Horst in Translation (filmreviews@web.de)
"Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs" is an IMAX documentary from 2007, so this one has its 10th anniversary this year. For director Melton and writer Cecil, it is probably among the most known efforts from their career. At under 40 minutes (and that includes credits already), it is definitely one of the shortest IMAX works. But in this case, it is a good thing because I somehow did not feel this one at all. From a scientific perspective, it seemed almost pointless to me and this is also shown by the presence of the Simon Cowell of Egyptian archaeology Zahi Hawass. But he is by far not the biggest problem here. It's a combination of several actually. Narrator Christopher Lee that I otherwise like seems monotonous and lackluster. The reenactments were not convincing either, neither thematically nor visually. Of course, we don't have video or audio footage from the days of the pharaohs, but I still expect something better than displayed in here. As a whole, this one is not for the distinguished mind and it is certainly among my least favorite IMAX documentaries. And this means something as I have seen more than just a few. Thumbs down. Don't watch.
Michael_Elliott
Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs (2007) *** (out of 4) Christopher Lee narrates this documentary, which was originally shown in IMAX theaters. I had to watch it at home but I can imagine how great some of the images must have looked on such a large format. With that said, the story being told here was rather interesting as the documentary takes a look at ancient Egyptian history and the various import discoveries throughout the years. These discovers are of course traced back to tomb robbing, which was a major source of money back in the day. The main focus is on the biggest discovery, which led to various founders of Egypt being discovered.The other focus of this documentary is on getting DNA from mummies in hopes that one day we can tell what people died of. For the most part I found this to be an entertaining documentary. I watched it with my six-year-old son who loves this subject and he was slightly entertained by it, although he wasn't overly interested in the DNA stuff. There are some nice images of various mummies that have been discovered over the years as well as some nice information of their discovery. Lee certainly does a very good job with the narration with that terrific voice of his.
artibeus-jamaicensis
I'm usually bored by this kind of movie aimed at a science center crowd, but this one had me taking it all in.Visually stunning but full of substance too. Great use of IMAX in the desert and tombs. Weaves stories of discoveries old and new together with amazing shots, and scientific information.Makes complicated science easy to understand, and thrills with the story of the Rasul brothers. I would like to learn more about the DNA experiments and how they can help today.Great timing with the King Tut exhibit in Philadelphia. Looking forward to any follow-ups on the subject.
daffid575
Mummies: Secret of the Pharaohs is an exceptional Imax film. The cinematography is beautiful (Egypt in Imax, need I write more?!), the recreations convincing, and most importantly, the film is engrossing. Intertwining three separate but related stories, Mummies: SotP, explores the far and near past in a fresh fashion all the while keeping an eye on their payoff - these separate pasts' unexpected role in advancing our future (no revelations will be made here. It's worth it to see the film!) Films should be entertaining, that is a given. When they are educational as well...well you just can't help but leave the theater thinking that your dollar went far further than you've come to expect, and that, in my book, is always a reason to recommend a film!
AD
