The Last Reef: Cities Beneath the Sea

This IMAX nature film looks at the plight of coral reefs, which provide entire ecosystems for vast colonies of small creatures in the world's oceans. Increasing carbon content and pollution in seawater threatens to destroy these treasures of the deep. Most of what is seen here is very nearly pure atmosphere and ambiance, with lustrous imagery of strikingly colorful anemones, sea slugs, fish, and the decidedly surreal underwater images of statues of humans (plus shipwrecks and other structures deliberately sunk in coral grounds to provide anchor-points for fresh reef-building). The shots of the placid, zombie-like human figures half-buried in the sand and semi-transformed by aquatic life make for an eerie highlight that compensates for the general absence of a strong narrative here. Extras include behind-the-scenes shorts, and a photo gallery. Also available in a 4K + 3D Blu-ray edition priced at $39.95, this is recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (C. Cassady)