SXSW 2010 Review: HUBBLE 3D

Rating: 9/10

Director: Toni Myers
Studio: Warner Bros.

IMAX 3D has changed documentary filmmaking entirely by showing these ilms in a way that is completely unparralled. IMAX showcases the beauty in its subject, and really excels in showing off the wonders of space. One of the most memorable IMAX films about space, such as SPACE STATION 3D, the 2002 documentary that was narrated by Tom Cruise and directed by HUBBLE 3D’s Myers. But will HUBBLE 3D hold up to the precedent that SPACE STATION set up, or will it float off into the abyss of mediocrity?

HUBBLE 3D definitely holds up to its predecessor, if not set the precedent even higher than it already was. HUBBLE 3D is deeper than a lot of IMAX films that have been previously released. Yes, there are big, pretty images floating towards you in 3D, but there is also a very specific story to be told. Myers shows this by spending most of the films runtime with NASA’s finest astronauts. They are preparing to take the final voyage to the Hubble telescope to provide the necessary repairs to keep it functioning, and to give it a nice upgrade or two. It follows them through the grueling repair process, proving that it takes some major skill to do their job.

Even though the outcome of the trip is well documented historically, it still feels really intense every time they run into a hiccup during the repair process. This is largely due to how the film was put together by Myers. Since the film follows the Astronauts so closely, you begin to care for them and their voyage. That adds a whole new layer of interest to the film since they could have failed their mission.

I also have to give credit to Leonardo Dicaprio, for giving the film a fantastic narration. The stops are always pulled for films like this, such as Tom Cruise narrating SPACE STATION 3D, but Dicaprio really takes the cake. The way he narrates feels very exciting and he really brought the words to life. It doesn’t sound passive, and makes it very easy to listen to when the film is giving a lot of information.

The only real complaint to be had with HUBBLE 3D is that it’s much too short. The film is only about forty minutes long, which sadly is normal for films like this one. If you don’t mind the short length, then there isn’t much to complain about. Otherwise, HUBBLE 3D proves why 3D is all the rage as of late, and uses it to add layers of depth to the images. Seeing the images that Hubble can show us in magnificent 3D, is unparalleled to anything you could ever see in a textbook. Even if you aren’t into this sort of thing, you’ll definitely find enjoyment somewhere out of all the things HUBBLE 3D does so well. Oh, and you might learn a thing or two.