NASCAR: The IMAX Experience

First of all I am not a fan of Nascar, I do follow the odd Formula One race, but living in Europe, Nascar is something I may happen to see playing at five in the morning on one of the sport shows, or is a sport I prefer to play on the Playstation. As a cultural phenomenon, a thrill sport, or a symbol of national prestige (as so many American sports tend to be) it goes entirely over my head.

Now Nascar IMAX was something I was looking forward to, yes I actually thought that the promise of seeing these races in 3D would make me appreciate some of the dynamics of the sport. Alas no, or at least this is not the movie that will achieve this end. The movie is slow, with very few action scenes, doesn't look that great in 3D and is heavily dependant on dialogue. These should be basic no,no's for an IMAX movie, and yet some bright spark continues to invest heavily in such banal material.

I do long for the day when IMAX equipment will be put into the hands of a true master of cinema, I remember watching Nascar thinking, "with all this technology, all this money, the best they can do is deliver a weak documentary about racing cars?". I guess IMAX could be the next frontier of cinema, and with the way cinema is heading, this can not come any sooner. Alas, Nascar IMAX is not the one that's gonna take IMAX to the edge. So I guess the IMAX gauntlet remains unraised. Any takers??

We saw the NASCAR 3D IMAX movie in Nyack, NY. I was somewhat disappointed in that much of the live racing action was not in 3D, but was super-imposed as a window. The movie itself was about an hour long, not much for 10 bucks. Basically, it's a historical review of NASCAR. I'd think you really have to be into NASCAR to entirely enjoy it. However, those that haven't seen a 3D IMAX movie will be impressed. There was a positive too. With the admission ticket you could take a free "ride" on the NASCAR silicon raceway. This normally retails for $8.50. They don't advertise it though. So, if you're at the Palisades Mall, or have a virtual NASCAR facility in your area you may want to check it out.

Not only to you get to see, hear and sometimes feel the excitement of being at a race:

You also get to see things from the drivers perspective.

One thing that I really liked was Keifer Sutherlands commentating and getting the chance to learn a lot about this great sport.

If you haven't been to a race, you cannot appreciate the power of the awesome 800 horsepower engines.

The sites, sounds and smells of being at the track are something that you have to witness in person at least once!

I really hope this movie is released for DVD - that's where it belongs when it's all said and done!

I kept wanting to touch the images, especially in the opening sequence. This movie just has to be seen to be believed. It literally picks you up and sets you right down onto the track. I thought I was sitting on that banked oval!. The sound was excellent also as I kept turning to tell some patrons to be quiet. Then I quickly found out the voices were part of the 'surround' dialog. Ear-blowing as well. The sound could have been a bit louder, but you can't have it all. And Keifer Sutherland's narration was, well--Keifer Sutherland. You can't go wrong with him in any role. I could sum this film in 5 words or less, but IMDB needs 10 lines for my review. What can I say? I give N3D a perfect 10 as a 'documentary' movie. Now I want the IMAX 3D experience at home...dang!

The coolest 3-d I've ever seen. You want to be at Daytona? How about sitting in the middle of the track as Gordon, Stewart, Junior, Busch, Kennseth and the rest of the crew blaze right past you doing 190. Talladega, Rockingham. It's all here. It is a real rush and literally puts you right in the middle of all things that are Nascar. And the things that make Nascar great. Truly the 3-d must be seen to be believed. I'm going again. A great flick. The only problem I have is it moves a little too quickly and tells you a little about everything. Keifer Sutherland does a good job as the narrator, but his monotone voice is a little too subdued. I'd rather have DW calling it. Boogity Boogity Boogity! I'm above a casual fan, but not a diehard and I absolutely loved it.