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.
