Hubble 3D, Blu-ray 3D (2010)

by | Mar 7, 2013 | DVD & Blu-ray Video Reviews

Hubble 3D, Blu-ray 3D (2010)

Director: Tony Myers
Narrator: Leonardo DiCaprio
Studio: Warner Brothers/IMAX
Video: 1.85:1 for 16:9 1080P HD 3D
Audio: DTS Master Audio 5.1, Dolby Digital
Length: 44 minutes
Rating: *****

When I’m confronted with 3D skeptics, I simply pop Hubble 3D in my Blu-ray player. This IMAX film never fails to amaze. A live Space Shuttle launch has beautiful video and stunning surround audio. Over the years I attended a few shuttle launches and this disc captures the tremendous dynamic range and low bass of the shuttle engines roaring to life. NASA even attached a lo-res video camera to the side of the booster, and you get a 3D view of the shuttle climbing toward its orbit.

IMAX was able to get cameras aboard the shuttle itself to get some greats shots of life in those cramped quarters. The rest of the film consists of breathtaking 3D animations as a virtual camera moves through nebula and uncountable galaxies to demonstrate Hubble’s effectiveness and reach.

Like all IMAX films, science takes a back seat to spectacle, but there is a bit of science among all the eye candy. And like most IMAX films, it’s an expensive disc, about $37 at Amazon, which is simply too much for less than an hour of 3D. There are some supplements on the disc, but those are 2D, and some portions are not even in HD. Still, this is the disc I use to show friends and family the power of a good 3D image with great sound. It’s a convincer, even at the premium price.

—Mel Martin

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