The Last Buffalo

I remember this movie years ago when I saw it back in 1991 at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL. It was shown at the Pictorium which as a 3D film on an upgraded IMAX screen. Hopefully this work of art will show up again on Blueray 3D. The Pictorium, an IMAX theatre, opened in 1979 and claimed to have the world's largest screen, at 64.5 by 88.25 feet (19.6 × 26.9 meters). Yes it was awesome, whereas you were closeup on a screen that big creating an immersion experience. I really miss those days!!!

As an avid IMAXphile and even more of a 3D fanatic, I found out that THE LAST BUFFALO was playing in the IMAX theatre in Vancouver...and in 3D!

Not only was it in 3D, but that day was the last day it would be showing. I calculated that if I got in my car and drove from Seattle that very moment and missed every red light, I MIGHT be able to catch it. In my mind, the risk to life and limb was more than worth it.

This is a docu/art film that defines "cinema" as an art form. Visually it is STUNNING; conceptually, the juxtapositioning/intercutting images (edited by Andrew Kitzanuk) of these magnificent animals in the wild with the images of a sculptor creating an artistic rendering of the beasts, trying to capture their essence and beauty in hard metal, truly evokes the wonder of the artist's quest and Nature's resisting, begging to remain wild and unincumbered. It is both a marriage and a conflict and has been the nature of art since the first buffalo was etched on a cave wall.

The 3D component is nothing less than spectacular -- so happy to see the person responsible for the 3D credited as Stereographer (Noel Archambault). While, yes, you can appreciate the film in 2D, experiencing it in 3D is the difference between listening to a symphony in mono instead of stereo sound. Coupled with the the cinematography by Andrew Kitzanuk which is breathtaking, even for those who are not particularly fond of 3D or nature films, I strongly urge you to try to remember what it was like when you were young and open-minded, and force yourself to catch this beautiful film in REAL 70mm IMAX 3D; you will kiss yourself many times over for doing it!

However what is truly unfortunate, is that this film, because of the special format in which it was created, 70mm IMAX 3D, it will be difficult to find an "true" IMAX theatre (on 70mm FILM and in 3D) where you will be able to see it; that means hundreds of thousands of cinema lovers will probably never have the opportunity to see it.

And worse, as of this writing, I have not found it on BluRay 3D. This is a real shame, as that's akin to the sadness we fell when we learn of any of the great films that have been lost forever, never been seen or will by seen in the future by the very people who would appreciate them the most.

" The producers need to make this film available on BluRay 3D; while BD will not deliver the same incredible visual impact as seeing it an IMAX film theatre, at least it will allow many more people to see the film as it was created with all its beauty and emotional impact.

There is no good reason why this film isn't available in BluRay 3D; it is an affront to the cinema-loving public and it disrespects the director Stephen Low and the all the other incredibly talented people who created it, IMHO.

1990's 'The Last Buffalo' immediately appealed to me prior to watching. Absolutely love nature documentaries (have done ever since seeing 'Planet Earth' and 'The Blue Planet' for the first time when they first aired) and it is always wonderful seeing buffalos on film. They are amazing animals and not seen anywhere near enough in documentaries, so it was great to see a documentary covering less familiar territory and in IMAX short film format. Many of those have been made overtime and most are good to brilliant.

'The Last Buffalo' is one of the close to brilliant ones. It is wonderful and lived up to high expectations. It may not be one of the best documentaries ever made, but it was great to see a documentary that focused specifically on these criminally under-explored species and as comprehensively as it did. Maybe not one of the best IMAX documentary short films, but very close. When it comes to documentaries on buffalos, 'The Last Buffalo' is as good as it can possibly get and does its subject justice.

Its one caveat is the length as it does feel too short, which is true of many documentary short films. 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.

Otherwise, 'The Last Buffalo' is wonderful. It looks absolutely beautiful for one thing, with beautiful yet unforgiving scenery and especially the photography that leaves one in awe at its best. There is though more to 'The Last Buffalo' than cute animals and plants in beautiful environments, one is reminded without being preached at that there are daily challenges. The IMAX looks professional and is not overused or gimmicky.

Expectedly there is some messaging, but it is as relevant today as it was back then so it is hardly outdated. It also makes its point quite powerfully and thoughtfully, was very worried about it being preachy but there are documentaries that are a million times worse at that. The music, with an accessible style, is relaxing in some parts while having some edge in other parts. The buffalos are a great mix of adorable, formidable and exotic and their behaviours and ways to survive are relatable, surprising and inspiring.

When it comes to the information, it is very educational and the narration entertains and informs without preachiness, childishness, sugar-coating or disturbing. It is delivered well.

Concluding, wonderful. 9/10.