30 Second Bottom Line: Darwin's theory of evolution is explored near the equator by a marine biologist, on land, in caves, and most dramatically 3,000 feet below sea level. All of this is shown in IMAX 3D Format.

Story Line: In 1835 Charles Darwin explored an oceanic area that showed subtle changes within a species from one island to another. Over 150 years later, Dr. Carole Baldwin leads an expedition to learn more about the theory of evolution within animals as well as man.

There are four separate areas of exploration in the islands: 1) caves; 2) the lava and beach areas; 3) shallow diving areas done with scuba gear and 4) deep sea reconnaissance in a robotic submarine with a plastic dome for two inhabitants to sit in for easy observation.

When the caves are explored, ropes and pulleys for rock climbing are used to drop down below the earth. Fossils and other exciting things are discovered. At sea level on the dried lava and beach areas, we see dramatic close ups of animals that in 3D appear as if you are kneeling right in front of them with a magnifying glass.

Venturing into the water, Carole comes face to face with a variety of schools of fish. You feel as if you are in one of those large tanks, literally built into the ocean, at the Monterey Bay Aquarium just south of San Francisco.When she comes in close contact with a school of hammerhead sharks and eels, Carole decides it's time to return to the surface. Both can be lethal to humans, and with their keen smell and poor eyesight, she does not want confusion to be the cause of her becoming their dinner.

Back on the surface, the theory of evolution is in plain sight as animals of the same species, but on neighboring islands, exhibit both subtle and at times, not so subtle differences. Tortoises have various types of shells. Finches have 13 different types of beaks. Iguanas, which normally stay on land, venture into the ocean to feed off of seaweed. A seagull loses its ability to fly and learns to swim. In each case, there is a logical link to the environment, which explains why a shell or beak may be different. In the case of the gull that now uses its wings for swimming rather than flying, it's because there are no natural predators that require the ability to fly. It's as if because more food was available in the ocean, with practice and will power, the gull modified its wings to swim and in the process could not use them for flying. It was many years later before Darwin took his theory of evolution of animals and related that concept to humans.

By far the most daring and exciting exploration is going to the depth of 3,000 feet on the submarine called Harbor Branch. Two passengers sit in a clear bubble like container; robotic arms control a vacuum, and storage cases. While on the bottom they can suck up the animal to be taken back to the surface and place it into a mini aquarium.

Tell Me More About It: When Carole and a colleague are lowering themselves into an unknown cave (other than the fact the IMAX camera was already there), it comes across as a little fake. They are exploring new and potentially dangerous ground dressed like they are going on a picnic. They have no helmets, which are essential for rock climbing.

I thought it a little strange that scientists would be so cavalier as to expose animals to light on the surface, which have always lived in the dark, at a depth of 3,000 feet. It might have been great for making a film but not so hot for research. The light on the animals at the bottom of the ocean when they were being captured would have been enough. Literally playing with them on board the ship at sea level like they were pets makes this more entertainment than good research. This should be a documentary film, which is also entertaining.

Scuba gear is good for diving up to 300 feet so the special submarine that goes to 3,000 feet allows for things to be observed never before seen by man. With less than 1% of the ocean floor having been explored, this is indeed our last frontier on earth. The silent beauty of the area for sure offers much for us to learn. It would be wonderful to see fishing fleets, cruise ships, oil tankers and even marine biologists, give this last somewhat pure resource, the respect it deserves.

Dr. Carole Baldwin as herself	Director: David Clark
Co Director: Al Giddings	Narrator: Kenneth Branagh

Dr. Carolee Baldwin: Debut	David Clark: Whales
Al Giddings: The Abyss	Kenneth Branagh: Hamlet