Cosmic Voyage

While working at an IMAX theater I had to watch this film about three times a day. It never failed to capture my attention and interest. I love the way in which this film illustrates large concepts and explores many aspects of science. Although I've encountered many people who did not agree with the ideas it presents, I will never forget the impact it has had on my interest in science. Even while watching Cosmic Voyage three times a day, it continued to be entertaining and engaging. As far as I am concerned, this is an accomplishment.

This gorgeous and mind expanding IMAX film was nominated for an Academy Award in the documentary category, but it is truly in a class of it's own. It is such a joy to experience on on multiple sensory levels, capturing an awe-inspiring sense of our place in the universe. Scientific theories go hand in hand with this visually stunning film. Morgan Freeman's narration was perfect. In fact it was his first narration job that was a spring board to his career. The sound effects supervisor, Nick Armington, should be credited in choosing Freeman. The sound track is also breathtaking. Our small place in the cosmos made greater by experiencing this film.

From an adult's viewpoint - I found this "arm-chair" cosmic voyage documentary (from 1996) to be only marginally educational when looking at it from a strictly scientific perspective.

I repeatedly found that a fair amount of the information being recited here by its bored-sounding narrator was, basically, just recycled data and second-hand knowledge which, of course, was made to appear significantly more interesting by an onslaught of dazzling CG imagery.

And, speaking bluntly about some of this science-documentary's computer graphics - I certainly wasn't all that impressed a lot of the time. I mean - If you ask me - There were certainly times when some of these glittering images actually looked downright hokey and, yes, almost laughable to this viewer.

Anyway - I'd say that the only thing that saved this IMAX "Cosmic Voyage" presentation from eventually deteriorating into a literal snore-fest was its short running-time of only 35 minutes.

This is one of the best IMAX films. It is truly a Cosmic Voyage, it gives an idea about the truth size of our macro and micro universe.

It manages to maintain the interest by avoiding any difficult data, the ones told are clear and suitable even for younger audience. And I believe it contains information even for the educated people.

It is needless to talk about the visuals. The IMAX films always had great footage and effects, this is true also for this one. But unlike to some IMAX films where only the visuals stand out, here the narration and contents are also very good. Morgan Freeman's calm narrative voice makes you to really wonder about the contents.

The IMAX "Cosmic Voyage" film was made as a public service with sponsorship by the Smithsonian Air and Space museum. On DVD, borrowed from my local public library, it plays at just over 30 minutes with Morgan Freeman supplying a pleasing narrative. As one would expect from an IMAX film, the image quality is superb and the Dolby 5.1 sound track is very well done. Simulated cosmic explosions shake your walls! That is, if you have a good powered subwoofer in your system.

The film takes a very useful approach to examining the size of the universe, from tiny sub-atomic particles to the vastness of the whole universe. (Fortunately, when God created the Universe he had dispatched a few angels with video cameras at different vantage points so we get to see actual footage from several billion years ago.) The film starts in Venice, where the discovery of the telescope originated, and uses a one-meter hoop as a reference point, then gradually goes larger by powers of 10, e.g. 10 meters, 100, 1000, etc until we can see the whole universe. Then it takes the opposite journey, going smaller by powers of 10 until be see inside sub-atomic particles.

The story is well-woven with beautiful effects created especially for this film. It is entertaining and educational at the same time. All of "oldsters" can enjoy it for the scientific history we are already familiar with, and all the "youngsters" can enjoy it for the educational supplement it provides. Overall a masterful film.

Any numerical "rating" of "Cosmic Voyage" is meaningless. If one is looking for a superb film about our universe and modern theories of its formation, this one is hard to beat. Kudos to IMAX and to the Air and Space Museum.