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Opie-7
Reviews
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Great, even better in IMAX
This movie was definitely an interesting watch, seeing it in an IMAX theatre increased the suspense particularly in the Quidditch match, but the larger image did make the CGI look noticeable, but not too bad.
As for the storyline and acting by Mr. Radcliffe, Mr. Grint, Ms. Watson, nicely done. I haven't read the book yet but since this movie, I just began reading the series. The change of directors in this movie as well as the theming were apparent in the film. Cuaron did successfully establish a darker, yet more suspenseful film; but I really didn't like that 'freeze-frame' that everyone else is complaining about.
Overall, definately in my humble opinion, one of the best of the three. If it's playing at an IMAX theatre near you, definately see it, even if you have already seen it at conventional 35mm theatres.
Haunted Castle (2001)
Great Effects, bad story, typical IMAX experience.
This has to be one of the best 3D IMAX movies that I've seen! But everyone else that I know whose seen it hated it. Probably because too many people look for a decent plot instead of its visuals. It sort of makes you think that people don't care about the quality of a presentation.
Now I admit, the story was...bad. But let's face it, 3D movies in general don't have great plots. If they did, people would be too busy focusing on the story than the 3D effects.
In general, this is one the best IMAX 3D movies I've seen mainly for their 3D effects. Don't see it in 2D, you'll be very disappointed if you did.
Mysteries of Egypt (1998)
Great music, scenery, and narration!
This has to be one of my favorite IMAX films. The music by Sam Cardon was well matched with the beautiful scenery shot in this 40 min. movie. Though I have never seen either Sharif's or Maberly's other works, their roles as grandfather and granddaughter were well performed. Both roles made the movie entertaining and educational for people of all ages.
Whales: An Unforgettable Journey (1997)
Educational, but boring!
This movie is good for its educational value, but it wasn't very entertaining. The movie, except for the intro with the whale jumping out of the water towards you, dragged on for the entire 40 minutes. Not even Sam Cardon's music made it any better. Unless you're very interested in whales, don't expect too much from this documentary.
Thrill Ride: The Science of Fun (1997)
A Great DOCUMENTARY
First off, "Thrill Ride", like many other IMAX movies, is a DOCUMENTARY. In my opinion, "Thrill Ride" was a great DOCUMENTARY. It talks about the progress of amusement park rides and the creation of flight simulators. It takes you on a rollercoaster, and some simulated rides.
But I keep hearing people complain that it wasn't the "WHITE KNUCKLE" movie experience that they expected to see. The title itself, "Thrill Ride: THE SCIENCE OF FUN" is a dead giveaway that the movie is about the science of thrill rides, thus a DOCUMENTARY.
Overall, the images were outstanding, the narration was boring, the sound was great, and the "prospector" tour-guide was annoying, but funny.
Space Station 3D (2002)
Ferguson and Myers have done it again!!!
The only thing that I didn't like about this movie was threading it through the projector. IMAX 3D movies require two prints, one for the left eye, and one for the right eye. So it takes us projectionists twice as long to get it ready.
But enough of that, the movie was very good for an IMAX 3D movie. The best parts are when the astronauts have a little fun while filming. For example (MAYBE A SPOILER!) : the astronauts are eating and some of the food is flying around and one of the astronauts takes an orange and pushes it towards the camera. Everytime I run that movie I watch the audience and I see them covering their eyes and trying to grab some of the objects floating around.
The movie was made by the same people who made "The Dream Is Alive" over 15 years ago. It is truly an amazing experience!
The Dream Is Alive (1985)
A classic IMAX Experience
I saw this movie at an IMAX film festival a couple of years ago. The shots of the earth from space are amazing, and the best part is, these aren't Hollywood Special Effects. It's all real. Even 15 years after it was made, it's still one of IMAX's best films.