Search - Island of the Sharks (Large Format) on DVD

Suspenseful ocean footage!

J. Connor | Palm Desert, CA United States | 07/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Island of the Sharks is a spectacular look at the ocean around the island of Cocos. Many creatures are photographed here, including: shark species, manta rays, fishes, and quite a few invertebrates. A very startling scene, and one of my favorites, involves a male blenny searching for a mate. However, a very large mantis shrimp threatens all fishes that pass within the area. A female blenny detects the males signal, and searches the sand flats for him. When the tiny female reaches the male, he rebuffs her instantly. The female blenny backtracks in the wrong direction, and is swallowed whole by the waiting shrimp. Excilirating photography! However, this is only a single scene out of many that make this one of the very best films about the ocean. Completely trashes another well known but sub par Imax film called "The Living Sea."
The transfer to DVD of this epic is acceptable. It is very good for a restoration from the Imax screen, which is usually very hard to do. Some scenes of the film are grainy, but this is expected from an Imax restoration. However, most of the picture is clear, and can be enjoyed in full glory. If you love the ocean and it's marvels, rent it or buy it on DVD!"

Best UW Documentary ever

cemkur | San Francisco | 03/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I buy and watch a lot of underwater documentaries but I have to admit this is but far the best of them so far. Cocos Island has always been my dream diving spot in the world. These guys put together a fantastic video. Quality of the shots are incredible. I strongly recommend anyone who is interested in underwater life."

Interesting story

cemkur | 10/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amazing photography. Make sure you watch the special features on how they made it.
Also - if you have younger children - check out Captain Jon Explores the Ocean, also available on DVD from Amazon."

Narration VS Music Sound Track Problems.

Jeffrey W. Nicholas | Utah | 01/21/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Nicely filmed, good sea and island bird life coverage including the seasonal El Nino effects, BUT...the narration is often drowned out by the sound track's musical score--a fault I lay directly on the studio sound staff, sloppy mixer level management, and asleep-at-the-wheel Quality Control people. The narration overall was only "adequate" as the woman doing it spoke as if "too removed/uninterested/laid back" from what she was narrating, a weak script to read from, and spoken softly as well adding to the narration shortfall. Otherwise...this is visually a good DVD of the sea and bird life of the Cocos Islands."