2012's 'The Last Reef 3D' is one of several documentary short films presented in IMAX 3D. These short films are mostly very interesting, but their overall quality is mostly worthwhile if flawed with some components being less consistent than others. 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.
While not one of my favourite nature documentaries, or one of the best seen, 'The Last Reef 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 in 'The Last Reef 3D', but the approach taken with the material, what was done to make it accessible and its presentation felt fresh and very professional. The same two guys Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas did nearly everything themselves and execute each of the components they were responsible for to exceptionally high quality effect. There is remarkably not a bite off more than they can chew vibe.
'The Last Reef 3D's' only major debit is 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.
Did feel perhaps too that the information of the global warming could have gone into more depth and been delivered with more subtlety, but other documentaries have done a far worse job at that than this.
On the other hand, 'The Last Reef 3D' is an absolute stunner. 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 wildlife absolutely dazzle, having an otherworldly alien-like effect in the early stages which was fascinating to watch.
Moreover, the music is accessible in style that has appeal for all ages and suits the theme and content very well. It is also absolutely beautiful on its own terms in its own right. It is relaxing in some parts, but also has edge and a not too intrusive sweep in others. The wildlife are a great mix of adorable, menacing and exotic, as well as beautifully varied in size and whether they are prey or predator. The reefs look amazing.
Also learnt such a lot from the information given. It is not only educational and brings a fresh slant on familiar material, it is also entertaining and emotionally investable without any dumbing down or over-complicated terminology. McNicholas and Cresswell are careful to not disturb younger viewers while not making things too cookie cutter, one does get a sense that daily life pulls no punches. The delivery is sincere, not too jokey or over-serious and clearly understanding who to aim the information at.
In conclusion, very, very good and often wonderful. 8/10.
While not one of my favourite nature documentaries, or one of the best seen, 'The Last Reef 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 in 'The Last Reef 3D', but the approach taken with the material, what was done to make it accessible and its presentation felt fresh and very professional. The same two guys Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas did nearly everything themselves and execute each of the components they were responsible for to exceptionally high quality effect. There is remarkably not a bite off more than they can chew vibe.
'The Last Reef 3D's' only major debit is 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.
Did feel perhaps too that the information of the global warming could have gone into more depth and been delivered with more subtlety, but other documentaries have done a far worse job at that than this.
On the other hand, 'The Last Reef 3D' is an absolute stunner. 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 wildlife absolutely dazzle, having an otherworldly alien-like effect in the early stages which was fascinating to watch.
Moreover, the music is accessible in style that has appeal for all ages and suits the theme and content very well. It is also absolutely beautiful on its own terms in its own right. It is relaxing in some parts, but also has edge and a not too intrusive sweep in others. The wildlife are a great mix of adorable, menacing and exotic, as well as beautifully varied in size and whether they are prey or predator. The reefs look amazing.
Also learnt such a lot from the information given. It is not only educational and brings a fresh slant on familiar material, it is also entertaining and emotionally investable without any dumbing down or over-complicated terminology. McNicholas and Cresswell are careful to not disturb younger viewers while not making things too cookie cutter, one does get a sense that daily life pulls no punches. The delivery is sincere, not too jokey or over-serious and clearly understanding who to aim the information at.
In conclusion, very, very good and often wonderful. 8/10.
