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Every day, millions of people board a plane without giving much thought to anything but the details: the schedules, the tickets, the luggage weight limits, the security checks. But the IMAX documentary Living in the Age of Airplanes takes a look not at the history of flying or the science of flying but on the impact that airplanes have had on our way of life.
Living in the Age of Airplanes explores the ways in which airplanes have changed the way we live. Actor and pilot Harrison Ford narrates this short but thoughtful and visually stunning film about life in the post-airplane world. After opening with a look at the slow-moving world before planes, it then moves on to discuss the effects that flight has had on our daily life—from obvious effects, like the ability to reach remote areas of the world (like the South Pole), to less obvious effects, like the availability of flowers and produce from different countries.
Living in the Age of Airplanes may not be the movie you’re expecting. It doesn’t really look at the how of flying or the history of flying. In fact, it’s not really about flying at all. Instead, it’s more about the countless ways that our lives are fuller and our world is smaller, all thanks to the invention of the airplane. It definitely provides a different perspective—one that you might not often think about as you’re waiting at the gate for your delayed flight.
As the film soars over cities and seasides, Ford’s narration helps to give the film a sense of awe and wonder. But the highlight of the film is its absolutely remarkable footage. You may not have an IMAX screen in your home, but the footage is so bright and crisp that it almost feels like you’re watching it in 3D. Whether it’s traveling to the South Pole or viewing herds of animals from above, it’s strikingly beautiful—and it’s perfectly paired with a powerful score to make it all feel grand and sweeping and majestic.
Of course, if you’re looking for a film that explores more of the history, the science, or the practice of flying, you may be disappointed. But Living in the Age of Airplanes will show you a side of flying that we often take for granted. And it’s sure to give you a greater appreciation for the massive machines that are constantly soaring far above you.
Blu-ray Review:
In addition to its new perspective and its stunning visuals, the Blu-ray release of Living in the Age of Airplanes is also loaded with behind-the-scenes features and additional footage—for around 100 total minutes of insight and striking cinematography.
There are plenty of interesting extras here. Movie buffs will want to check out Flight Over Africa, in which director Brian J. Terwilliger recreates the biplane shot from Out of Africa (with some help from Sidney Pollack). Or, for more on the challenges of making the film, watch behind-the-scenes extras like Impossible Shots and 3 Stories in 4 Minutes.
Really, though, some of the best extras are simply the deleted scenes, which offer more stunning footage from around the world. So after you finish watching the movie, be sure to spend some time exploring the special features menu, too.
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