Greece: Secrets of the Past - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution movie review

'Greece: Secrets of the Past' doesn't disappoint Imax fans

By JON WATERHOUSE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Like most Imax documentaries, "Greece: Secrets of the Past" follows the unwritten formula of pairing educational content with jaw-dropping visuals.

The film boasts plenty of brilliant cinematography, which means even more in large format, but its teachy portions bog down the pace like a less-than-exciting collegiate lecture.

MacGillivray Freeman Films

'Greece: Secrets of the Past'

The verdict: Moderately paced infotainment with killer visuals.

Director: Greg MacGillivray
Narrator: Nia Vardalos
Run time: 47 minutes
Release date: February 17, 2006
Rating: Not rated

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Yet when it hits, it hits hard. The filmmakers know a thing or two about eliciting oohs and ahhs from an audience. It's produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films, the folks behind "Everest." So imagery is its strong suit.

Sweeping aerial shots of the Greek Isles pull viewers into the picture as if we're arriving on a Mediterranean vacation via helicopter. It's so real, in fact, you can practically taste the tzatziki sauce.

The core of the film follows Greek archaeologist Dr. Christos Doumas, who is no whip-cracking, thrill-seeking Indiana Jones type. Instead, the subdued Doumas shares his knowledge of ancient Greek history while digging deep for more.

Nice cinematic touches add depth to Doumas' recollections. His flashbacks feature actors on archaeological digs shot in black and white and framed like old photographs.

But as Doumas and his volcanologist colleague Dr. George Vougioukalakis attempt to unearth some answers, it sometimes leaves a sense of longing for the real Imax money shots. Why waste time in a lab or following the volcanologist to work on his scooter? Where's the eye candy?

It's found in other places, including a computer-generated re-creation of the Parthenon in Athens. Column by column, it's brought back to its original splendor, complete with a looming statue of Athena, the goddess of wisdom. And the resurrection of a 2,000-year-old statue of sea god Poseidon proves all the more poignant as it's slowly pulled from the ocean depths, its arms outstretched as it rises.

Overall, "Greece: Secrets of the Past" won't disappoint Imax fans and culture hounds. And with a voiceover provided by Nia Vardalos of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" fame, there's another touch of pizazz in this hunk of infotainment.