Action Sports Hub Exclusive Review: The Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D Featuring Kelly Slater

From the Editor: We've sent our most critical mind from Action Sports Hub to critique and write about his experience at the preview of Kelly Slater's newest new project that opens in theatres February 12. I myself was hoping to go see a surf film in ultra 3D but instead got immersed with something totally different. I have to say, for me, it was a mix of "The Endless Summer" and "National Geographic" with its riveting clarity, dramatic landscapes, up close (literally) in your lap waves coming at you and the whole "cultural experience." I felt like I've been to Tahiti and back in 1 hour. BUT…who am I? Let's see what a real critical thinker has to say, meet…"The Rabbi:"

This is the film that will make you believe in 3D technology. You will feel what it's like to surf a wave without getting wet, learn how a storm generates energy that travels thousands of miles to create a water cathedral, and see the natural beauty of Tahiti as if it were directly in front of you.

Award winning director Steven Low opens minds with this new mix and blend of real life with animation while putting it all together in 3D technology. The most well known surfer in the world and 9-time world champ Kelly Slater takes you along with him on this journey (not to be cliché) to find ‘the perfect wave.' At times, you feel like you're with Kelly as their host shows the fickleness of a world class wave called Teahupo'o (Te-ah-who-pu) never losing the point of what this sacred area means to this island paradise. Dubbed by the natives "The Demonic Wave,"Teahupo'o commands respect from all who have witnessed its fierce power. Tahitian surfer Raimana Von Bastolaer is your host, as well as, unofficial mayor of this epic wave that in the past 5 years has now rivaled the Bonsai Pipeline as the holy grail of barrel riding. These two elate what it is to live a life dictated by the ocean depicted by both spectrums of competitive surfing to just living surfing. The movie comes at the viewer in waves, one minute you are in a college course of planetary effects that create wave energy and then the next, experiencing an intimate thrill of riding a wave with a pro surfer.

In the Move "Avatar" we watch the 3D experience, in "The Ultimate Wave" we become part of the experience literally touching and feeling the reef in front of you as well as flying through the vigorous landscape of the French Polynesian Island. Slater may be awesome, but the real star is the ‘experience' itself with surfing as the bonus. Imagine being immersed into crystal clear water so realistic reaching out and touching it seems possible, while reaction makes you feel like you have to hold your breath.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) gave its vast scientific knowledge to this project as well as assuring us that we received education on marine science, island creation, and ecological responsibility, all while being visually stimulated. Think about the promise 3D has given and then witnessing its realization. It is truly beautiful to see pristine coral thriving. It is wonderful to watch sea creatures both large and small existing in their natural habitat. Witness the ritualized dancing of the Polynesians as they pay tribute to their spirit Gods. All of these things are presented so vividly there that it becomes a sense that something special is taking place. This is the evolution of the movie-going experience. Action Sports Hub (ASH) shows… Two Hang Tens! SEE IT!