Entertaining, full of information & the 3D just takes it to another level.

Entertaining, full of information & the 3D just takes it to another level.   Read Less

Movie looks so good in 3d. Imax did it again

Movie looks so good in 3d. Imax did it again   Read Less

I think I have been a little unfair towards the collection of IMAX 3D Blu-rayreleases that have been available for the past few...  Read More

I think I have been a little unfair towards the collection of IMAX 3D Blu-rayreleases that have been available for the past few years, giving morepreference to movie releases when compiling my list of top 3D titles. Afterall, I am guessing most consumers who are gauging 3D Blu-ray purchasesare looking for the most bang for the buck and tend to pick movies overdocumentaries. After all, these IMAX Blu-rays are very expensive whenconsidering they only have a running time of 45 minutes. That's a hugedeterrent for anyone looking to keep their entertainment purchases withinbudget.The good news is, if you wait long enough, the price of these IMAX titlesusually always hit the $20 mark, which I think is the perfect price point formost individuals, including myself. You see, I never received an advancedscreener of Imax Hubble 3D, so I took my time and waited for the eventualprice drop. For those of you reading this review, I am about to persuade youto open your wallets and make a very wise $20 investment that will harnessthe full power of your 3D display.With the space shuttle program winding down in May of 2009, Imax Hubble 3Darchives the mission of 7 astronauts and their last chance to save the ailingHubble Telescope's warped mirror. With state-of-the-art instruments on board,their mission is to improve the telescope's discovery capability.The best word to describe the experience of watching this mission unfold isstunning. Donning 3D eyewear, I was simply amazed at how my display wasturned into a perfect picture-window where I felt instantly connected to the eventson screen. The IMAX footage itself is incredibly awe-inspiring -- so crisp andultra-detailed -- that I felt as if I could reach out and touch the telescope layingbefore me. An astounding level of depth -- almost limitless -- creates an immersiveenvironment like no other.Some of the best moments to savor....* There's an amazing shot of the pool in which the astronauts use for weightlesstraining. We are actually introduced to it at water level, just before going under.The perspective of depth within the room combined with the gorgeous blue colorof the water at eye-level is breathtaking to see.* Approximately 19 minutes into the documentary there is a shot from, I believe,the Space Shuttle Endeavor. A long rescue arm extends downwards, with theEarth hovering just beneath. On a large screen, it is perhaps the most incrediblesight you will ever witness on your display. Just sit back and savor the reach.* At Approximately 27 minutes, there are more stunning shots of the Hubbletelescope floating above earth, but with the addition of a very thin tether thatplaces itself most prominently forward in view, creating an additional layeredobstacle that only furthers the 3D enhancement.I mentioned limitless depth earlier in the review, and it plays the most essentialpart of this 3D experience. You really get a sense of the vastness of space,watching our earth and the man-made creations above it, floating in what can bebest described as black nothingness. If you want to test the level of black yourdisplay can produce, this is the perfect demo disc. I am very fortunate to have aplasma that was able to produce the inkiest levels of black. When you see that typeof blackness surrounding the Earth, it's...well...something you really need to see foryourself.While watching some of this awesome footage, you begin to take notice of itemsthat pop themselves forward. Look at how the open panel doors of the Hubbletelescope extend themselves outward. Various tools that the astronauts use forrepair also protrude forward. This isn't an overly gimmicky presentation -- andit need not be as the visuals from space are inspiring enough to watch on their own.Some may complain that a lot of spectacular 3D footage is bogged down by thepersonal moments spent with the astronauts aboard the space shuttle. Personally,I found these moments rather cool to watch. Some may also object to the amountof computer-generated 2D static images taken from the Hubble telescope that wereconverted to 3D by pulling apart stars and nebulas, giving them more texture anda feeling of space as it really is. Personally, I really enjoyed these re-imagined images.All I can say is be patient. As we near the end of this documentary, we find ourselvespeering into the edge of the observable universe, looking at images 10 billion lightyears away. I have never dropped acid in my life, but as the camera pulls back on amultitude of star fields, I can just imagine what the drug-induced experience musthave been like.The audible experience of Imax Hubble 3D is just as immersive as the video. Thesoothing narration by Leonardo Dicaprio is delegated to the center channel. The frontsand rears provide an enveloping array of effect sounds. I love the way that the voicesof the astronauts and mission controllers were placed squarely into the rears. Thisprovides a constant level of vocal cross-direction. Do yourself a favor and turn upyour receiver/amps during the launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. It will be quitean amazing experience to watch and feel, thanks to the strong rumble of the LFE channel.Imax Hubble 3D arrives as a single Blu-ray disc with both 3D and 2D featurepresentation. It may have originally come with an outer cardboard sleeve -- I amnot certain -- but with the discounted price it comes in a standard case. There is areally great added feature that takes viewers behind-the-scenes of filming thisImax documentary. There is also a Hubble Mission Logs Webisode Gallery included.What more can I say to persuade you to drop $20 on the best IMAX feature I havehad the pleasure of reviewing thus far?If you have been spending all your money buying and watching 3D feature films, Iurge you to give these IMAX documentaries your highest consideration -- particularlythis one. They really unleash the full potential of your 3D display. These are the themoments that you just sit back in your chair, gasp in admiration, while continuallyuttering the word, WOW!   Read Less