Comic-Con 2008: Quantum Quest panel!
Michael here. Quantum Quest (aiming for a September 2009 release in both IMAX 3D and RealD) just had its panel, and the artwork and early CG animation they showed look very promising. The opening shot--moving through the ice chunks of Saturn's rings until we rest on the Cassini craft--is breathtaking. Moreover, the passion of the NASA/JPL scientists, astronauts, writers, and voice actors involved in the project is contagious.
Despite the educational outreach efforts of the film, the panel made it clear that Quantum Quest is first and foremost a great, fun time at the movies, and promised that it will be spectacular when viewed in 3-D.
The plot centers on "Dave the Photon", a gold-skinned, dreadlocked particle/wave of light with spiral tattoos on his chest and face (voiced by the new James T. Kirk, Chris Pine). Born in the center of the Sun, the young Dave must confront the Core (William Shatner), a Godlike being, before escaping the confines of his birthplace. Once outside his home, Dave meets an assortment of quirky characters--and perhaps a love interest?--on his voyage to the outer Solar System, where he must confront his fears and battle enemies (including the aptly named Ignorance and Major Moron, who only have a half a brain between them and seek to promote willful stupidity) to save the Cassini spacecraft and, hence, human knowledge of space.
The character designs are very creative. Besides Dave, we have creatures with horns, dinosaur inspired creatures, a lithe female reptilian alien with acrobatic skills, and a smallish alien with multiple eye stalks popping from the top of its head.
And, of course, the science in the film will be great--the project uses actual data and images from NASA probes to create its worlds.
The all-star voice actor cast also includes Neil Armstrong in his first ever film role, Samuel L. Jackson, Brent Spiner, Robert Picardo, Jason Alexander, Doug Jones, William Shatner, Gary Graham, James Earl Jones, Mark Hamill, Sandra Oh, Abigail Breslin, and Tom Kenny. Neil and Chris Pine even recorded personal messages for the Comic-Con audience!
Check out more information on the film (including more on the characters, including artwork) at http://www.qqthemovie.com
I can't wait to see more of this. It looks to be something special.
