Deep Blue

Laboriously assembled over three years in a wide variety of locales, co-directors Andy Byatt and Alastair Fothergill's overview of life beneath the ocean's surface has been likened to Microcosmos, the 1996 feature that focused on insects in a field. But while the earlier picture was a concentrated study of a confined space, this one roams without much organization over the widest possible area, so that while many of the individual sequences are impressive, they don't add up to a very cohesive whole. In addition, prospective viewers should be warned that Deep Blue features disturbing depictions of the struggle for survival in the sea, including a prolonged sequence involving a whale calf being fatally attacked by a group of predators in front of its mother, and another in which seals are the quarry—despite the “G” rating, such scenes may prove too strong for younger children. It also doesn't help that Pierce Brosnan's narration is delivered in drowsy tones that seem designed to lull us to sleep rather than pique our interest. Intermittently interesting without being fascinating, Deep Blue is an optional purchase. Note: DVD extras include a 52-minute “making-of” documentary, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid behind-the-scenes extras package for a so-so documentary.] (F. Swietek)