Vanishing Wonders of the Sea

Let's face it, the diversity of the world's oceans make the dry world above the waves look like a pretty un-evolved and one-dimensional place. New York City may have its mimics, fashion magnates, murderers, camouflage artists, bath houses, gas stations, gossips, invertebrates and curiosity seekers, but they seem merely a bad imitation of what actually goes on in the Vanishing Wonders of The Sea. No Gotham City nightmare could conjure up huge Batman-like manta rays, giant squids, psychedelic flatworms, pulsating corals, invisible stinging jellyfish and most of the other marvels in this video. However, the video becomes a little more arch and ponderous when it begins preaching about the degradation of the oceans by invading human interests. Overfishing, tourism and pollution are mentioned as possible culprits, but the program lacks the courage and depth to point out exactly which countries, companies or individuals are responsible. In this sense, Miranda Smith's excellent Canary of the Ocean: America's Troubled Reefs (VL-9/97) is a far more emotional, specific and hard-nosed treatment of the subject. Recommended, with some reservations. Aud: J, H, C, P. (R. Ray)