Almost all avid Scuba Divers love a good underwater documentary that takes us to the place that we long to be especially when we are not diving. Scuba Divers tend to appreciate these scuba dvds and underwater documentaries more so than others, simply because they understand the effort and the pains that must have gone into filming these underwater masterpieces.  Here is a list of 4 such documentaries, all brilliantly captured, that we say, will make you want to go diving.

Coral Reef Adventure

Coral Reef Adventure released in 2003 in IMAX format, was directed by Greg MacGillivray and narrated by Liam Neeson. The story of this documentary film is about a husband and wife team who investigate the death of a village’s reef in Fiji, and bring out the message of how fragile our coral reef ecosystems truly are.  When watched in IMAX theatres the footage and scenes were simply remarkable, and transports the viewer to this tropical reef and in the ‘fins’ of the diver. The DVD release in 2004 also manages to capture the same intensity of the IMAX experience, especially if you watch the full HD or Blue Ray versions of this film. Once again a must see for any Scuba diver, especially during the offseason, as this documentary is sure to make you long for your next Dive holiday. Despite some criticism from those claiming that the film is too ‘preachy’ about the environmental cause and Global Warming, this is still a must watch.  During the filming of Coral Reef Adventure, it was reported that 5 new species of fish were discovered.

The Blue Planet

Originally out in 2001, produced by Alastair Fothergill and the BBC, narrated by Richard Attenborough, “The Blue Planet” an 8 episode documentary series is simply an extraordinary journey into exploration of the world’s oceans, with plenty of cinematographically groundbreaking never-before-seen footage of our oceans inhabitants. The Blue Planet is also the winner of two Emmy Awards and is simply a must see for anyone and not just Scuba divers.

As a SCUBA diver, one can appreciate the incredible strain the cameramen must have endured to capture the underwater footage and some of the most beautiful sequences ever captured on film. And it has been said that the Blue Planet team discovered 10 new species of marine creatures in the process of shooting this film, which alone speaks volumes of the documentary.

The Living Seas

The Living Seas released in 1995 is another spectacular Greg MacGillivray (See Coral Reef Adventure) directed documentary  which is a 40 minute survey of the world’s oceans traveling to Palau, Hawaii, California, Oregon, Alaska, Nova Scotia and the Red Sea showing the interdependence of all life in the ocean. Also originally released in IMAX format, the Living seas, which is narrated by Meryl Streep and with an audio soundtrack by Sting, is a visual fiesta bound to captivate any audience and leave them “oohing” and “Aahing” at every scene. Viewers of the DVD version should definitely enjoy ‘the making of’ footage that gives an excellent view of what goes into the filming of such a production.

Into the Deep

Released in 1994, Into the Deep is a fascinating documentary which unlike others of its kinds, focuses on just one area of the ocean, the Channel Islands off the coast of California. This region is renowned for its giant kelp forests and all its inhabitants, Garibaldi, Sea Urchins, Sea Lions lobsters and the unique sunfish. The documentary directed by Howard Hall uses sophisticated time-lapse photography and is a visual treat. Into the deep was originally released to the large screen in 3D and was so lifelike that it had the moviegoers reaching out to touch the kelp as it swayed on screen. For any diver that has never been diving in the Monterrey Bay area, this movie will make you want to go there, and for those of you that have, will want to go back.

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Going through withdrawal symptoms waiting until your next diving trip? Can’t wait to submerge into the underwater realm? Well we have compiled a list of Scuba Diving Movies from Hollywood that will help you get through that “dry” spell. Here is Part 2 of our list of Scuba Diving movies; if you missed our first part then you can click here.

Cave (2005)

The Cave is an Action Horror Adventure about bloodthirsty creatures that attack a pack of divers who become trapped in an underwater cave network. Fans of creature movies and cave diving might like this one, but otherwise there is no real ground breaking plot. Overall an average film that  has some good action sequences and plenty of cave diving in it.

The Abyss (1989)

This James Cameron 1989 classic is a must watch if you haven’t done so already. Starring Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio  the plot is about a crew of an underwater oil rig divers are enlisted to assist in the rescue of an American nuclear submarine at the height of the Cold War, and they discover a strange and mysterious force living in the deep ocean and their rescue mission becomes an adventure with the unknown. The movie is captivating through-out and the first half of the movie is primarily about the descent into the abyss with special deep diving suits which is both gripping and fun to watch.

The Big Blue (1988)

Starring Jean Reno and Rosanna Arquette, the big blue is one of those movies that you will surprisingly enjoy more for its gorgeous underwater sequences, its exotic ocean-side settings in Greece and Sicily, than for the actual story, which is a romantic quest between two childhood friends Jean and Rosanna who both love the ocean and free diving. Jean constantly pushes the depth limits of free diving with mysterious dolphin like qualities which lead to a very interesting conclusion. The Big Blue is overall a great diving movie for those wanting to get through the off-season.

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Men of Honor (2000)

Men of Honor with its all star cast of Cuba Gooding Jr., Robert De Niro and Charlize Theron is simply a classic must watch diving movie.  Set in the early days of bell suit diving (with hookah air line systems), the story is about Carl Brashear, the first African American, also the first amputee, US Navy Diver and the man who trained him. Definitely an inspirational movie, which also gives a great insight into how much diving, has changed since. If you haven’t watched this DVD yet, then grab a copy from your local video store, and you won’t regret it.

Deep Blue Sea (1999)

Starring Thomas Jane, Saffron Burrows, Samuel  L . Jackson and LL Cool J, Deep Blue Sea is about a group of research scientists in an isolated facility working on a cure for Alzheimer’s find a way to genetically enlarge shark brains. However the shark subjects get super smart and break out into the open sea. The film is full of unexpected twists but still fails to be frightening. Overall Deep Blue Sea is a fun movie, some thrills and fast paced enough to keep you occupied for a couple of hours.

Continued from: Scuba Diving Movies from Hollywood Part 1

Going through withdrawal symptoms waiting until your next Scuba diving trip? Can’t wait to submerge into the underwater realm? Well we have compiled a list of Scuba Diving Movies from Hollywood that will help you get through that “dry” spell. So rush to that video store now and load up these Scuba DVD’s in your player!

Some of the Newer Movies (in no particular order):

Fools Gold (2008)

Starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson, Fools Gold is a romantic movie combined with a fast paced underwater treasure hunting action adventure built in. Tons of dive scenes and pristine blue water to make you want to go diving immediately after watching. The movie however is very average and we would recommend this movie only for a lazy afternoon viewing simply because of the stunning visuals and locations both underwater and above.

Into the Blue (2005)

The Plot of this movie is about a group of divers that find themselves in deep trouble with a drug lord after they come upon the illicit cargo of a sunken airplane. Starring Paul Walker and Jessica Alba, the movie was shot primarily in the Bahamas and features ample underwater scenes. Overall the movie is once again just average, and if it weren’t for Jessica Alba in a bikini and generous diving scenes, we wouldn’t recommend this movie.

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

This adventure comedy starring Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Kate Blanchett and Willem Dafoe is a must watch. The Plot line is about a wild expedition undertaken by Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) after his partner is killed a mythic Jaguar shark, sets off to hunt it down.   The movie is colorful, quirky and bizarre, but nevertheless entertaining with tons of diving scenes.

Open Water (2003)

Based on the true story of two scuba divers accidentally stranded in shark infested waters after their tour boat has left, Open Water is a must watch for any Scuba diver. Financed, directed and produced by avid scuba divers, this movie portrays the perils of getting stranded in the middle of the ocean very realistically. This movie really puts you in the place of the characters and makes you wonder what you would do in their situation.

Continued in: Scuba Diving Movies from Hollywood Part 2