Deep Blue (G, 2006)

More of a visual journey than an educational film, DEEP BLUE features more than the "deep blue" of the ocean, including many shots above the waves and on the sand. Dolphins surf. Albatross find sardines. Sand crabs create thousands of little balls of food on the beach. A polar bear hunts for beluga whales through a hole in the ice. Many of these scenes are beautiful, riveting, and even playful, but the best and most beautiful scenes take place deep in the ocean. Far below the surface of the ocean is a world that most of us will never experience. Stingrays glide through the water while glowing jellyfish propel along. Absurd-looking deep-sea fish with enormous jaws and sharp teeth trap unhappy little creatures in their mouths. And perhaps the best of all are the truly alien-like creatures that emit light.

Deep Blue's narrator (Pierce Brosnan) does provide some tidbits, but the information is random and brief and often obvious, rendering it an unnecessary addition to a truly stunning collection of oceanic footage. In fact, the narration can be frustrating in its lack of information and inconsistency. The shark feeding frenzy would have been a great place for some extra information, but none is provided. It would have been better to provide no information at all, leaving the viewer to sit back and enjoy the often amazing and beautiful imagery.

Kids and grown-ups alike will find parts of the film enthralling and all in all, it's an interesting peek into the world of ocean life. Though the editing isn't perfect, the movie does move through many different scenes and viewers will enjoy the variety of ocean life shown.

Studio: Miramax
Director: Alastair Fothergill
Cast: David Attenborough, Michael Gambon, Pierce Brosnan
Genre: Documentary
Run time: 91 minutes
Theatrical release: April 11, 2006
DVD release: April 11, 2006
MPAA Rating: G
MPAA explanation: General Audiences