Deep Blue (2003)

Directors:

Andy Byatt
Alastair Fothergill

Writer:

David Attenborough (writer)

Release Date:

5 December 2003 (Spain)

Genre:

Documentary

Tagline:

Until Now We've Only Touched The Surface.

Plot:

The natural history of the oceans |

Plot Keywords:

Underwater Scene | Albatross | Dolphin | Extreme Close Up | Fish

Cast

Michael Gambon	...	Narrator (voice)
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
David Attenborough
Pierce Brosnan	...	Narrator (voice: English version)
Frank Glaubrecht	...	Narrator (voice: German version)
Jacques Perrin	...	Récitant (voice: French version)
Dalik Volonitz	...	Narrator (voice: Hebrew version)

Also Known As:

Deep Blue (Spain) [es]
Meren sininen (Finland) [fi]
Paneta azul, la película (Spain) (video title) [es]
Planète bleue, La (France) [fr]
Profondo blu (Italy) [it]
Sügav sinine (Estonia) [et]
Vathy ble (Greece) [el]

Runtime:

83 min | Germany:91 min

Country:

UK | Germany

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS

Certification:

Switzerland:8 (canton of Zurich) | Singapore:G | Australia:PG | Finland:S | Germany:6 | Netherlands:MG6 | Switzerland:6 (canton of the Grisons) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | UK:PG | USA:G

Filming Locations:

Antarctica

Company:

BBC Natural History

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Making of 'Deep Blue' (2006) (V)

Despite the lack of detail this is a natural visual feast

Water makes up most of the Earth and, unlike the surface ecosystems, it is the hardest for man to explore, inhabit or bulldoze. It is the closest thing to having a different planet, except right here on Earth. As such I was looking forward to watching this film because of the excellent footage of the many amazing creatures and ecosystems that ever improving technology allow us to get closer to. I'm not really one for nature programmes so maybe that is why I was extra impressed by the film – because such stuff has not become "ordinary" to me. At the start of the film I must admit that I was watching the "ordinary"; whales, crabs and seals fitted into that category to me but once the camera went deeper into the oceans it only became more and more fascinating with such weird and wonderful creatures on display.

This goes for the shallower depths as well, as fish, whales, sharks etc are all very well presented and gorgeous to watch. Indeed that is the strength of the film – the beauty of it. It is fascinating to watch and the expertise in filming shines through from start to finish. However it is the appreciation of the view where the film is weak. Gambon's narration is sparse and even but it only occasionally gives out nuggets of information. I didn't expect detail like David Attenborough would give but it could have done with something more to compliment the visuals. The music covers the lack of narration and generally the score is well pitched to support the air of wonder or pace to the film.

Overall this is a great visual treat, even if it is mostly going to be seen on the small screen. It all looks impressive and is fascinating but a bit more narration and detail would have been useful. Best viewed as a visual experience or as an entry into the wider genre of nature programmes.