I have always been fascinated by volcanoes.
Even as a child in school, meticulously building a papier-mâché model for a science project and then mixing soda, vinegar and red food colouring to make lava. And whilst I have yet to visit an active Volcano, I have visited a few volcanic locations. So when I heard that an IMAX documentary on Volcanoes was going to be showing, I leapt at the opportunity to see it.
Directed by Michael Dalton-Smith, Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation follows National Geographic photographer Carsten Peter on an expedition as he attempts to get closer than ever before to an active Volcano’s lava lake. The resulting footage is unbelievably spectacular and is only enhanced tenfold by the giant IMAX screen and seat rumbling surround sound.
Accompanying these stunning visuals, we are told the story of Earths creation and how the molten surface slowly cooled, oceans formed and massive volcanic eruptions gave birth to the planet’s first Islands and Continents. How volcanoes gave birth to Earth’s first ecosystems to how millions of people currently live at the doorstep of active volcanoes across the globe. From the infamous story of Pompeii that left an entire civilisation in ruins, to as recent as Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano erupting in 2018.
IMAX documentaries have always been exciting and fun to watch, but this one takes it to the next level. The dangers that this team faced whilst capturing footage for the film are downright ludicrous, but it certainly pays off! I am extremely thankful for their risks as it feels like you are right there with them. The extreme risks have also paid dividends for researchers with the teams bringing back many volcanic rock specimens for scientific research.
Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation is now showing on the World’s Largest Screen at IMAX Melbourne as Volcanoes 3D. It is certainly not one to be missed!