Journey into Amazing Caves (2001)

A Masterpiece!

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

As the title "Journey Into Amazing Caves" already tells you, this is a documentary about caves. Unfortunately the focus is not on the interesting world in terms in there in terms of flora and fauna, but instead shows us what kind of leisure activities we can have in there. I am generally not a friend of the idea that we should step into and discover territories that nature obviously created with the intent to stay untouched, but this is just my approach. If you have another one, you will maybe enjoy this documentary a lot more than I did. Oh yeah, this is IMAX you know, so it is as always a movie that runs for roughly 40 minutes and got made by a duo of filmmakers who have quite some experience in the field. Instead, I suggest you to check out Werner Herzog's full feature take on the subject. That one is more rewarding and it has Werner Herzog. Enough said. As for this one here, i do not really recommend the watch unless you're an IMAX completionist.

Journey into the Amazing Caves is a snooze fest, one of those specially made museum videos specially made for the Imax screen with the substance a 10 year old wouldn't really be able to stand let alone most adults. Still, I can't totally put down this movie, as that directors Stephen Judson and Greg MacGillivray and the five cinematographers (one MacGillivray) have compiled a great looking short flick with some really breathtaking scenery and shots accompanied by some decent Moody Blues music (the classical stuff is a little much though). In other words, it's a movie that works well on the Imax screen as long as you keep the sound off. Narrated by Liam Neeson. C+

What a great film! Usually Imax/Omnimax titles put me to sleep, but this one had me on the edge of my seat. Liam Neeson's narration is phenomenal, the soundtrack (featuring the Moody Blues) is haunting and enchanting. You really care about Hazel and Nancy, and the work they're doing. Not to be missed on a domed Omnimax seen, so make sure you see it when it's in your area.

By far the most involving IMAX movie ever. It takes you to some of the most far-reached and hazardous place on Earth and makes you feel like you are actually there.(Enough with the corny stuff and on with the good part)This documentary not only educates, but takes upon itself to share with the audience the passion, the danger, and the excitement of extreme speleology. A task that is accomplished in one swift stroke. The voyage takes us with experts Hazel Barton and Nancy Aulenbach to rocky caves in the Grand Canyon, icy caves in the Groenland and underwater caves in the tropics, in search of "extremophiles" (meaning love of the extreme), which are microorganisms which reside in once thought to be inhabitable habitats.We soon understand that they are themselves extremophiles, as they deeply love what they do and are always ready to embark on one perilous mission after the other. They risk their lives on numerous occasions and show courage and devotion in the name of science... and hey, because it's a lot of fun!!The camera work is impeccable and makes maximum use of the IMAX technology to immerse the viewer in the fantastic experience. The directing is of high quality and creates a mood, a feel and a pace that keeps you captivated throughout. Stephen Judson, the director, utilize all the tools to make you part of what happens and make you understand the drive and desire that push those people to such limits. They come up with a perfect mixture of wonder, learning, adventure and tension.The aesthetic composition of the visual arrangements recaptures admirably the natural splendor of the exotic surroundings. The flowing narration is combined with sincere and appropriate dialog (I don't think there exists one superfluous comment in the whole movie)From beginning to end the feature never falters, and when you start to feel the fantastic journey skillfully build to the ending, you are suddenly struck with fondness and admittedly yearn for more. That's when it gets even better! It ends perfectly.To see in original IMAX projection, preferably.