Nerd post

Currently going on a documentary kick. If you're also a fan or even if you normally fall asleep during them, here are some of the ones I've really enjoyed.

This is the one and only time I've ever cared that a movie was in 3D. Normal 3D is whatever because quite frankly, the world is in 3D and it's not exactly a novel experience. But unless you are an astronaut your only experiences with the stars are essentially in two dimensions, and it's quite incredible to view a spacewalk as the astronauts themselves would. Voices by Leonard DiCaprio and filled with beautiful Hubble images, definitely worth seeing on the big screen if you're lucky enough.

For anyone who loves Pixar, Disney, or animation in general it's really incredible to see all that went into making this company a seemingly overnight success. You will find yourself completely enamored with John Lasseter who has all the childlike imagination of Walt Disney himself without all the gross racism. Also he wear adorable shirts 24/7. Currently streaming on netflix.

I love documentaries that show you things you wouldn't normally have the chance to, and this documentary has all manner of unusual under water creatures - some more familiar that others but all of them interesting. Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet narrate, but more importantly Danny Elfman does the score. Most of the music is his Serenada Schizophrana (composed for his showing at Carnegie Hall), which lends a surreal air to the whole thing, as well as some other very fitting songs mixed in. Surprisingly humorous for an aquatic documentary.

Another world you don't get a chance to view much, but this time simply because we are too big to see it all. This one is much slower than the rest and doesn't really have any dialogue, but the visuals are stunning. If you're not freaked out by bugs, it's sort of incredible to be able to see the pollen on a bumblebee or watch flowers suddenly bloom. Also some snails make out in slow motion :P Currently streaming on netflix.


Honorable mentions
Mystery of the Nile: Action-packed and actually a little scary at times because the team traveling the Nile (I believe the first to traverse the whole length) encounter dangerous waters, malaria, people shooting at them, etc.

Ultimate Wave: You will come out of this probably wanting to learn how to surf or hula, but definitely wanting to visit Tahiti. It's also interesting to know what all factors shape the waves, I did not know how much of it was due to the sun.

Disney's Oceans and Planet Earth series: How have you not already seen these?