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The film: I expected "Niagra" to simply take a look at the power of the falls and its visitors today, but was treated to a look not only at that, but the history of the falls. The film takes a look at the earliest cultures that discovered the falls up to some of the more recent events surrounding the area. IMAX films with a specific focus are almost always more successful, and this one is no exception. The filmmakers do an impressive job of reliving the history of the area, and I never found the film slow or dull. The photography captures the falls nicely, and the actors are very good during the historical segments. I don't know how well this may have played outside of the area, but I found it to be enjoyable and informative. The DVD The sound is successful in putting the viewer into the situation, with very effective use of the surrounds at times. When waves make an enterance,they splash around the viewer with wonderful clarity. Not the most agressive sounding IMAX film I've ever listened to, but it does manage to put the viewer into the more intense scenes nicely, and doing that - it gets the job done. The video quality from Slingshot is strong, but not quite the best I've ever seen from an IMAX presentation, with the general quality being sharp, but not razor sharp. Colors are natural and accurate though, and a lack of any problems with the print used or with shimmering & pixelation makes for a very pleasant viewing experience. Slingshot has also included a couple of extra features on this disc, including a 20 minute "making-of" documentary(which is also in 5.1). Director Keith Meryll takes us into his ideas about the purpose of the film, to take us back into the history of the falls that many people may not know about. There are some clips between the "behind-the-scenes" footage, and in this case, that's unfortunate - only because I found the production footage quite interesting. It's a very interesting documentary, showing all of the problems of the production (the crew had to deal with snow and cold shooting conditions). I suppose that with any IMAX production, which take audiences to amazing and remote locations across the world, there's always going to be some problems, though. Also included on this disc: an isolated music track as well as a 10 minute reel of trailers for other IMAX movies from the company. The main menu is fairly basic in nature, but the chapter selection menu shows animated clips of each chapter. "Niagra", like all IMAX films, is probably better experienced on the giant IMAX screen, but like the rest of the DVDs Slingshot has produced for IMAX films, it's successful in bringing that experience home. I was suprised by the movie as well - not my favorite IMAX movie, but certainly a very well-done picture that has a lot to offer. Recommended. DVD Grade:B+ Film Grade:B BACK TO THE SITE: Listing Of DVD Special Sales Back To A Guide To Current Film A List Of Current/Upcoming DVD For Sale Soundtracks For Current Films |