'Dolphins and Whales: Tribes of the Ocean 3D' is the sort of documentary that will appeal to a lot of people and one that many will find a lot of worth in it, but there will be others that may not find it is to their taste. Have never had anything against 3D, though it has been used to very variable effect in documentaries (being either striking and well made or overused and too gimmicky). Was also really looking forward to learning more about dolphins and whales, animals that are always worth learning about.
Part of me was a bit disappointed in 'Dolphins and Whales: Tribes of the Ocean 3D'. Certainly didn't hate it, there are a lot of good things and the 3D use and the more human approach to the animals worked fine. 'Dolphins and Whales: Tribes of the Ocean 3D' was rather uneven however and for me did have some major drawbacks. There are better documentaries on dolphins and whales, whether individually or together, around that informed and engaged me more.
There are many things done very well. On the most part 'Dolphins and Whales: Tribes of the Ocean 3D' impresses visually. Underwater is both enchanting and full of colour yet also unforgiving and indicative that under the sea is not all idyllic and has its challenges. The cinematography as hoped is exquisite and rich in colour and on the most part the animals look great. The music is indeed serene and is never discordant with the atmosphere or overbearing.
As with every nature documentaries, the stars should always be the animals. The dolphins and the whales certainly do steal the show. They are showcased beautifully here, whether prey or predator, cute or menacing and small or big. They are far from small in personality and are big on charm, and the story is cute enough without being sickly and has tension without being overly dark. The writing does have informative and entertaining moments.
However, it could have been delivered better. Have nothing against Daryl Hannah as an actress, but she didn't feel right for narrator. It could have been a lot more involved and expressive, Hannah often sounded like she was just delivering the lines rather than living them. Like many 3D nature documentaries, the length felt too short.
Which did compromise the pacing, which was too often very rushed and jumpy. Do agree too that the environmental message while relevant was too abruptly introduced, very heavy handed and rather tacked on.
Concluding, above average and worth seeing if you are interested in the animals focused on and are interested in seeing a documentary in 3D, but wasn't wowed by it and though there was room for improvement. 6/10.
Part of me was a bit disappointed in 'Dolphins and Whales: Tribes of the Ocean 3D'. Certainly didn't hate it, there are a lot of good things and the 3D use and the more human approach to the animals worked fine. 'Dolphins and Whales: Tribes of the Ocean 3D' was rather uneven however and for me did have some major drawbacks. There are better documentaries on dolphins and whales, whether individually or together, around that informed and engaged me more.
There are many things done very well. On the most part 'Dolphins and Whales: Tribes of the Ocean 3D' impresses visually. Underwater is both enchanting and full of colour yet also unforgiving and indicative that under the sea is not all idyllic and has its challenges. The cinematography as hoped is exquisite and rich in colour and on the most part the animals look great. The music is indeed serene and is never discordant with the atmosphere or overbearing.
As with every nature documentaries, the stars should always be the animals. The dolphins and the whales certainly do steal the show. They are showcased beautifully here, whether prey or predator, cute or menacing and small or big. They are far from small in personality and are big on charm, and the story is cute enough without being sickly and has tension without being overly dark. The writing does have informative and entertaining moments.
However, it could have been delivered better. Have nothing against Daryl Hannah as an actress, but she didn't feel right for narrator. It could have been a lot more involved and expressive, Hannah often sounded like she was just delivering the lines rather than living them. Like many 3D nature documentaries, the length felt too short.
Which did compromise the pacing, which was too often very rushed and jumpy. Do agree too that the environmental message while relevant was too abruptly introduced, very heavy handed and rather tacked on.
Concluding, above average and worth seeing if you are interested in the animals focused on and are interested in seeing a documentary in 3D, but wasn't wowed by it and though there was room for improvement. 6/10.