Deep Sea 3D

Most of this new 3-D IMAX film takes place not hundreds of fathoms below the surface as the title suggests, but among the much shallower coral reefs of the Gulf of Mexico, British Columbia and the Bahamas. Whatever, it’s still an awe-inspiring event; rather like scuba-diving without getting wet or running out of oxygen. Once again, the makers of 1994’s ‘Into the Deep’ have delivered a stunning tour d’horizon of life beneath the waves, where ugly sponge-like frog fish sit disguised among the coral awaiting a passing snack, and larger fish turn up at ‘cleaning stations’ to have their scales purged of parasites by myriad multi-coloured tiddlers. As with some other IMAX presentations, the patronising style of dialogue here lets the side down: Johnny Depp’s okay, but Kate Winslet sounds too much like a nursery teacher addressing a group of three-year-olds. You may also wish for a more contemporary-sounding soundtrack than the orchestral one supplied by Danny Elfman. Personal taste aside, ‘Deep Sea 3-D’ is still worthy of your attention, and marvellously educational eye-candy for scholars.