Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk (2008)

I bought this film on bluray as I had got myself a 3D TV and wanted something that could show my sets 3D capability to the max. Well I wasn't disappointed in regards to this films 3D effects (especially the floating water bubbles at the beginning and the first water rafting scene) and the music composed and played by the Dave Matthews band is as beautiful as the scenery, but watching this film is like having a wet blanket of guilt draped over you for being human and living in a city. If there was an option to "Turn off" the narration and just listen to the music whilst watching the stunning scenery then I would give this film a generous 9/10.

This was a very good way to appreciate the wonders of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River without flying out to Arizona. I thought the experience of seeing this on the IMAX screen was a particularly good use of this medium. You really felt as though you were shooting down the Colorado rapids, with the spectacular scenery of the Grand Canyon all around.Some of the comments on this board disparaging the film must have been due to the overt political grand standing the film makers felt compelled to subject their audience to. While the cinematography was outstanding, the political/environmental commentary less so. The film makers seem to make a big deal out of blaming global warming for the drought in the western US, but that attribution seems like a stretch, especially given what happened to the native Indians thousands of years prior (vanished due to drought, long before the combustion engine, let alone Hoover Dam).The sanctimonious environmental preaching aside, this was an excellent movie, well worth checking out at your local IMAX theater.

I admit, I was intrigued by this film simply because it is about the Grand Canyon, and I am so intensely interested in it for all that it is. Thus, going into this film, I was simply excited to see the Grand Canyon in visual detail. I came out a happy camper -- excuse the pun -- and don't regret seeing this film.The film is, by means of its own title, a message about preserving the canyon's waters and a viewer would have to be a fool to think that this is a nature film about the details of the canyon's history, geology, botany, etc. Never in my right mind would I think it to be about any of that, simply because of the title and -- of course -- reading what the movie is about ahead of time. (Duh!) That being said, I feel there were many positives about the film that I enjoyed. The cinematography was incredible, and the effects were top-notch. I often felt like I was right there in the canyon, itself; particularly during the river rafting sequences. I often waited for water to sprinkle out onto me (though this is no Disney park attraction!) Also, the soundtrack was excellent and very fitting for the amazing scenery.Sure, there were many elements that I'd have to disagree with. I wouldn't have had so many narrators speak to the audience, and I would have presented more opposing views that counter-argue or give praise to what IS being done to preserve the canyon -- instead of making us all seem like evil-doers who have this centralized plot to overthrow the country's Indian tribes. Yes, I would have to say that a more positive focus should have been placed in the film -- but hey, it's not my thesis.Thus, I liked the film for what it was and not for what it was SUPPOSED to allegedly promise us the minute we purchased our tickets. I appreciate the breathtaking views that this film provided, in just 45 minutes, that not all people may get to experience in their entire lifetimes. For that, I am thankful.

There must be better ways to "save the world's rivers" and combat Global Warming than spending 33 cents per minute on this misguided, misnomered Propaganda film. Maybe Large Format Films, especially those that require us to wear the 3D Goggles have run their course? This film offers no History of one of the Wonders of The World, but instead offers black and white photos of the "Kennedy Clan", exposes us to a Native American Female Guide who vandalizes the "Imported Japanese Trees" that are "driving out the native plants and trees that should be inhabiting the Colorado River Basin" with a long Bowie type knife! I thought these videos were reserved for You Tube? And then Insults and tries to guilt the Audience for excess water usage that is causing the Sudan River to dry up over the next 100 years. I may not be as environmentally sensitive as members of the "Kennedy Compound" or Robert Redford himself, but I thought the more immediate threat in Africa was the holocaust in Darfur? I don't know if taking shorter showers in Irvine, is really the most optimal way of helping the residents of the Sudan? Then the Producers go on a Rant about how the Dams of the mighty Colorado River, which include the Hoover Dam, were built on "miscalculations of rainfall in the region, and now it is up to Environmentalists to decide on the future of these dams". Warning Los Angeles and Las Vegas, these dudes are about to take your water supply away! Of course no one who knows history, has their wits about social responsibility and knows anything about the science of Ecology, is going to fall for this crock of garbage! Give to your favorite global warming associations and go Green. Don't rely on fools with money to guilt you into doing for the environment, what you already do on your own and feel good about yourself for doing it. Positive messages, respect for your audience and financial incentives by the government, water utilities and sane fund-raisers are the ways to slow down and eventually eliminate the water shortage problem and improve our world's climate. Arrogance, misuse of my $12 to fund the "Kennedy Compound" and Redford's film festival and ski resorts are monies not well spent. Give $12 to your Favorite environmental group or candidate who supports the environment in your hometown and feel good about yourself for doing it. Orange County residents are the best and every friend and family member I know is already doing something positive to maintain our beautiful environment!