Under the Sea 3D

WARNING!!! This movie is being tagged in some stores as a 3D movie...and it isn't. It was 3D in IMAX, but not on DVD or BluRay. Once the 3D is removed, it is just another underwater travelogue. Jim Carrey's narration is totally underwhelming as well.

But finally I get to the real complaint. It is little more than a plug for the global warming theory this time aimed at children.

I'm glad that I only rented it. I would have been really upset had I paid the over-inflated "3D" price for it. Maybe it was better in the theater, but it's a loser on disk, especially when compared to the numerous other fine IMAX endeavors out there.

I rarely go to the movies anymore. We have a plasma TV at home, so it's only on special occasions that I'll fork out my meager pennies to see a flick at the theater. This movie was a real treat. Not only are you plunked right into the oceans of Indonesia, and other tropical locations, but you witness the marvels of nature that are rarely viewed by the human eye. Seals seem inches away. Great White sharks are within biting distance. The dance of sea life is an underwater ballet.

I'm a big snorkeling fan, and with all this cold weather, I've been dying to visit someplace tropical so I can indulge my passion. Until I do, this 40 minute gem will satiate my thirst, without having to endure a 13 hour plane ride.

This documentary film is about the rich and diverse marine wildlife in the Great Barrier Reef.

Though it is just under 40 minutes long, "Under The Sea" transports us to an unearthly world where wildlife is exotic, colourful and vibrant. The scenery is beautiful, and is quite unlike anything on land. I was particularly amazed by the sea eels sticking out from ocean beds. They are eerie, and the accompanying background music is very fitting! The scene where catfish cascade on the ocean bed is extraordinary too. If there was another angle from behind so we see how long a fish stay in position then move to the front, it would have satisfied my eagerness to learn more about their peculiar movement pattern.

"Under The Sea" is visually amazing, and I enjoyed watching it.

Probably the best documentary ever made with both narration and background music done right! I just learned that Jim Carrey narrates it...which is still hard for me to digest, as I only relate him with the Mask! lol.

The documentary itself with beautiful filmography, colours, quality, different species... all get 5/5. Narration: Informatative with a touch of humour. Soothing voice. 5/5 Background music: Calming, relevant, lightly boosting and changing according to the scenes. Doesn't hurt your ears. 5/5.

My only complaint is that it's too short. 😢 I want it lasting longer. 10 hours at least. Here, take my money! 💰

I give it 10 out of 10.

2009's 'Under the Sea 3D' is one of several documentary short films presented in IMAX 3D. These short films are mostly quite interesting, but their overall quality is most worthwhile if flawed. The effects have also varied. Underwater is always fascinating, often re-visited in nature documentaries but it never feels old when re-visited and a lot is learned every time without being recycled. Was both interested and unsure regarding Jim Carrey working as a narrator.

Any worries immediately evaporated. While not one of my favourite nature documentaries, or one of the best seen, 'Under the Sea 3D' was still absolutely wonderful. Of the IMAX 3D documentaries, it is to me definitely one of the best and one of the few that was nearly perfect. The subject and location may not be new, but the approach taken with the material, what was done to make it accessible and its presentation felt fresh.

'Under the Sea 3D's' only debit for me was the length. Like most of the IMAX 3D documentaries, it does feel too short. With a lot of content, this could very comfortably have been 20 minutes longer perhaps which would have given the viewer more time to take in the information and also learn more.

Can't fault everything else. 'Under the Sea 3D' looks incredible for one thing, with the photography being particularly awe-inspiring. The Undersea world dazzles visually, those gorgeous colours, though one is aware without being beaten round the head that it poses daily challenges for the wildlife. This is also one of the few IMAX 3D nature documentaries where the 3D actually doesn't look cheap, too gimmicky or/and too reliant upon.

The music, with an accessible style, is relaxing in some parts while having some edge in other parts. The animals are a great mix of adorable, formidable and exotic. The sea eels and catfish, in how they are photographed and their behaviour on camera, particularly captivate.

When it comes to the information, it is very educational and the narration entertains and informs without preachiness or being gimmicky. Familiar content still being approached freshly, and in a way that will captivate and never disturb kids while not being cookie cutter. More to this than beautiful wildlife in a beautiful habitat. Carrey also works very well as narrator, managing an expert mix of never too jokey humour and seriousness. He was clearly engaged and in awe of the material, knows what the target audience is and delivers the material in a way that suits the subject very well.

All in all, wonderful. 9/10.