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Take the Kids: Oceans: Our Blue Planet 3D finds compelling stories in the deep

Produced by BBC Planet and narrated by actress Kate Winslet, the 45-minute film features footage from ALUCIA, a research boat that uses new marine exploration technology to give us a better look of what actually happens in the ocean depths. It's on screen now at Marbles' IMAX.

Posted 2019-01-24T16:54:34+00:00 - Updated 2019-01-25T00:53:00+00:00

Picture shows: Walrus mother and pup resting on iceberg, Svalbard, Arctic

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

, Go Ask Mom editor

As a mom, my job, as I see it, is to raise people who will become kind, happy and independent adults with an appreciation for the world and the people around them.

And that's why I like taking my kids to the documentaries on the giant screen at Marbles Kids Museum's IMAX theater. These quick, 45-minute movies explore life, issues and destinations around the world. They offer a deeper understanding or new perspective on how the world works and the people and creatures in it. And it shows my kids that that there is a huge world out there, waiting for them.

I always jump at the chance to see one of the movies when they first come out. So I packed up the kids the other day to see Marbles' latest IMAX movie - Oceans: Our Blue Planet 3D.

Most of the action happens deep down below the surface, but some of video is above the surface too.

Atlantic Walrus colony, Svalbard, Arctic. Hungry Polar bears can trigger alarm in walrus colonies causing stampedes. The risk of being crushed in these pose a danger to young calves.

We see playful dolphins off the coast of South Africa, adorable sea otters caring for their babies and munching on purple urchins; a tiny, but innovative fish who actually uses a tool to survive; and a smart octopus who protects itself from predators by building a coat of armor made of shells.

But Oceans 3D is not just about cute and amazing pictures of sea creatures - though those images certainly will keep kids captivated.

We also learn a bit about how global warming is affecting our oceans, especially during scenes of walrus moms in the arctic as they struggle to find icebergs big enough to fit both mom and baby at the same time. Quickly, but effectively, the movie also details why the oceans are so vital to our planet and its climate.

Often IMAX movies follow the story of a particular researcher or group of people working to protect a species or explore a particular habitat and focuses in on a particular challenge to drive the storyline forward. But other than a few glimpses of filmmakers and divers, people don't play a big role in this movie. There's no dialogue on screen, just Winslet's narration and, of course, all kinds of animal sounds. In Oceans 3D, the animals - and the ocean - are the stars.

Oceans: Our Blue Planet 3D is scheduled at Marbles' IMAX daily through at least Jan. 31. Tickets are between $5 and $7. A lights up, sound down 2D version is scheduled for 11 a.m., Jan. 26. More information and tickets are on Marbles' website.

And here's the movie's trailer:

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