NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience Review
by Rose 'Bams' Cooper (bams AT 3blackchicks DOT com)March 15th, 2004
'3BlackChicks Review...'
NASCAR 3D: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE (2004)
Rated PG; running time 42 minutes
Studio: Warner Bros
Genre: Documentary/Short
Seen at: Celebration Cinema IMAX (Lansing, Michigan) Official site: http://www.imax.com/racing/
IMDB site: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0353774/combined Visual Effects by: Steve Emerson, Daniel Rapo Cinematographer: James Neihouse
Director: Simon Wincer
Narrated by: Keifer Sutherland
Review Copyright Rose Cooper, 2004
Review URL:
http://www.3blackchicks.com/2004reviews/bamsnascar3d.html
Can you say "Zoom Zoom Zoom"? Sho'nuff.
THE STORY
NASCAR 3D: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE brings the world of NASCAR racing to the wide-format IMAX screen. It details the history of NASCAR from its early days (Richard Petty's great quote about how racing started once "the second car was built", leads off the film), to the multi-billion dollar sport that it is today. And through high-quality 3D glasses (provided by the theater), you see it in a way that is literally up-close-and-personal.
THE UPSHOT
No offense to actor Keifer Sutherland (who is developing into a fine voiceover artist), but the joy NASCAR 3D: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE is all about the visuals, baby. Well, except for those big, growly engine sounds surrounding you in the theater, and the spot-on background and "mood" music accompanying the film. And oh yeah, there's some learnin' to be done, too. Still, the narration is almost an after-thought here; the view's the thing.
And lord, what a view. NASCAR 3D, with its mix of the splendor that is IMAX, and its 3D done right, almost made me forget the horrors that were SPY KIDS 3-D and STARLIGHT EXPRESS...almost. But the coolest thing about NASCAR 3D is how it drew the audience completely into its world. I felt like the biggest geek every time I heard myself say "oooh! aaah!" at frame after frame, and especially at how life-like the 3D felt. Once I realized I was hearing oooh-aaah echoes all around me, I relaxed and went with the flow.
But NASCAR 3D isn't just about all the pretty pictures. I was surprised at how much I learned about NASCAR and the race business in general; I probably shouldn't have been, considering how IMAX has been part of the educational experience for years. It felt like the time that I almost turned down a job at MSU's Department of Horticulture, because I didn't want to work with "them hick farmers" - only to find that those "hicks" were highly-skilled and educated professionals in their field.
So too, I came to understand that NASCAR racing involves more than just a bunch of good ol' boys spinning their giddyaps around a dirt track. There's as much money as technical expertise put into this sport - and yes, they say NASCAR is a true sport - as with any professional league. In fact, the film tells us, NASCAR races are more popular in this country, than any other sporting event. I can't call it, since I tend to be anti-sporting events, but I don't doubt for a second that those numbers-wearing fans are serious about supporting their racers. If the pro-racing audience I saw NASCAR 3D with is any indication, I sure wouldn't want to be the one to tell them that car racing isn't a sport.
If cinematographer James Neihouse and visual effects designers Steve Emerson and Daniel Rapo deserve praise for their outstanding visual artistry (and they do), then director Simon Wincer should also be credited for adding historical depth to the film, as well as paying homage to the race tracks, teams (yep, there's that "sport" term again), and devoted fans of NASCAR.
Though it breaks the strict Code Of The Documentary by futzing with reality a bit (you'll see what I mean, when a "tire" from a spectacular crash, comes flying right at you), NASCAR 3D: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE puts the thrill of the race, in your face. Shoot, if race day could be like this every day, NASCAR would have itself another devoted fan. Till then, I'll have to visit mid-Michigan's only IMAX theater again to get my racecar jollies. This time, though, I'll sit in the back. Take it from me: the only thing you'll miss by not being way too close to the screen (as I was the first time around) is a distinct feeling of nausea as your eyes spin around, trying to take it all in.
BAMMER'S BOTTOM LINE
I'm not one for exclamatory writing, but this kickass IMAX 3D experience was enough to make me want to hop into my pickup truck, turn on some country music, and yee-haa all the way to Spartan Speedway!
NASCAR 3D: THE IMAX EXPERIENCE rating: greenlight
Rose "Bams" Cooper
Webchick and Editor,
3BlackChicks Review
Entertainment Reviews With Flava!
Copyright Rose Cooper, 2004
EMAIL: bams@3blackchicks.com
http://www.3blackchicks.com/
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