Reviewed by Michael Edwards
Narrated by Jim Carrey
Written by Howard Hall, Toni Myers & Graeme Ferguson
Produced by Michele Hall & Todd Fellman
Music by Mickey Erbe & Maribeth Solomon
Certification UK U | US G
Runtime 40 minutes
Directed by Howard Hall
A 40 minute Imax 3-D documentary about sea creatures sounds like one of those boring weekend trips you take kids on and just endure. With Jim Carrey narrating the prospect of any interesting documentary insight for the adult seems to dwindle too. But, I am pleased to report, Under the Sea 3-D is actually an incredibly well made and thoroughly enjoyable Imax experience.
It seems to me that Imax film producers are finally taking note of the potential of the format. What's more 3D is coming into its own too, with filmmakers realising that it's not just a novelty for the kids but a useful tool in getting your message across. In the case of this film, the message is 'sea creatures are awesome' and this is emphasized with some wonderful shots of marine habitats and beautifully filmed scenes with its inhabitants. A great white shark fills the screen as you are asked to marvel at its size and power, a crayfish changing colour as part of a mating ritual emerges gently from the screen so that you can clearly see the intricacies of its design. So seamlessly are the formats made a part of the show that the experience is more like a dry, comfortable and non-crowded day at the zoo that a trip to the cinema.
The other risk of such shows is, of course, that it's real point is not to be fun for kids and adults alike but rather to sell an environmental message. This element has penetrated Under the Sea 3-D but in such a gentle and un-preachy way that it is in no way a detraction from the overall enjoyment. Instead less PR friendly creatures such as the crayfish and the nautilus accompany ever-popular coral on screen as part of a broad message about marine acidification, which results from global warming and inhibits calcium carbonate production. Rather than scaring kids into switching off lights though, the documentary informs rather than dictates, and never directly attempts to indoctrinate.
Overall this is a great film that will hopefully maintain Imax and 3-D popularity in this release period which is so short of family friendly fare in this area. And if you need a day trip for the kids in this cold winter climate, I can't think of a better option than this.