Under the Sea 3D

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.

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.

Well 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.

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.

First of all, when I first watched the trailer of the documentary I liked it and I had high expectations about it. Eventually, it was as good as I had imagined and I enjoyed it. The plot of the documentary was interesting, but not innovative because there are many documentaries similar to this one. Also, it was well-explained, informative and everything was accurate. The filming location of the movie was only one, the ocean. Moreover, the narrator (Jim Carrey) was great and his voice was relaxing. The runtime of the documentary wasn't long and it wasn't boring, at all. By the way, the colors and the ocean were both beautiful. Overall, "Under the Sea 3D" was an enjoyable documentary, fast-paced and I would definitely recommend it to anyone!