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Welcome to the official Krone Experiment website.

Thank you for visiting The Krone Experiment. Here you can find information about the indie feature produced and directed by Austin filmmaker J. Robinson Wheeler, based on the best-selling science fiction novel by his father, J. Craig Wheeler. The first edition DVD and the original hardcover novel are now available from our website store. Own them today on DVD!


04-14-08  In Memoriam

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This week brings us the sad news that John A. Wheeler, physicist and inventor of the term "black hole", is dead at age 96.

There is always a lot of confusion as to whether there is any relation between John Archibald Wheeler and the John Craig and John Robinson Wheelers of The Krone Experiment. And it turns out, no, it is just one of those coincidences, although it does feel like there is a spiritual and intellectual fatherhood connecting the scientist who invented black holes and the scientist who wrote a novel (and then a movie) about black holes.

He will be missed.


03-30-08  Krone in the News

We're not specifically in the news, but enough people have been sending me links to this New York Times article that I have to mention it here as well. Apparently, CERN is about to do some particle collision experiments that have some scientists worried will produce a miniature black hole that will get loose and start to eat the Earth.

Where would they get such an idea... Says the Times:

"The possibility that a black hole eats up the Earth is too serious a threat to leave it as a matter of argument among crackpots," said Michelangelo Mangano, a CERN theorist who said he was part of the group.

That's exactly what we've been saying for years!


January 2008

Our video page now features a brand new (and vastly improved) trailer for the movie, created for a special theater event in Austin. More on that in our news page, including an update from Krone's leading man, Tom Weirich, actor Al Ebbers, and other cast and crew.

Watch the Trailer now


TKE DVD

This first edition DVD release features:

  • High quality widescreen presentation of the "Director's Cut" of The Krone Experiment (running time: 1 hour 49 minutes)
  • Dolby 2.0 stereo audio mix
  • Audio commentary by director J. Robinson Wheeler and producer Benjamin Pascoe
  • Audio commentary by writer J. Craig Wheeler and associate producer Richard Simental
  • Deleted scenes
  • Cast & crew biographies
  • Photo slideshow
  • Blooper reel
  • Easter eggs
  • Own it today on DVD!


    About The Krone Experiment

    Originally a science fiction novel written by J. Craig Wheeler, The Krone Experiment has been adapted for the screen by his son, J. Robinson Wheeler, and producer Benjamin Pascoe. The movie is the result of the collaborative effort of dozens of talented actors and crew in the Austin, Texas film community.

    What's the plot?

    A group of scientific intelligence experts must track down the source of a mysterious seismic signal that is causing pinpoints of destruction around the globe. When the team finally uncovers the truth about the Krone experiment, they discover a ticking doomsday clock, one whose hands cannot be turned back, whose unstoppable pendulum swings through the very Earth itself...

    No really, what's it about?

    Some people, when they learn the secret of The Krone Experiment, are more intrigued and anxious to watch the movie than they are when it's a mystery. So if you want to know, read this spoiler page. You might be one of those people that is glad you did!

    What genre is it?

    We're calling it a "Science-Thriller." That means it's sort of a political thriller like a Tom Clancy novel, but with a hard science fiction backdrop. There are Russian spies and sinking Navy vessels, and someone or something is responsible, but exactly what might surprise you.

    How long is it?

    One hour, 49 minutes, and 49 seconds.

    Where can I see it?

    DVD copies have been on sale since December 3, 2005 at this website. We have had a few public screenings in Austin, Texas, and we are still applying to various film festivals worldwide.

    Does the DVD have any extras?

    Yes, lots! Commentary tracks, deleted scenes, a great outtake reel, cast & crew biographies, and some bonus easter eggs for the enterprising DVD fan to discover. We packed as much extra in there as would fit on a single-sided DVD.

    How much does it cost?

    See our online store for current pricing.

    Is the original novel still available?

    You can order signed copies of the original 1986 hardback edition from our online store.

    Do you have an audio or electronic version of the novel available?

    If there were sufficient interest, we would definitely do so.

    What are you guys doing next?

    We're looking into the idea of serialized webcasts -- a way of telling a long story over the course of many short episodes. Could be good!