The Film
"When you can save a life, that's a fantastic high."
As TV viewers, it's hard to look away when there's some type of dramatic rescue on the nightly news. However, it's hard to fathom what it would really be like in some of those life-threatening situations. If you really want to know, pick up the new Blu-ray 3D release, Rescue 3D.
Originally created for IMAX, Rescue 3D invites viewers to step beyond the caution tape and get right in the middle of the action -- from the sheltering cushions of your couch, of course. The film follows four people that risk their lives on a regular basis, and it's pretty darn riveting.
That's because it plays a bit like a highlights reel. At 46 minutes, there is isn't much time for how-do-you-dos, so the film quickly lets you know that it's going to focus on four subjects. Steven Heicklen is a FEMA-certified disaster volunteer, Major Matthew Jonkey works with the Nevada National Guard, Commander Peter R. Crain is the captain of the HMCS Athabaskan, and Captain Lauren Ross is an Air Force pilot -- and they've all invited you on a ride-along.
Once we establish who's who, the film quickly delves into the occupational hazards of its subjects. We do see a bit of training, but don't expect any hang time. Instead, the film wants to keep that adrenaline pumping, with the bulk of its time covering how all four participants were involved in the aftermath of Haiti's 2010 earthquake.
Rescue 3D is probably the closest most of us will ever get to these life-threatning sitautions -- or want to, for that matter. It's a fleeting glimpse, but an exciting one.
The Picture
From the opening shot, you know that you're going to be in for one wild ride. The 3D here is absolutely spectacular. Anyone looking to make a 3D movie should have to sit through Rescue 3D to see how it's done. The color is wonderful and the detail pops. For the most part, you literally feel like you are riding alongside these responders, whether the action is in the cockpit, dangling on the end of a wire, going head-first out a plane, grasping on the end of a fire ladder, and much more.
The Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is a perfect match for this release's immersive image. It has great directionality, especially when some type of aircraft is involved. When those helicopters and planes go flying across the soundfield, you're going to want to duck or hold onto your hat or something. Otherwise, there are plenty of other sounds to fill up the surrounds, including waves crashing, fire lapping, and just the general crunch of rubble in the rescue efforts. Overall, it's pretty relentless, but never drowns out any of the film's dialogue, which is always clear and centered.
The Extras
If you found the main feature to be on the short side, you may want to spend 25 minutes or so on this release's extras. Here, you'll get to know each of the film's subjects a little more. There's a textual bio for each participant, which is accompanied by an interview. Those clips run between 5 and 10 minutes, with each person talking briefly about their work, being filmed during the Haiti disaster, and the overall importance of the film.
Final Thoughts
Rescue 3D is filled with extraordinary people -- it's just too bad that you don't get to know them all that well. The film is literally a bunch of snippets and a ton of eye candy. And that's ok. In fact, it's better than ok, if you've got a 3D setup. This is a pretty phenomenal example of just how awesome 3D can be. Enjoy.
Product Details
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