Into the Deep

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.

At first it looks like an underwater IMAX 3-D film, but then it turns into something awful! Though it is in 3-D, the picture quality (as in 3-D quality too) is kinda bad. The whole movie starts out good (C+ average) and then just flops by stuff an average person won't know by time they die! If you like all IMAX 3-D films go and see it. If you don't then don't waste your $7 on it.

Grade Average: D+

Into the Deep is an enjoyment of sight and sound. Filmed in 3-D Imax format. It felt like you moving through the ocean and the underwater wildlife coming towards you while sitting in your seat. I saw a few films in this format but the first time in 3-D. Hypnotize your eyes in wonder and amaze how vivid the colors of the sea look lifelike in 3-D. Well worth the price of admission.

I am a professional dive instructor (PADI IDC Staff Instructor #233440)) who, for years, taught at Santa Catalina Island, just off the California coast. One of my favorite remembrances as a dive instructor was to enter the Casino Point Dive Park in Avalon. Just a few feet off the entry point was a kelp forest. I enjoyed hovering weightlessly in the waves, swaying with the kelp, watching fish move in and out.

The human eye sees so much more than the camera can pick up. I was mesmerized by the light that filtered through the kelp forest. The Garibaldi, the California state fish, would wait for us and circle us as we entered the water. Many of my peers took small bags of frozen peas to feed them. Schools of them would circle us and watch us... just in case we brought munchies. In the afternoon around 2pm, fish would "park" for what looked like nap time in the kelp. Night dives was truly another world.

I watched sun stars move along he sandy bottom off of Monterey, CA. I played (cautiously) with the jelly fish that "invaded" one of my open water classes there. How in the world can they actually be alive? Beats me. How do brittle stars know to run in panic? How can they panic if their brains are so small? I've been diving with sharks, and they didn't bother me, but the Moray eel, who opens his mouth to breathe can look fearsome and caused me give them a respectful, wide berth.

No, this movie doesn't have shipwrecks or chase scenes. It's real. It approaches things gently,answering the curious questions of a wide-eyed child. I enjoy it because it's real. It brings back memories. This is what it's really like. It's quiet... and incredibly beautiful. It's peaceful. Breathe deeply and slowly... and feel the waves. Imagine yourself weightless.

It'll change you.