- Joined
- Jul 3, 1997
- Messages
- 66,748
- Real Name
- Ronald Epstein
What can I say? I love 3D! From the moment I began watching 3D content in my home I quickly discovered that I needed more content. I suspect that those of you just purchasing your first 3D hardware will acquire the same ferocious appetite. That's why I became the HTF 3D ADDICT. I personally love images that pop off the screen and come inches away from your face without becoming overly gimmicky. However, I certainly appreciate the nature documentaries that offer beautiful depth and separation. These are not necessarily reviews of the film themselves. I am not going to concentrate on story or supplements -- you can find the 2D reviews elsewhere on this forum. My job is to let you know exactly what kind of 3D experience to expect from the titles that are being released. As I will be receiving a handful of new product from the studios expect to see more title coverage.
LEGENDS OF FLIGHT
Studio: Image
Product Release: June 7, 2011
Ratio: 1.78:1
Audio: DTS-HD MA 5.1, English, French and Spanish
Running Time: 42 Minutes
Rating: NR
ON A SCALE 0-5
Overall 3D Presentation Rating: 5
3D Separation: 5
3D In Yo' Face Factor: 4
A NEW LEADER IN THE IMAX 3D FAMILY
I am continually astounded by many of these
IMAX documentaries that provide interesting
insight into wondrous worlds and technology while
providing some of the best viewing experiences
that can be obtained on the wide screen enhanced
with the 3D format.
Legends of Flight might very well be accused of
being a promotional film for Boeing's new Dreamliner,
but most won't seem to mind as they embark on a
wonderful visual journey through the last century of
commercial aviation on up through the 2009 inaugural
flight of the company's new 787 aircraft.
The Imax documentary opens up with the introduction
of the Airbus A380, being introduced at the Paris Air
Show in 2005. The A380 is the largest airliner ever built
while offering better fuel economy than most hybrid
passenger cars.
Meanwhile, as we are taken inside the Boeing facility in
Everett Washington, we watch the planning, production
and rollout of the 787 Dreamliner. Made of carbon fiber,
this is a lighter and smaller 787 that promises to be
more fuel efficient than its predecessors.
While Legends of Flight depicts the accelerated aircraft
developments of the past few years, it also takes a look
back at some of the air machines that shaped the
future including the Boeing Stearman and the Lockheed
Super Constellation. You can't help but marvel at the
progression of aircraft mechanics from the early piston
engines to those which were later replaced by jet engines.
And these days, manufacturers are gearing to make quieter
and more efficient aircrafts that boast bigger inner brains
thanks to expanded computer technologies.
Directed by Stephen low, created and shown in Imax
theaters, Legends of Flight is an expertly produced and
visually enticing documentary whose 3D photography
truly takes viewers inside these aircrafts in ways they
never have been before. With its gorgeously razor-sharp,
detailed transfer, Legends of Flight is a feast for the eyes
in eye-opening 3D. The imagery is stunning, almost psychedelic
at times, as we are treated to amazing computer-generated flying
sequences over country flatlands and snow-peaked mountaintops
enhanced with colorful, often dizzying schematic graphics that
leap towards the viewer at every opportunity.
There is a great sense of depth to be had here, as cameras
photograph these flying machines from every conceivable angle,
inside and out, placing the viewers either squarely inside the
cockpit or hovering just above the aircraft. There is a constant
supply of objects that protrude the screen that include noses
and wings of planes, human elbows, and a wealth of really cool
computer graphics that explode with bright vivid colors right into
your living room.
One of my favorite sequences in this film, that looks amazing
in 3D, a scene of a Canadian Destroyer being escorted by a
group of Marine Harriers, hovering effortlessly in the air. I got
a real kick out of seeing one of the noses of these jet planes
seemingly come within inches of my face.
Supporting the 3D film is an equally immersive 5.1 DTS-HD
soundtrack that puts the entire soundstage in high-octane mode,
enveloping the viewer with an array of pulsating music and effect
sounds mostly dominated by jet engine flyovers and the roaring
approval of the crowds below. Every channel in your room will be
revealed for a gratifying audio experience.
The 3D Blu-ray package also includes a 2D version of the
documentary along with a 45-minute "making of" featurette.
CONCLUSION
It may come as a surprise to some that perhaps the best
in-home 3D experiences don't come from feature films but
rather these expertly produced documentaries created for
exhibition in Imax theaters.
Legends of Flight can easily be counted among the best
Imax 3D titles currently available. Unfortunately, I'm not
too pleased that Image is selling this title at a premium
over most all of its previous 3D titles that were hovering
below the $20 mark. Personally, I feel $25 is a bit steep
for a 40-minute documentary despite the inclusion of
a "making of" documentary.
At whatever price you eventually pick this up for, it
comes highly recommended as one of the best Imax
titles currently available.
Equipment
LG 60PX950 THX Certified 3D display
Oppo BDP-93 3D Blu-ray Player
Denon 3311CI Receiver
Atlantic Technology H-PAS AT-1 fronts, 4400 center; 4200 rear speakers
SV Sound Subwoofer
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