 If
you’ve ever been to an IMAX theatre, then you know that
a trip there offers a unique film watching experience. With
screens several stories high, upon which 70mm film is being
projected, there is no denying the immersive feeling that
you get from watching an IMAX film. Still, for all the pros
of this, there are many cons as well.
The biggest issue that I have with IMAX films is that, due
to the large film, movies have to be short, typically no longer
than 40 minutes. There is nothing wrong with short films,
but I have a difficult time paying to see short documentary
films that don’t rise above standard History Channel
fare. Even popular Hollywood films suffer the transition to
IMAX screens. Apollo 13, The Matrix sequels, and even most recently Superman Returns have all had their runtimes shortened in their IMAX versions.
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On occasion, I do rent one or two of the documentaries when
(if) they are released on DVD, but their release schedule
is almost entirely random - to the point that even calling
it a schedule is an insult to day planners and PDAs everywhere.
In other words, if you see an IMAX film that you like, don’t
bother looking for it on DVD for at least three years. Case
in point, today’s film: Vikings: Journey To
New Worlds.
Vikings, as you might expect, tells the history of the Vikings
and, like any documentary, tries to be as accurate as possible.
It does a reasonable enough job at this. After watching it,
you will realize new things about the Vikings and how they
changed the world we live in. Most importantly, it will break
many of the stereotypes you may have about them. For example,
Eric the Red really did exist and was badass. Vikings didn’t
wear horned helmets. They did discover America centuries before
anyone else, and their ships really were that big.
Your envy is justified.
 As far as the film itself, it’s gorgeous. Aside from
some CGI, which varies in quality, the look of the film is
very bold and colorful. No doubt this is helped by being shot
on location in Greenland, Newfoundland and Iceland, which
are already scenic and beautiful even before color correction.
Costumes look elegant enough that they could easily be from
a big-budgeted Hollywood production. Some of the acting seems
a little heavy-handed and cheesy, but in spite of that, the
film is a pretty one to look at, and I left with more knowledge
about the Vikings than I had going in.
It serves its purpose as a short documentary, but I can’t help thinking that a television program, such as one from the previously mentioned History Channel, could have accomplished the same thing, with less glitz and more information.
 The
DVD Presentation
Being an IMAX production shot on 70mm film, there’s
no good way to present this on home video. Nevertheless, this
DVD does a damn good job. It’s shown in anamorphic widescreen,
and the video looks crisp. Be warned, though: there are some
burned-in subtitles that show state dates, place names, etc.,
and they’re extremely difficult to read. They probably
aren’t a problem on a huge IMAX screen, but at home
you’d better have at least a 50” television. There
are a plethora of audio mixes available, including both DD
and DTS 5.1 mixes, and they all sound great. Spanish and French
5.1 tracks are also included, but subtitles are only available
in English. Overall, IMAX – Vikings: Journey
To New Worlds is a solid presentation.
And the Extras
Are?
The Making of Vikings: Journey To New Worlds – (22:14)
I’ll be perfectly honest. I wasn’t very interested
in this feature. It covers casting and costume development
and shooting with IMAX cameras against blue-screen. The main
narrator is a very faint talker which makes him difficult
to hear; it becomes quite obvious that everyone took their
jobs very seriously, maybe too seriously for a short film;
there are no subtitles on this feature; and it is presented
in full-frame, which is probably how it was shot. It isn’t
a bad “making of,” but it certainly felt odd watching
a short film about a short film. Plus, IMAX –
Vikings: Journey To New Worlds didn’t really
raise any “How’d they do that?” type questions.
Theatrical Trailer – (2:20)
An effective little teaser, this is pretty much what you’d expect in a trailer for a short documentary.
Vista Point Trailer Gallery –
Trailers for other Vista Point IMAX releases, including Niagara: Miracles, Myths And Magic, Whales: An Unforgettable Journey, Mysteries Of Egypt, Hidden Hawaii, Yellowstone and Hearst Castle: Building The Dream.
 The
Bottom Line
IMAX release history has been rocky on DVD even though they
were some of the first discs on the market. They were always
handled poorly. Destination Cinema previously released them
in horrible oversized jewel cases similar to those used in
some public domain film releases. Thankfully, Vista Point
seems to be taking the reigns from Destination Cinema by releasing
quality IMAX DVDs, and I hope they will continue to do so
for a long time to come. History buffs will find a lot to
like in Vikings, but due to the short runtime,
I only recommend this as a rental. That is, unless you are
a HUGE fan of the Vikings (no, not the football team), in
which case you will certainly want to add this to your collection.
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