Hidden Universe 3D IMAX documentary glides over Mars

THE best of what's left is the beguiling IMAX doco Hidden Universe 3D, which cherrypicks stunning imagery from the world's powerful telescopes.

Director:

Russell Scott (documentary debut)

Starring: Miranda Richardson (narrator)

4 stars

With the school holidays over, there are lean times ahead for quality family fare at the cinemas.

The best of what's left is the beguiling IMAX documentary Hidden Universe 3D, which cherrypicks much of its stunning imagery from the world's most powerful telescopes. The standout sequenceof the film is a brilliant extended glide over the surface of Mars. Never before has the Red Planet been captured in such minute detail on the big screen.

Once the focus shifts beyond our solar system, the footage gathered for Hidden Universe is no less transfixing.

You'll see stars being born in the Carina nebula, beautiful phenomena such asgas jet streams and pulsars doing their thing, and several flickering clues as to how the universeitself first took shape.

This Australian co-production issues an arresting audiovisual blast that remains with the viewer for some time after. Though the material takes a decided educational slant, it is never to the point of striking an information overload.

The wonderful narration of Miranda Richardson, some impeccable editing and a breezy 45-minute running time seals a valuable deal for deep space cadets of all ages, including primary schoolers.

Highly recommended.

Hidden Universe 3D is now showing at the IMAX Cinemas in Sydney and Melbourne and is rated G.