Into the Deep

This is the first imax film I have ever seen. I saw it with my aunt and my sister while vacationing in Chicago at a theater in Navy Pier. It told us about the animals that inhabit the kelp beds of the Pacific Ocean. The people who worked at the theater gave us each a mask to wear while watching it so it would look like we were really down there. It did somewhat feel like we were.

Since there is no message board for this documentary I had to post a comment. Anyway, I thought this documentary was pretty good. I enjoyed the filming since it brought out the vibrant colors of the ocean and the marine life, and I did learn some things I didn't know before. However, I do wish the film was longer and I would have been better if it went into more detail and touched more on the lives of a wider variety of ocean life. So for a documentary it wasn't what one would expect, and in comparison to other documentaries about the sea and it's creatures I have seen it is rather weak. However, I wouldn't say it is awful or not worth seeing. It just could have been better, I think I may have enjoyed it more if I actually saw it in an IMAX theater how it was intended.

1994's 'Into the Deep' is one of several documentary short films presented in IMAX 3D. These short films are mostly quite interesting, but their overall quality is of the flawed and inconsistent but generally worthwhile kind. 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 almost every time without being recycled. One really cannot get enough of wildlife and such under the sea

On the whole, 'Into the Deep' was pretty well done. It is far from being one of the best IMAX 3D documentaries and has a few major debits. 'Into the Deep' has many fantastic things however, and they do far outweigh the debits. The subject and location may not be new, but really liked the approach taken with the material and admired what was done to make it accessible, none of it felt old hat either.

Am going to start with what could have been done better. Like most of the IMAX 3D documentaries, 'Into the Deep' 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.

With the length being too short, there is always the risk of the film etc in question of being over stuffed and rushed. Both were the case in 'Into the Deep'. Do agree as well regarding more variety (or at least a wider one) being more welcome.

However, so much is fantastic. It 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 more successful IMAX 3D nature documentaries when it comes to the 3D effects, which 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.

When it comes to the information, it is very educational without preachiness or being gimmicky and is delivered incisively and sincerely with not a false note. 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.

Perfect 'Deep Sea 3D' is not, but there is a lot to admire. 7/10.

I don't know what film some of the other reviewers have seen, but I've been to multiple IMAX theatres just to see "Into The Deep." The 3-D effects are excellent, as is the footage and the narration. You'd never think watching the short, happy lives of squid, waving kelp forests, or plankton floating by your eyes would be quite so mesmerising---but the filmmakers really pull it off. 9/10.

I'm definitely at odds with the other 30 reviewers, all male, who weighted this film's rating to a 4.9 to date. It's been several years since viewing, but I recall going back twice for the 3D sense it gave me of looking in on the lives of the "little" guys underwater. No, not terrifying great white sharks...the most "terrifying" scene is of a giant sun-fish sweeping down on other, tiny starfish, and their valiant attempts to flee. I laughed with the kids in the audience and put out my hand to "touch" the waving kelp that appeared to be just in front of my neighbour's head.

Of course, if years of Hollywood blockbusters has conditioned you to want big thunder and big blood, and you really can't stomach small wonders, don't bother with this...it's not for you. It's for kids at heart.