I recently picked up a couple of the newer IMAX 3D releases, but I was a bit wary going into "The Ultimate Wave: Tahiti." Why? Well I watched the other one (Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia) first. And while the 3D on that picture was perfectly serviceable, it lacked a unique or interesting narrative. That's right, folks--I want it all. I want a film that is attractive to look at, that utilizes 3D to good affect, and has an entertainment value. Well, I needn't have worried. "The Ultimate Wave: Tahiti" has all three expertly interwoven into its 45 minute presentation.
Narrative: The film introduces surfer Kelly Slater and a local legend named Raimana. They are our hosts as well as the subject of this feature. I had assumed that I was going to be watching non-stop surfing action, but that isn't the case at all. The documentary covers scenic landscapes, underwater life, local customs and legends, wave science and a myriad of water sports before kicking into a surfing frenzy within the last third. It is an extremely well balanced narrative which delivered far more variety than I expected. But most important, it was thoroughly entertaining.
Features: There are quite a few snippets to look at, interesting but not essential. There's a 5 minute travelogue highlighting Tahiti. In fact, I'm pretty much cooking up my next vacation now! There are a handful of vignettes providing more depth on the surfing stars, board designs, and waves principles. All are fine--brief but informative, but not necessarily a huge extra value.
3D: Well, of course, a film shot in Tahiti is absolutely gorgeous. The film has real texture in its panoramic landscape shots and its underwater vistas. This, unlike some other 3D features, isn't purposefully stunt-like (meaning it's not thrusting items into your face simply because it can). So this is more layered 3D as opposed to pop out all over the place. The film would be enjoyable and beautiful without the added dimension, but having it provides a extra element. It's crisp and assured and I appreciated how organic it felt. KGHarris, 3/11. IMAX: The Ultimate Wave - Tahiti [Blu-ray 3D]
OK, this Blu-Ray shows great 3D. Surfing photography has excellent traditions and techniques, and this movie uses them all. 3D cameras are placed underwater, at the surface of the waves, on the surfboards themselves, in helicopters, and in the faces of some beautiful women. The camerawork is top rate and the 3D production is as well. The material lends itself to 3D, as we are looking through the tubes of waves, down their crests, and through their glistening faces. The Blu-Ray also gives nice 3D graphic rendering of the science of volcanic island formation, and also of wave development, transmission, and breaking. Some of the most easily understood science, and made so by the advantage of 3D graphics.
This Blu-Ray will look better on a bigger screen, so a 3D projector would be best.
My ratings are based mainly on the QUALITY OF THE 3D, not the video content.
There are about 15 out of screen effects that extend about 10% of the way, from the screen to the viewer and another 12 around 25% and 1 graphic makes it to 35% BUT, nothing special in the 3D department. Only 5 minutes of underwater fish scenes deserve a 3D applause.
*** Nice scenery and under water footage ***
MY 3D RATING = GOOD (poor, fair, good, very good, excellent)
Note: As far as the percentages go, everyone's eyes are different. What I see at 25% you may see at 15% or 35%. To fully realize how far something is out of the screen for you, pause on an effect and direct a partner with an extended finger to the tip of what you are seeing. You may be surprised.
Click on `See all my reviews' for the lowdown on other 3Ds
This 3D Blu-Ray by Stephen Low is EXCELLENT. This isn't just for surf rats, it is a quality educational production with imagination and artistry as well as great 3D. I especially liked the underwater filming where the 3D looks GREAT! This disk won't disappoint and is money well spent as versus so many of Hollywood's overpriced discs. Production values are quality and it's very interesting. I had to check the carpet in front of the TV to make sure it wasn't wet with fish a flopping the action is so real. If you get seasick take your pill before watching this. The extras not done by Stephen Low were ho-hum, but the disk has does have some previews of upcoming 3D productions. Thank goodness someone is producing quality 3D content!
I'm not too much into surfing, but this dvd has some very good 3D effects, very powerful waves, pretty scenic also. I bought this not only for the decent price, but because it's one of the newer releases from IMax theaters. There are great surfers in this movie, kids & adults... this is a unique & different movie in my library, somewhat educational... I recommend.
I saw this film at the IMAX at USC and had been chomping at the bit for months to see it because of my love of surfing and my admiration for Kelly Slater, Raimana and watching Chopes explode!
Surfers that are expecting a Taylor Steele, Jack McCoy, Matt Beauchesne or any other of the latest surf auteurs high performance surfing flicks will be somewhat disappointed. At first.
As a guy that grew up loving the ocean and riding waves, this movie really impressed me in its scientific approach to the mechanics of how, why and in what form do waves exist?
If you're going to use a case study to explain the mechanics of waves; Teahupoo is the perfect mutant model to study. I have never been to Teahupoo, but know people that have, and to hear their stories of sitting in the channel on a boat watching the lineup while the ocean just kind of drops out and forms this perfect thick monstrous slab of a wave, just mere meters in front of them, is mind blowing.
The interesting thing about the mechanics of waves is that there are all sorts of examples. Which is why the World Surfing Tour tries to search out the best wave types all over the world to find the most well rounded surfers that can excel the best in all wave types; reef breaks, beach breaks, lefts, rights, powerful big waves, smaller waves, faster waves, etc..
What's cool about Ultimate Wave Tahiti is that you kind of get it all in a short film. You get great surfing by great surfers. A beautiful backdrop and culture. And best of all you get a great education on the how and why waves exist.
I recommend this movie for both the surfer, the arm chair surfer and anyone interested in the science of waves. - Culture - 3d - Imax - Geography'
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