The Educational Aspect of Imax Adds Another Dimension

In “Into the Deep,” underwater cinematographers explore marine life along the California coast via the multicamera, large format, three-dimensional Imax visual and sound technology. (A story on the opening of Orange County’s Imax theater is on F1. Times critic Kenneth Turan will review this film in Friday’s Calendar section.)

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Forget the cheesy cardboard-and-cellophane glasses. Kids planning an excursion to Irvine’s Edwards Imax theater opening this weekend should know this is heavy-duty 3-D: liquid crystal headsets, personal surround sound.

Outfitted in adjustable electronic goggles, many of those attending a preview last weekend could not help but reach out into the air to try and touch what they were seeing. A toddler in PJs was stopped on his way to the screen only by a railing. Randy Plunkett, 14, of Laguna Hills said he actually felt chilled when the camera went underwater. His brother Danny, 12, called it better than virtual reality.

“You felt like you were really in it,” he said.

Kids used to regular theaters will notice some other differences right off with the Imax format--the steeper, stadium-style seating; the 6 1/2-story screen; the higher-priced tickets ($6 for children, $8 for adults.)

But even those who had seen Imax before were amazed by 3-D Imax, used in “Wings of Courage,” a 40-minute drama, and “Into the Deep,” a 35-minute documentary that has been in release since 1994.

Entranced by the technology, they barely noticed they were actually watching something educational.

“It was the type of education, where you’re like, ‘Wow, that’s cool!’ ” said Julia Zimmerman, 10, of Los Angeles, who wanted to reach out and pet the frolicking seals in the film.

Filmed around the Channel Islands and off Southern California, the movie shows kids what life is like for the Garibaldi, the squid, the octopus, the eel, the lobster and other creatures that inhabit the undersea world just miles from our homes. Unusual shots of feeding, mating, birth and death illustrate not only the familiar Disney lesson that life is a circle, but also that the “destiny of each is tied to all.”

Julia was fascinated by the scene of opalescent squid mating en masse. Afterward, as their eggs drop squirming to the ocean floor, the parents die and their bodies drift away to become food for others.

Her friend Annabel Simer, 10, of Topanga said she had never imagined a courtship like that of the brilliant orange Garibaldi. Because the female might eat her eggs, the male has to chase her off after first attracting her.

Others were surprised to see how lobsters molt, shedding shells that later wash ashore.

The movie’s tone was so gentle that the kids said they were not frightened even by the insane-looking moray eels or the small sharks.

Some, however, said the goggles induced a headache and not all were thrilled by the third dimension. Amanda Smith, 14, of Irvine said she preferred the regular Imax movies “The Blue Planet” and “Grand Canyon.”

But most agreed it was at least something completely different. And often, Julia said, “It was pretty amazing.”