'Rio: The 4D Experience' Now Playing At Maritime Aquarium In Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — A new 4D experience based on the movie "Rio" is bringing the sights and sounds of Rio de Janeiro to Norwalk.

This spring, audiences can join Blu and Jewel, the last blue macaws on Earth, on a thrilling animated journey in "Rio: The 4D Experience" now playing at the Maritime Aquarium.

In this 12-minute adaptation of the 2011 animated film, the unexpected duo is captured by bird smugglers and must work together despite Blu's inability to fly, according to a news release provided by the aquarium.

As Blu and Jewel try to escape the claws of an evil cockatoo, they must dodge beach balls, umbrellas, carnival floats and beach-goers, finding courage, friendship and love along the way.

A trailer for the film can be viewed here.

"Rio: The 4D Experience" will play in the aquarium's 4D theater along with BBC Earth’s "OCTOPUS: Blue Planet II 4D Experience," which explores dynamic oceanic landscapes and one of the most captivating creatures that dwells there, according to the aquarium.

Tickets are $7 or $6 for aquarium members and can be purchased with or without aquarium admission.

The aquarium's 4D theater opened in January 2021 and operates in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment, the expert in integrating the highest-quality 3D high-definition projection with in-seat and in-theater effects to create fully immersive experiences, according to the aquarium.

"Rio" also has deeper connections to Connecticut, as it was produced in state by Blue Sky Studios, the famed animation studio behind the blockbuster "Ice Age" movies and other computer-animated films, including "Spies In Disguise," "The Peanuts Movie" and both "Rio" and its 2014 sequel.

The studio operated on American Lane in Greenwich for many years before being shut down in April 2021 by the Walt Disney Co., which assumed ownership of the studio after purchasing 21st Century Fox's entertainment assets in 2019.

See also:

• Major Movie Produced By Greenwich Studio Readies For Debut
• Walt Disney Co. Shutting Down Greenwich-Based Animation Studio

More information about "Rio: The 4D Experience" is available at www.maritimeaquarium.org.