I didn't get the chance to catch this in 3D/IMAX, so I can't praise or condemn it from that standpoint. But I did catch the DVD, and the regular theatrical version was bested by the extended version (both on the DVD). The theatrical version has a very annoying multiple-screen, compressed-presentation that is not presented in the extended version. Now the multiple images may have played well in IMAX (but I doubt it), but on a TV (even a big one), it's cluttered and frustrating to watch. Thus, the extended version is more "watchable." That said, the extended version also adds a bit more substance to the piece, although I must admit that I have no idea why Cameron made this film. It doesn't really bring anything new to the game, nor does it seem to have any flow or direction. And yes, Cameron does once again present himself as the pretentious jerk we've all heard he is (one moment is how he refers to piloting the robots as being just like flying a helicopter--no doubt we're impressed he knows how to fly a whirlybird). But only Cameron could get a film like Titanic, or this documentary, made in the first place.
Wouldn't it have been funny to see Cameron and Robert Ballard both on this project? Talk about egos clashing, that would have been great!!
Wouldn't it have been funny to see Cameron and Robert Ballard both on this project? Talk about egos clashing, that would have been great!!