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The Movie:
"Stormchasers" understands the power and potential of the IMAX format; the ability to take viewers to a place they've never been and that few ever venture to. In this IMAX feature, we are along for the ride as we journey with storm chasers to track forces of nature such as tornados, hurricanes and more.
The tornado chasing sequences are certainly some of the best in the film, offering an up close look at the equipment that these scientists must bring along with them to measure the atmosphere and other essential elements of the weather. During the other sequences there are some remarkable scenes, such as a plane flying into a forceful hurricane to take measurements.
Like the best IMAX features, "Stormchasers" combines the right balance of educational information and entertaining sequences. There is a wealth of interesting information and visuals about weather, and there are also a few shots that are quite entertaining, as chasers get a little too close for their own good to the weather as it passes through.
The DVD
VIDEO/AUDIO: As with some of the new IMAX DVDs from Image Entertainment such as "The Living Sea", "Stormchasers" offers the option of either a Dolby Digital 5.1(actually in English/Spanish/French) or DTS(English) soundtrack. Both soundtracks are quite good, but the DTS soundtrack is really a magnificent sound mix, with a remarkable warmth and richness to it. Although it's not exactly "Twister", it still sounds wonderful in its own right , offering a very, very natural sound that really captures the rain or some very intense thunder/lighting very strongly.
Surround use is almost contstant, offering a fine sense of dimension during the storm sequences or for playing the majestic, powerful score from composer Patrick Williams. The score sounds outstanding, coming through with impressive clarity and a deep, solid presence that sounds almost as if the performers are playing in the same room as the viewer. The narration and dialogue are also clear and easily understood. This is another example of a fantastic sounding IMAX film, one that really takes the steps to draw the viewer into the film using sound as a bridge. Excellent, excellent work.
Video quality is just as breathtaking; the full-frame image fills the screen with images that are impressively sharp and clear. Colors are bold, bright and rich, looking clean and never over-saturated. There are a couple of small instances of shimmering, but the print looks clear and clean, and there are no instances of pixelation. The picture frequently takes on a wonderfully three-dimensional look, as well. This is very strong image quality from Image Entertainment, who has done a very, very nice job on IMAX DVDs lately.
MENUS:: Although the menus are not animated, they are easily navigated and offer the score from the movie playing in the background .
EXTRAS:
"The Making Of Stormchasers": A 27-minute feature shot in high-definition video, this documentary is similar to most IMAX "making-of" features in that it goes into impressive detail about the experiences that the cast and crew had to go through to get the shots they needed for the film. In this case, the directors and crew share many of their stories about their viewpoint on the film and also, some of the close calls and creativity they had to come against and up with to complete the film.
Trailers: Trailers for "Dolphins", "Discoverers", "Magic Of Flight", "Stormchasers" and "The Living Sea"
Text Notes: Text notes about the director and how to do a science trick.
Final Thoughts: A very well done DVD; one of the best IMAX films I've seen, and it contains wonderful picture and outstanding sound quality. The "making-of" documentary also is excellent. This DVD was delayed for a while, but it was definitely worth the wait. Highly recommended!.
Program Grade:A
Audio Quality Grade:A
Image Quality Grade:A
Extras Grade:A-
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