Jon Long Movies
Directed by Jon Long, this 45-minute IMAX production travels across the globe not only in an attempt to instill a proper sense of awe, but also to encourage the preservation of the environment as a whole. Among the locations highlighted are the mountains of Vancouver, New Zealand's white sand beaches, the deserts of Namibia, the canyons of Arizona and Utah, and the Alaskan wilderness. In addition to the landscapes, animals and people indigenous to the areas are highlighted in an effort to showcase the ecological and biological diversity of the planet. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Arapata McKay, Tsaan Ciqae, (more)
As a massive storm crept off the coast of Japan and began ominously moving eastward towards Hawaii's North Shore, surfers marveled at the prospect of taking on monstrous waves despite the Coast Guard's announcement of "Condition Black" - an emergency contingent that intended to deny all access to the water. But it takes more than a harshly worded warning to dissuade death-defying surfers from the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of taking on forty-foot waves, and despite the treacherous conditions numerous wave-riding rebels set out to do just that. In this installment of PBS' award-winning Nature series, filmmakers offer interview with the fearless surfers who defied the Coast Guard as well as footage of their exploits in a thrilling display of man versus Mother Nature that must be seen to be believed. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
This IMAX film takes viewers into the world of extreme outdoor activity presented in the immediacy and stunning detail only IMAX can provide. Viewers will vicariously climb the ice-shrouded peaks of the world and then zoom down them on skis and snowboards. From there, the focus is on surfing and watching as experts take on the biggest waves and winds, both on surfboards and windsails. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
Director Jon Long traveled to Alaska with an IMAX camera crew in order to film some of the skiing world's most daring athletes in action. The steep terrain often brings skiers perilously close to injury, though most manage to maneuver their skis with such finesse that they are able to travel down slopes that few novices would ever approach. There are even moments where viewers will feel as though they are rushing down a mountain, thanks to a brave cameraman who filmed a segment while he skied behind a snowboarder. Athlete interviews help bring the sport to life, though the scenic background shots make it clear why so many are drawn to the mountains. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
