Magical journey warms hearts

The IMAX theater at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is where you can catch “The Polar Express,” Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23.

This 2004 movie about a boy who learns the true meaning of Christmas when he takes a train ride to the North Pole is a delightful animated adventure, but it’s even more magical on the six-story IMAX.

Of course getting to the North Pole is an arduous journey, what with caribou blocking the tracks and all. When the steam locomotive careens down a snowy mountain onto a frozen lake, zigzagging wildly across the ice, you’ll feel as if you’re on board.

You may also find yourself wondering if the Polar Express will get back on track before the ice cracks.

But have no fear. All ends well for the children on this special train (where hot chocolate is served by acrobatic, dancing waiters, and a hobo camps on the roof).

Not only do the young passengers get to see the elves’ workshop and meet the real Santa, but they discover an important lesson: “Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see.”

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film is based on the children’s book of the same title by Chris Van Allsburg. Tom Hanks, who plays the train’s conductor plus five other roles, is among its stars.

Warner Bros. / Contributed photo “The Polar Express” has returned to the IMAX screen at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, where it can be seen through Dec. 23.