Deserves More Time And A Larger Screen
Martin A Hogan | San Francisco, CA. (Hercules) | 06/24/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Originally an IMAX film, a lot of the impressive cinematography is lost on the small screen, but that doesn't mean the impact is affected. Robert Redford narrates this amazing beautifully filmed documentary on some of the world's most fantastic places and creatures. Scenes of thermal waterfalls from Thailand edit to massive glacial mouths, air-spouting whales in Alaska, flying monkeys in Asia, exotic undersea life, razor tipped snow capped peaks and more. The sound is spectacular especially in 5.1 DTS with nature sounds mixed with subtle native percussion. Although it only lasts forty minutes and the screen is smaller, the special effects of accelerated photography matched against normal paced scenes makes for an experience far too short for its greatness. One could watch this repeatedly."
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL
Robin Simmons | Palm Springs area, CA United States | 04/08/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
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SACRED PLANET (Disney) is an Imax production that extols the great beauty of our planet's exotic, remote and still unspoiled places. Narrated by Robert Redford, the awe-inspiring, globe hopping cinematography brings the majestic and diverse locations into our living rooms in ways we could never experience in person or with the naked eye. Aerial shots and time-lapse effects create a God's eye view that is in keeping with the referential tone of the narrative. Granted, much of this material is obvious and not new, but that does not make it irrelevant. It is a reminder that in many ways, the mystery of creation -- and perhaps the Creator -- is pressing down on us in all directions if we will just open our eyes.
Extras include a music video with bonus footage, a making of featurette and director's commentary.
This beautiful film will lift your spirits and transport you to another, greater reality. If you have a DVD that can "loop" a disc, and a plasma screen hanging on your wall, you might want to just let this one run with the sound down. Make your screen a window to the wondrous beauty of our amazing home planet.
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