‘Wild Ocean 3-D’ in IMAX Offers Breathtaking Cinematography, Profound Message

CHICAGO – “Wild Ocean 3-D” – an unforgettable nature documentary playing now in IMAX at Chicago’s Navy Pier – dives to the depths of the ocean and through the vastness of the sea with breathtaking 3-D cinematography and a profound message for all mankind.

From plankton to sardines, dolphins, seals, whales, sharks, gannets and man, Mother Nature’s greatest example of the food chain has been captured off the Wild Coast of South Africa and preserved on film in this educational documentary.

An African penguin stands tall atop a rock on Bird Island, Eastern Cape in the IMAX film “Wild Ocean 3-D”. Photo credit: Steve McNicholas

The film takes place along the spectacular South African coast where the Zulu and the Western worlds meet at Kwazulu Natal, which is where tropical meets the sea on the Wild Coast.

Cold-water currents push giant schools of sardines up the eastern coast and warm currents push this bait toward the shore.

When this auspicious chain of events occurs, a dazzling cornucopia of life creates the greatest underwater feast in the world.

Whether it’s the scent of sardines, the amount of fish oil in the water or simply because it’s an annual occurrence, every participating sea creature arrives in schools of thousands and cordially coexists for this solitary event as if it were their Thanksgiving.

Breaking surf sprays behind a fisherman on the rocks of Sezela Beach, KwaZulu-Natal in the IMAX film “Wild Ocean 3-D”. Photo credit: Steve McNicholas

The thousands of sardines – sometimes stretching as far as 10 miles – form giant “bait balls” that are meant to distract predators yet seem to dazzle the human eye with nothing short of miraculous spectacle.

As every sea creature anticipates the first move, Zulu fishermen wait with nets and poles, buckets and even full skirts to collect the sardines from the shoreline.

Zulu women collect shells from tide pools and dance in a 160,000-year-old ritual for the reaping on this day. Dolphins shoot like missiles through the bait balls and an underwater battle begins that stirs a frenzy of bombing gannets, torpedoing sharks and rapid-firing seals.

When the spectacle finishes, the film leads us down the righteous path. It relays the importance of pursuing sustainable fishing practices and following the footsteps that Africa and New Zealand have started with the creation of protected coastlines and marine preserves.

Waterfall Bluff, Transkei in the IMAX film “Wild Ocean 3-D”. Photo credit: Steve McNicholas

The beauty of both landscape and seascape are captured by the incredible 3-D cinematography in this film. “Wild Ocean 3-D” is narrated by a native South African, which adds to the educational elements of the film and creates an even greater appeal for teachers and students alike.

Great factual knowledge is given throughout this sea epic that leaves the viewer more environmentally conscious than before.

Without being too preachy, addressing the issues of marine preserves and coastline protection give this beautiful documentary good purpose and makes it a must-see event for science students and sea lovers around the globe.

This is an excellent film to experience at any age, and with its 3-D effects, it gives the already amazing ocean an even more incredible depth. The only real criticism lies in its length: 40 minutes might be long enough to get the environmental message across but never long enough for someone who loves the sea.

By ALLISON PITACCIO Staff Writer HollywoodChicago.com allee@hollywoodchicago.com