Plot: What’s it about?
As the title suggests, this feature takes on a global adventure to find sharks. Not to content to just locate these ferocious beasts however, a group of scientists also conduct some experiments to expand the knowledge about sharks. The crux of the search is learn about what makes sharks attack, especially in regards to unprovoked strikes against humans. So the scientists venture all over the world in order to sample as many varieties as possible. This includes sharks of all types and sizes, all the way up to the most infamous shark of all, the Great White. And thanks to the methods used to capture the sharks on film, you’re taken as close as you’d ever want to get to this brutal animals. But once the search for the great sharks has ended, will the scientists have unlocked the answers to their burning questions about the predators?
This was produced in the mid 90s as an IMAX feature, so keep that in mind as far as the information offered and the technical limits of the equipment. In truth, we’ve become spoiled when it comes to sharks, thanks to Shark Week and the like, which flood our senses with content. A lot of data has been collected on sharks since Search for the Great Sharks was released, so we know the answers before the scientists and even know that some of the data presented here is incorrect. But such is the way things work and for 1995, this might have been an informative feature. The visuals also leave a lot to be desired, with rather dull images that are easily surpassed by the Shark Week style content we see now. So even for shark enthusiasts, Hunt for the Great Sharks is probably one that can be left on the hook.
Video: How does it look?
Search for the Great Sharks is presented in 1.78:1 widescreen. This is an IMAX feature, so knockout visuals are kind of assumed to be on board. But that is not the case here, thanks to both production miscues and source concerns. The print has a good amount of wear and debris, while the frequent fisheye lens segments don’t hold up well here. The visuals just seem flat and dull, with not nearly the amount of detail and pop we’ve come to expect.
Audio: How does it sound?
A DTS HD 5.1 option is present, but there’s isn’t a lot of life in this mix. Surround presence is minimal, but even basic elements like dialogue and music seem dull and restrained. This could be an issue with the source however, so I am not going to put all the blame on the new mix. In short, you’ll hear it all, but it doesn’t sound that good. This disc also includes French and Spanish language tracks, as well as English, French, and Spanish subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes a reel of IMAX trailers.
