On Wednesday night, Feb. 21,  my wife Hiro and I were fortunate to be invited to the World Premiere of Howard and Michele Hall’s newest, latest, and greatest underwater film——the IMAX 3d film by the name of …DEEPSEA 3D.

The Premiere was held at the California Science Center IMAX theatre in downtown Los Angeles.

All I can say is that when this film opens in the IMAX theatre near you……..make a beeline to see it ASAP.

For those of you who are fans of the Hall’s previous underwater films, I can assure you that you will be bowled over by this beautiful underwater film as, in my opinion, this is their crowning achievement.

Shooting in the field for well over a year and in at least 8 different worldwide locations, this 40 minute spectacular features critters behaving in the most unusual ways.

Narration is provided by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslett .

The music is all original and is written by Danny Elfman.  Howard is the director/cameraman and Michele is the co-producer.

Featured critters include a rainbow nudibranch, California mantis shrimp, a multitude of shark species, jellyfish, Caribbean grouper, mola mola, squid, turtles, mantas, wolf eels, giant octopus, and sunstars—-just to name a few.

Worldwide locations are the Bahamas, the Sea of Cortez, Flower Gardens, British Columbia, Catalina Island, Monterey, North Carolina and Kona, Hawaii.

Any diver or non-diver will absolutely be blown away by the fabulous critter behavior, sound effects, the wonderful music, and the effects of the 3D images which have you believing that the critters may swim right off the screen and into your face.  You constantly raising your hands to ward off sharks, fish, and other schools of familiar oceanic friends.

Miles and miles of 70mm IMAX film was shot to produce this film.  IMAX PRODUCTIONS partnered with Warner Brothers to bring to the screen the highest budget underwater film ever shot in this format.

Howard Hall has the patience and the experience to make animals perform behavior rituals that will make you say……”why won’t they ever do that when I am diving?”

The ending sequence………no, I’m not telling……..will leave you in amazement.

Howard was ably supported on this film by a film crew of San Diego based experienced and veteran divers including Bob Cranston, Mark Thurlow, Dave Forsythe, Peter Kragh, Richard Hermann, Lance Milbrand, and John Ellerbrock.  Howard’s longtime friend, Reno resident,  John Dunham also was a participant.  There is also on onscreen guest appearance by Marty Snyderman…….see if you can spot him!!!

A very excited and large crowd, by invitation only, was blown away by DEEPSEA 3D.  Seeing our oceanic home in this format, may almost be better than being there in person.  And you can stay warm and dry in the process.

Check out: www.imax.com

Steve Drogin—-ace reporter