And with this fascinating underwater world, you won't even need the town of Atlantis to be amazed by all the things you see. Actor Jim Carrey narrates this journey written and directed by Howard Hall. The only bad thing about it is really that it only runs for no longer than 40 minutes and can even be considered a short film. Maybe, if you are a bit like myself, you will also wonder if this documentary will appeal to you as it has obviously no cute, fluffy, furry, little creatures. But that is perfectly fine. The underwater recordings of the various animals (fish, snakes, turtles, pinnipeds...) are absolutely amazing and definitely worth a watch, no matter if in 3D or just on your computer screen. This IMAX movie basically gives you all you would expect and hope for when you hear the title "Under the Sea". easily one of the best documentaries from 2009. I very much recommend it. Nice version of the Beatles' song "Octopus' Garden" as well at the end. Watch it.
... View MoreI got this DVD as a Netflix rental. While it is good, it isn't fantastic. The colors are brilliant, perhaps enhanced, and the picture is very sharp. But overall it is not a very exciting 37 minutes.Yes, only 37 minutes. The running time is listed as 41 minutes, but the first 2 minutes are just production logos and things like that. The last minute or so contains the credits. So the actual "program" is closer to 37 minutes.Jim Carrey seems like an odd choice for narrator, but he in fact has a very good voice for this. Kind of quiet, like underwater would be.There wasn't a blatant "conservation and impending doom" message, but it was mentioned that as mankind puts more CO2 in the atmosphere and the oceans warm, things like Coral reefs will begin to disappear more.But every film of this type does something neat, it introduces us to some undersea species that we have never seen before. It is impossible to imagine the diversity of marine life under the sea.
... View MoreWell to start off, for being a documentary basing the majority of its appeal off of nice narration by a very talented actor and 3D cinematography, this is as fun to watch as you would expect. It was definitely a nice thing to do on an afternoon with the family, and it really gives you a feel for underwater landscapes and the unique motions and routines of some random deep sea creatures. It is filled with entertaining moments, and you will really feel immersed.The big negative for me was being somewhat ambushed by the global warming message several times when there was no indication to expect this (other than the seemingly true assumption that movie makers are propagating liberal political positions in titles that aim to draw children or families). I get that it is a theorized dilemma that means something to a portion of our culture, but I would also argue that it is widely dismissed among another portion with some sound, scientific reasons to form opposition. The point is- it has not been proved factual yet and has no relevance in a movie that touts a "fun" look at sea life. Plus, it is stated as fact several times during the film and implements the appeal of some heart-warming sea lions to sell the message.Outside of this and the brief fish sex, it is a good movie worth watching. However, if you don't agree that CO2 is polluting and corrupting our wildlife, maybe give your kids a quick heads up before they watch something they may take to heart, as this film appears to have been made with that in mind.
... View MoreAnymore, specialty IMAX features seem to be about nature or dinosaurs. It's repetitious to be watching another underwater creature 3D film, but it's hard to deny the entertainment value of seeing rare monstrosities and beautiful mysteries jumping out of the screen and scurrying about at what feels like an arm-length away. No matter how limited the subject matter, the effects of IMAX are always outstanding. Clocking in at less than one hour, Under the Sea doesn't outstay its welcome and gives us a tidy look at some of the coral reef's most impressive wildlife. Jim Carrey narrates and manages to only rarely inflect his recognizable comedically exaggerated voice.Starting in New Guinea and working around the southern coral reefs of Australia, Under the Sea investigates the lives of many fascinating fishes. From the stonefish, the most venomous fish in the sea, to sea snakes, the most poisonous animal in the ocean, the audience is subjected to a myriad of stunning sea life. The coral triangle where the film starts is home to more marine species than anywhere else on Earth, including the alien presence of cuttlefish, symbiotic shrimp and gobies, squid, jellyfish and more. Australia's 12,000-year-old Great Barrier Reef houses schools of convict fish (the food of the adults is still completely unknown; some scientists speculate that the babies feed them slime, while others predict they consume their own young), rare sea dragons, great white sharks, whales, sea lions and more.As if meeting a requirement, Under the Sea also delivers a public service announcement insisting that humans need to start caring about the environment; harmful carbon dioxide is rapidly destroying the reef and making it impossible for the various sea life to survive. The final moments show the leisurely, playful sea lions adorably snuggling up to the camera had they shown the hideous stonefish instead, the effects would be completely different, even though they are just as wondrous.While all of the IMAX films deliver an engaging 3-D experience, Under the Sea takes the adventure one step further (or closer) by bringing its fascinating subject so near to the viewer one can't help but reach out just to make sure they're still in a theater. Every underwater being appears literally within touching distance, giving the audience the impression that they are the divers filming these wonders of nature. Jim Carrey's narration may contain interesting facts about the seldom seen proceedings, but it's hard to pay attention to his voice when you're dodging looming sea snakes and schools of catfish.The Massie Twins
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