Directed by Jean-Michel Cousteau, legendary film maker and environmentalist, this amazing 3D Blu-ray collection showcases the wonders of the ocean such as the majestic whales of the sea to the predatory sharks of the vast oceans to everything in between. Joining Cousteau is director Francois Mantello, 3D photographer Gavin McKinney and composer Christophe Jacquelin who create one of the most visual and surreal documentaries of all time. With the blessing of the United Nations Environment Program, this epic collection was filmed between 2001 and 2007 that really comes alive, thanks to the 3D cinematography which looks spectacular on Blu-ray. This is easily the best 3D that I have experienced!

If this collection sounds a little familiar, that's because you may have seen some at IMAX and thankfully Universal has brought this collection on three must have Blu-rays. Even though I saw Dolphins & Whales: Tribes of the Ocean at IMAX, I was still eager to watch it again, just to experience the 3D wonders from the comforts of my home lounge room. After watching these documentaries, you will be forgiven in thinking that you are actually swimming with these creatures because the high quality images, especially 3D images almost jump out of your TV, making this a truly unforgettable experience.
 
Ocean Wonderland 3D

Ocean Wonderland 3D (2003) was probably the film that started it all as the entire documentary was filmed in 3D. This documentary really showcases the impressive 3D technology as viewers are taken on an underwater journey from the Great Barrier Reef to the tropical waters of the Bahamas as we see all sorts of marine animals from Clown Fish to amazing schools of fish that never seem to end, giant turtles, sea snakes and friendly dolphins.

Although the documentary is not all about the niceties of the ocean and we see powerful sharks that hunt in these areas that is truly a world of the survival of the fitness. Unfortunately we also learn of the influence that mankind is having on these reefs. The environmental message is very clear in this Ocean Wonderland 3D and hopefully as its creators hope, it will help highlight the plight of our coral reefs and those animals that call it home. This documentary was engaging, however the next two films are far superior.

Sharks 3D

Sharks 3D (2005) is the second documentary on this release that focuses on these misunderstood and feared creatures, sharks. From the powerful great white to the enormous whale shark, these may be the oldest creatures in the world but unfortunately due to mankind's stranglehold on the world, many sharks have become an  endangered species. The documentary is narrated from the "perspective" of a turtle who explains all facets of these ancient creatures. Even though the commentary is a little childish at times, it actually suits the premise quite well and this friendly turtle had me smile on more than one occasion.

There are some truly spectacular scenes in the movie such as the school of hammerhead sharks which is a sight to behold and although they stay in packs during the day, at night they hunt alone. Another engaging scene is when the whale shark is being filmed that is over 30 feet long and is a real gentle giant of the ocean as it feeds on algae and plankton as opposed to many other sharks such as the Great White that feeds off larger sea creatures.

Apart from sharks, the documentary investigates other animals who share their habitat like seals, manta-ray and dolphins. There is a scene in the documentary where a pack of sharks are circling a dolphin and her calf but fortunately with the presence of the mother there, the sharks are quite wary of approaching.

The 3D quality of Sharks 3D is truly one of the best presentations that I have seen on Blu-ray as the depth perception is amazing. It looks like the fish and sharks are swimming in your living room that go out and behind your TV. It has this surreal atmosphere to it, especially with the night shots that have a light focused on sharks which really brings out there amazing tones.

Dolphins and Whales 3D: Tribes of the Ocean

Finally we have Dolphins and Whales 3D (2008), my favourite documentary of three due to the playful nature of the dolphins and the kinship of the majestic whales. This documentary goes into some detail about these "tribes" of the ocean that include other strange creatures such as the Belugas and Orcas. More importantly, this documentary focuses on a very memorable scene about a humpback whale and her calf as they make their journey to warmer waters.

Narrated by actress Daryl Hannah who was obviously chosen for her role as a Mermaid in the film Splash, Hannah lends her voice well to this edutainment documentary as the viewer learns and experiences the wonders of these intelligent underwater mammals and the dangers of mankind.
 
Unfortunately Cousteau's message of environmentalism and extinction is quite powerful in this documentary as the film is divided into a set of vignettes, each showcasing a certain species of dolphins or whales such as the almost extinct Southern Right Whale. Regrettably the Eubaleana Australis were dubbed this name because of how easy they were to hunt. We learn of the animals scientific name as before each segment begins, a skeletal frame of the mammal will appear on the screen and both their common and scientific name are displayed such as the Killer Whale or the Orcinus Orca.
 
As Hannah informs the viewer of their underwater habits or for some, their strong tribe like mentally, it highlights the estimated number that remain in the wild and how mankind through industrialism have caused many of these mammals to be endangered. Although not all the documentary is about gloom and doom as the amazing cinematography only highlights these amazing creatures even more, whether it is the dolphins playing "tag" with a piece of seaweed or how the Killer Whales are the true kings of the sea. It's quite fascinating to watch!

Video & Audio

This Blu-ray collection is easily the best 3D movies available for the home market and even though the images may not be as clear as some of the Hollywood releases but when it comes to 3D, the 3D effects are amazing here. The depth really comes into play here. The colours are unfortunately a little muted as the entire three documentaries take place underwater which is understandable but when the colours they appeal like the corals or the Clown Fish, they jump right out at you. Audio supports DTS-HD Master Audio that although doesn't make full use of your system still sounds super clear and the soundtracks are fantastic.

Conclusion

This is one collection that is a must have for any owners of a 3D TV! Not only is it informative but it's a joy to watch as you witness something that has never been done before, especially in this scope. There is a strong environmental message behind this collection and hopefully with this release, more people will be highlighted to plea of the oceans and those creatures that live amongst it.