiser, the 4th Annual Gospel Sing-Off to be held on September 2nd at Sight & Sound Theatres.
As Burke explained, “We still need more businesses and organizations to sign up as sponsors for the event in return for advertising in the program. Currently Branson Tourism Center and SIX are key sponsors for the event and we also have commitments from CenturyLink, L&J Plumbing, and the Titanic. But we definitely need more sponsors to help us raise the operational funds we need to continue serving the county.
Then of course we need the community to come out in force and attend the event. My goal is to fill Sight & Sound, which means a little more than 2,000 ticket sales.”

Sponsorship information and contestant entry information can be found at www.christianactionministries.org. Tickets can be purchased through Sight & Sound or Branson Tourism Center. Price is $12 for adults, $6 for children.

This year’s Sing-Off will open with a guest appearance by Branson’s Voices of Glory, top five finalists in America’s Got Talent and a closing appearance by last year’s winners, Southern Raised. Celebrity judges include George Dyer, Jak Knudsen, Monte Schisler, Ronnie Page, and one of the Voices of Glory. Emcee will again be Bob Hubbard of Foggy River Boys fame.

The Sing-Off features 10 finalists competing before a panel of celebrity judges. First place wins $1,500 plus 3 half-hour performance slots at Silver Dollar City on the following day for the closing of their Country Gospel Picnic festival. Second and third place win $1,000 and $500 respectively.

Christian Action Ministries operates food pantries in Branson and Forsyth, as well as a monthly mobile outreach to eastern Taney County communities. CAM is currently serving an average of 1,000 families per month. Anyone wishing to organize a food drive, donate cash, food, or time, can call Pat Davis at 334-1157 or visit the CAM website at www.christianactionministries.org.

Jack Burke
Christian Action Ministries
[email protected]
417-527-8031

American Idols® Now Arriving at Branson Airport

BRANSON, MISSOURI – American Idol® Finalists will soon be arriving at the Branson Airport. Andy Williams Moon River Theatre will host a total of fifteen entertainers this summer from the popular television show, American Idol®, to perform in “The Finalists Live”. On July 19th, the third and final group of five former Idols will step off the plane around 2pm at Branson Airport to complete the fifteen week tour in Branson, Missouri. The final group includes: Ruben Studdard, Winner of Season 2, Bo Bice, Runner Up of Season 4, Vonzell Solomon, Season 4, Katie Stevens, Season 9, and RJ Helton, Season 1. For additional show information, visit www.andywilliams.com.

Branson Airport will also host a “Finalists Live Watch Party” where guests are invited to come out to the airport and meet and greet with their favorite Idols. The Watch Party will begin at 1:30pm. Guests are invited to create posters welcoming each of the artists. All local media is encouraged to attend.

Additionally, Branson Airport is holding a Meet the Idols Contest, where customers can enter to win 2 premium VIP seats and full backstage access passes with the Idols. Participants can register on Facebook by visiting the Branson Airport Fan Page “FlyBranson” and clicking the contest tab.

Guests have the ability to purchase Finalists Live tickets at FlyBranson Travel located inside the Airport or by visiting www.flybransontravel.com. For questions on how to purchase tickets, please call 1.888.FLY.BKG1 or locally at (417) 334-8857.

The Branson Airport currently has 8 non-stop destinations and one stop connecting service to over 100 major cities in the United States. Nonstop destinations include: Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago, Houston and Orlando on AirTran Airways; Denver on Frontier Airlines; and Austin and Nashville on Branson AirExpress. For a complete list of destinations available at the Branson Airport, visit www.FlyBranson.com.

About Branson Airport:
Known for the unique airport experience and unparallel customer service, Branson Airport LLC is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States. Branson Airport is currently serviced by AirTran Airways, Frontier Airlines, and Branson AirExpress allowing passengers the ability to access over 100 destinations all on low cost carriers. Located in the heart of the Ozarks and centrally located in the Midwest, the airport also boasts a state of the art FBO, Branson JetCenter and a full service travel agency, FlyBranson Travel. For more information visit www.FlyBranson.com or call toll free 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541).

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ARRIVING IN BRANSON IN 2013

BRANSON, MISSOURI – July 3, 2012 – Southwest Airlines and its wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways confirmed today that Southwest Airlines will be officially arriving in Branson, Missouri in 2013.

Branson Airport and Southwest Airlines officials have amended their original agreement with AirTran Airways and signed a multi-year agreement with Southwest Airlines. Most likely in the first half of 2013, Branson Airport passengers will see the transition of AirTran Airways to Southwest Airlines. The airline’s fares and flights will be announced at a later date.

“We are thrilled with the news that we will have Southwest Airlines’ red-bellied aircraft touching down in Branson,” said Jeff Bourk, Executive Director of the Branson Airport. “Southwest Airlines presence in this region will do enormous things for the economic development of the entire Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas area.”

“We’re looking forward to extending the Southwest Airlines route map to Branson next year,” said Pete Houghton, Southwest Airlines Senior Director of Airport Affairs. “We look forward to announcing further details soon.”

The Branson Airport currently has 8 nonstop destinations and one stop connecting service to more than 100 major cities in the United States. Nonstop destinations include: Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago, Houston and Orlando on AirTran Airways; Denver on Frontier Airlines; and Austin and Nashville on Branson AirExpress. For a complete list of destinations available at the Branson Airport, visit www.FlyBranson.com.

About Branson Airport
Known for the unique airport experience and unparallel customer service, Branson Airport LLC is the first privately developed and operated commercial service airport in the United States. Branson Airport is currently serviced by AirTran Airways, Frontier Airlines, and Branson AirExpress allowing passengers the ability to access over 100 destinations all on low cost carriers. Located in the heart of the Ozarks and centrally located in the Midwest, the airport also boasts a state of the art FBO, Branson Jet Center and a full service travel agency, FlyBranson Travel. For more information visit www.FlyBranson.com or call toll free 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541).

About Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers—offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. Southwest serves 73 cities in 38 states and is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report(TM). Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has more than 46,000 Employees system wide.

The Finalists Live – July 3rd – Kids are Free!

The Finalists Live is at 7:30 tonight Tuesday 3rd.
To Celebrate our Independence Day KIDS ARE FREE!
And everyone will receive a FREE POSTER TOO!!!
Just a reminder that we are dark on the 4th.

BRANSON, MO, JUNE 29, 2012 – America’s independence will be celebrated a day early on Tuesday, July 3rd at Branson Landing—Branson’s premiere shopping, dining and entertainment destination located in Historic Downtown Branson on Lake Taneycomo.

Everyone is invited to “Light Up” their Independence Day celebration on Tuesday evening, July 3rd with a fantastic outdoor concert extravaganza, featuring “A Tribute to Journey” starring the ever talented and unforgettable band, Chain-Reaction. Back by popular demand, Chain-Reaction takes the stage at 8PM and promises to delight audiences of all ages as their famous melodies take listeners on a spectacular journey back to the ‘80’s with performances of timeless Journey hits like “Separate Ways,” “Don’t Stop Believin,” “Faithfully,” “Open Arms” and so many more.
“After the concert, the night skies will “Light Up” with an extraordinary fireworks event produced by Gateway Fireworks Displays from St. Louis,” stated Tammy Scholten, Director of Marketing. “We’re very proud that Branson Landing’s Liberty Light Up fireworks display was named in the past as a “Top Pick of the American Pyrotechnic Association” and this year’s show promises to be even better!”

The “Liberty Light Up” display will be held near the Landing’s signature Fountains and this one-of-a-kind, up close, choreographed spectacle promises to amaze all ages, as it builds to an awe inspiring Gateway Fireworks Signature Grand Finale – not soon to be forgotten,” concluded Scholten.
Branson Landing’s Liberty Light Up celebration not only honors America’s independence and Branson’s Centennial Celebration this year, but also serves as the official kick-off to Branson Landing’s Summer Concert Series—featuring LIVE performances in front of the $7.5 million Water & Fire Spectacular Fountain Show in Branson Landing’s Town Square.

For more information on the 2012 Summer Concert Series and Special Events, visit www.bransonlanding.com.

Note: Scheduled Concerts and Special Events are subject to change due to weather and unforeseen circumstances.

Summer is officially here and we all know what that means…vacation time is upon us! Let us make booking your next trip to or from Branson simple and easy with low low fares to select destinations!

Summer is officially here and we all know what that means!
Vacation Time Is Upon Us!
Don’t miss out on fantastic sales with AirTran Airways
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines)
and Frontier Airlines!
Fares are low low low to and from Branson making your choice of your next destination for relaxation or family fun simple and easy!

www.flybranson.com

ANDY WILLIAMS MOON RIVER THEATRE
Announces a “Celebration of Andy Williams’ 75 years in Entertainment”

BRANSON, MO—June 2012 The Andy Williams Moon River Theatre is excited to announce a “Celebration of Andy Williams’ 75 Years in Entertainment” with seven weeks of stars. The celebration begins September 10th and runs through October 23rd and features superstar performers, who cross all styles of music and entertainment.

The guest lineup includes Country Music Superstar Clint Black, Teen Idol Frankie Avalon, Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy nominee Debbie Reynolds, as well as Grammy Award winners Jack Jones and Ray Stevens among the group. The Osmonds also return to Branson, as do Pat and Debby Boone who will take the stage together for the first time since 1999, when they performed at the Moon River Theatre.

The performers are:
Debbie Reynolds – September 10-15
Frankie Avalon – September 17-22
Jack Jones – September 24-29
The Osmonds – October 1-6
Pat and Debby Boone – October 8-13
Ray Stevens – October 15-20
Clint Black – October 22-24

Tickets for all shows are available now online at andywilliams.com or by calling 800-MOON-094.