IMAX 3D

The IMAX 3D underwater adventure, Under the Sea 3D, showcases some of the world's most diverse marine life found in Australian waters. This new film, narrated by Jim Carrey, explores the effects of climate change on these wondrous inhabitants in dazzling 3D.

Under the Sea 3D is currently running at IMAX theatres and is directed by Emmy Award winning documentary filmmakers Howard and Michele Hall. This movie brings audiences face-to- face with mysterious and stunning sea creatures from the Great Barrier Reef, in waters around Southern Australia, the Coral Triangle islands of Papua New Guinea, plus Indonesia.

Discover the habits and habitats of the great white shark, flamboyant cuttlefish, leafy sea dragons, giant stingrays, jellyfish, green sea turtles, playful Australian sea lions, and a multitude of brilliantly colourful fish and sea life as they play out the daily dramas of their lives.

Under the Sea 3D is a unique and entertaining way to explore the beauty and natural wonder of our oceans, but also to understand the threat of climate change and the Halls' concern to protect marine environments for future generations.

"Part of what our IMAX films are designed to do is create a sense of value for the animals and for the environment," said Howard Hall.

"We hope people will come to know and love these animals when they experience their world through the extraordinary image quality of IMAX 3D.

"Most people will not have heard of these creatures. But once people get to know them and then learn that global warming and ocean acidification may be damaging their environment, we think they'll start to care. Making people care is our mission," Hall said.

Dr Mark Norman, world-renowned octopus and cuttlefish expert and Senior Curator of Molluscs at Museum Victoria, was involved in the filming of the giant cuttlefish in SA.

"Whilst filming the giant cuttlefish mating grounds, we were surrounded by big males in display combat, egg-laying females and little sneaker males dressed up as females," says Dr Norman.

"The footage is amazing, the huge IMAX screen and 3D effects make it feel like the cuttlefish are hanging midair in front of you with their tentacles washing around you.

"Seeing director Howard Hall and the IMAX underwater team in action was just incredible. They used an underwater twin IMAX camera system the size of a car that needed a crane to lower into the water. The two cameras use slightly different angles to get the 3D effect and could only shoot three minutes of film at a time, at $10,000 a pop!" Dr Norman said.

Mark Spencer, Australian underwater explorer and photographer, was involved with the Great Barrier Reef filming.

"Viewing Under the Sea 3D on the IMAX screen is just as good - if not even better - than actually being there," said Spencer.

Currently screening at IMAX theatres. Prices vary slightly in each capital - adult tickets are under $20. For session times: Melbourne, visit www.imaxmelbourne.com.au or phone (03) 9663 5454; Sydney, visit www.imax.com.au or phone (02) 9281 3300.