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IMAX: Into The Deep
Warner Bros. // Unrated // August 6, 2002
List Price: $19.99 [Buy now and save at Amazon]
The Movie:
Recently, I viewed director Howard Hall's 1999 IMAX picture "Island of the Sharks". While somewhat repetitive, the film still managed to bring stunning imagery, including one school of fish who literally spun into a "tornado" to protect themselves against attackers. Hall's prior credits only included 1994's "Into The Deep", a film that was originally shown in 3D in IMAX theaters around the country.
Thankfully, the DVD does not offer "Into the Deep" in 3D as it was shown in theaters. Although 3D in IMAX theaters is amazing with certain films, there's nothing in "Into The Deep" that needed to be presented in 3D and I really would rather have simply been able to admire the cinematography without the 3D (and especially without the annoying, bulky 3D glasses).
"Into The Deep" takes viewers below the surface of the Ocean to study some of the more facinating creatures that live underwater. While this is similar to "Island of the Sharks", this film mainly views some of the smaller creatures, such as eels, fish and some of the enormous plant life.
A few things hurt "Into the Deep", especially in comparison to "Sharks". Kate Nelligan's narration is not one of the finer ones recorded for an IMAX picture. It's often too low-key and quiet, while several moments that could have used some discussion pass by with no narration at all. The film seems to let most of its images do the talking; while they are visually remarkable at times, the film only occasionally offers more in-depth information about what's currently going on.
Overall, "Into the Deep" has the visuals that are expected from an IMAX film, but the film's lack of structure and lackluster narration really keep it from becoming a more memorable experience.
The DVD
VIDEO: Warner Brothers presents "Into The Deep" in 1.33:1 full-frame, which is the aspect ratio that most IMAX titles are offered in on the small screen (although some companies are changing this, offering anamorphic widescreen presentations of large-format fare). The picture quality is generally very good, along the lines of most of Warner's IMAX presentations. Sharpness and detail are generally very pleasant, although the underwater filming does lend the film a slightly soft appearance.
Some minor faults are briefly spotted: a couple of specks and a mark or two were seen on the print used. Some brief shimmer and a trace or two of pixelation were also seen. The film's color palette, which often shows rich, vibrant tones, looked nicely rendered, with no smearing or other faults. Quite a nice presentation.
SOUND: The film's Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack was a pretty subdued affair, with little for the surrounds to do. The film's relaxing (probably a little too much so) score is really the only element that is presented by the surrounds, aside from a couple of water sound effects.
MENUS: Basic, film-themed images serve as backgrounds.
EXTRAS: An IMAX trailer. That's it.
Final Thoughts: "Into the Deep" is okay IMAX fare; while the imagery certainly is stunning, the narration and score combine for a rather sleep-inducing experience. The film also seems satisfied to let the pictures do the talking, when more information about the creatures would have made for a more interesting and memorable experience. Warner's DVD offers the picture with fine image & sound quality, but next-to-nothing in the way of supplements. A rental for IMAX fans.
Recently, I viewed director Howard Hall's 1999 IMAX picture "Island of the Sharks". While somewhat repetitive, the film still managed to bring stunning imagery, including one school of fish who literally spun into a "tornado" to protect themselves against attackers. Hall's prior credits only included 1994's "Into The Deep", a film that was originally shown in 3D in IMAX theaters around the country.
Thankfully, the DVD does not offer "Into the Deep" in 3D as it was shown in theaters. Although 3D in IMAX theaters is amazing with certain films, there's nothing in "Into The Deep" that needed to be presented in 3D and I really would rather have simply been able to admire the cinematography without the 3D (and especially without the annoying, bulky 3D glasses).
"Into The Deep" takes viewers below the surface of the Ocean to study some of the more facinating creatures that live underwater. While this is similar to "Island of the Sharks", this film mainly views some of the smaller creatures, such as eels, fish and some of the enormous plant life.
A few things hurt "Into the Deep", especially in comparison to "Sharks". Kate Nelligan's narration is not one of the finer ones recorded for an IMAX picture. It's often too low-key and quiet, while several moments that could have used some discussion pass by with no narration at all. The film seems to let most of its images do the talking; while they are visually remarkable at times, the film only occasionally offers more in-depth information about what's currently going on.
Overall, "Into the Deep" has the visuals that are expected from an IMAX film, but the film's lack of structure and lackluster narration really keep it from becoming a more memorable experience.
The DVD
VIDEO: Warner Brothers presents "Into The Deep" in 1.33:1 full-frame, which is the aspect ratio that most IMAX titles are offered in on the small screen (although some companies are changing this, offering anamorphic widescreen presentations of large-format fare). The picture quality is generally very good, along the lines of most of Warner's IMAX presentations. Sharpness and detail are generally very pleasant, although the underwater filming does lend the film a slightly soft appearance.
Some minor faults are briefly spotted: a couple of specks and a mark or two were seen on the print used. Some brief shimmer and a trace or two of pixelation were also seen. The film's color palette, which often shows rich, vibrant tones, looked nicely rendered, with no smearing or other faults. Quite a nice presentation.
SOUND: The film's Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack was a pretty subdued affair, with little for the surrounds to do. The film's relaxing (probably a little too much so) score is really the only element that is presented by the surrounds, aside from a couple of water sound effects.
MENUS: Basic, film-themed images serve as backgrounds.
EXTRAS: An IMAX trailer. That's it.
Final Thoughts: "Into the Deep" is okay IMAX fare; while the imagery certainly is stunning, the narration and score combine for a rather sleep-inducing experience. The film also seems satisfied to let the pictures do the talking, when more information about the creatures would have made for a more interesting and memorable experience. Warner's DVD offers the picture with fine image & sound quality, but next-to-nothing in the way of supplements. A rental for IMAX fans.
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