Under the Sea 3D

Under the Sea is a documentary that brings us to the depths of the oceans to be introduced to the various sea creatures that we hardly see, unless you're an avid diver and being knowledgeable enough to know your undersea flora and fauna. To the uninitiated and non- divers like myself, this is one thrill ride that reminds us we're not alone in this world, and there are countless other species living in 70% of our world that we hardly ever see.

Narrated by Jim Carrey, yes, that Jim Carrey, the visuals are spectacular, showcasing the vibrancy of colours underwater, and very strange fishes and creatures both predator and prey, stretching from the waters of Papua New Guinea to Australia's Gold Coast. I've lost count on the number of species on display, but for fans of the ocean you will get to see them in their natural habitat engaging in various activities from camouflaging, mating to pure survival in keeping themselves fed. Given the presentation in IMAX it's really in your face stuff, especially when it boils down to snapping at its own food chain, and what I really felt uncomfortable with, were the wriggly, venomous sea snakes swimming toward the screen. Yikes!

Perhaps the primary weak point in the film is Jim Carrey's narration, as his voice was somehow drowned out by the soundtrack and ambient underwater sounds. Granted he's no James Earl Jones or Morgan Freeman whose voices inherently have a certain booming, commanding gravitas, Carrey's came across as somewhat smart-alecky at some points, though of course fingers can be pointed to the writer of his lines, and as they say, don't shoot the messenger.

Then there's not much of a weaving narrative attempted to tell a story here, other than to launch you into the visuals direct and describing what's going on, and if it's something a lot more educational you're expecting, then you'll be a tad disappointed. It skims the surface of the various species introduced, and of course the legwork of research and investigations into more detail lie with you the audience in digging up more information after the screening, and that is if you're bothered to.

One can almost feel that this slightly under an hour film served its purpose as a presentation preview for audiences to the new IMAX 3D format, and would have certainly piqued the interest of many to make this presentation format the format of choice in films slated in its lineup, starting with this summer's blockbusters.

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.

Camera work was awesome but had to watch muted because Jim Carrey is AWFUL!!!

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.

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.