Hubble 3D (G, 2010)

Floating thousands of miles above our planet, the Hubble telescope brought images of the universe down to Earth, including nooks and crannies that date back billions of years. But soon after it was launched in 1990, scientists discovered one of its mirrors had a flaw; a handful of shuttle trips to mend it took place, but after the crash of the Columbia shuttle in 2003, it looked like there would be no more trips. But in May 2009 a crew made one last stop, IMAX camera in tow. HUBBLE 3D tells their story.

Avatar might have taken 3-D to another level, but this documentary proves the technology is satisfyingly applicable to nonfiction films, too. Space, already an awesome cinematic subject, seems, in fact, more wondrous with it, turning a world that most can only imagine into something almost palpable. Screened only in IMAX theatres, the 3-D effect is heightened, making for an experience that’s part thrill ride, part astronomy lesson, and all entertainment. (Leonardo DiCaprio’s narration echoes the audience’s amazement.) At 43 minutes, the film is hyper-efficient, and we long for a little more insight into the astronauts themselves. And if only the 3-D effect would stay stable at all angles; one wrong shift can make the images seem wobbly through the special glasses viewers need, but these are small quibbles for a straightforwardly awesome film.