DEL MAR -- Having explored wonders deep under the seas in a handful of acclaimed documentary films, you might think Howard and Michele Hall would know exactly what they were getting into every time.
But under the sea, every visit provides for some new experiences and some improvisation.
"We go down with a greatly detailed script and hope we get what we came for," Howard Hall said. "But fish don't take direction very well. Whatever happens is sometimes different than what we expect."
Howard and Michele, a husband-wife team from Del Mar, found that again to be true with their latest film, "Under the Sea 3D." The film is playing exclusively in the IMAX 3D theater at the Edwards Mira Mesa Stadium 18 for a few weeks, then opens again the first week of June in the newly remodeled dome theater at the Reuben H. Fleet Space Center in Balboa Park.
In "Under the Sea 3D," director Howard and producer Michele traveled to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, as well as the Coral Triangle of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, capturing the flourishing sea life in exotic detail, up-close and personal in the IMAX 3D format.
"In our previous films, we tackled biodiversity and the impact of global warming on the environment, but here we have the specific mention of ocean acidification and what it means to this sea life," Howard said. "That message translated, we also wanted to make an entertaining film. To make a film about this particular wildlife and not mention the obvious issues of ocean environmentalism is somewhat irresponsible, so we did that while also making a film that audiences could simply enjoy."
The format follows themes explored in the duo's previous films, the acclaimed "Island of the Sharks," "Deep Sea 3D" and "Into the Deep." In "Under the Sea 3D," we meet new and exotic creatures with just-as-eccentric personalities, such as the fascinating cuttlefish.
"Many of the animals in this film had not been seen or heard of before on film," Michele said. "We see this flamboyant cuttlefish mating, and we see all these creatures so close up, it really feels like you could reach out and touch them. We see these sea snakes you can see almost nowhere else, and they are swimming right at you."
And you see both cute sea lions and the fierce majesty of the great white shark. The production team built special shark cages to gather footage of the creatures.
"With an underwater film, you need some big animals, too," Howard said. "We were right there as these monstrous sharks swam by, animals the size of automobiles."
The Halls and their 12-person crew transported 8,000 pounds of equipment to the remotest area they had ever explored.
"There are always supreme logistical challenges," Michele said. "We consider those part of the adventure."
Now the Halls are spreading the word on this new film, while already thinking about future projects, including possibly something in Alaska.
"We never know where we will end up, but wherever we go, we're certain we will find new things that are important for us to share with people who love the ocean," Howard said.
