Nature documentary Ocean Odyssey follows renowned underwater cinematographer Feodor Pitcairn as he traverses the depths of the seas to bring stunning clarity to that alien environment.

Commissioned by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, the hour-long Ocean Odyssey takes viewers on an undersea journey to remote and magical places. Pitcairn, a pioneer in underwater high-definition cinematography, explores marine ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands, Raja Ampat in Indonesia, the Maldives, the Azores, Hawaii, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the Channel Islands, British Columbia, the Gulf of Mexico, French Polynesia and Belize. Filmed in high definition, with commentary by Pitcairn and fellow cinematographer Bob Cranston, Ocean Odyssey is a stirring film. In showcasing the wide variety of life — from hammerhead sharks and otters to sea anemone and brine shrimp — and revealing some of the most amazing underwater footage ever seen, it implicitly points out some of the many great biological mysteries that remain on Earth, as well as offering insightful working reflections by two of the most prominent specialty cinematographers of today’s age.

Housed in a regular plastic Amaray case, Ocean Odyssey comes to DVD presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen, with an English language Dolby digital 5.1 surround sound audio track that more than adequately handles the title’s rather straightforward aural demands. Optional English SDH subtitles are also included, as well as, nicely, a half-hour behind-the-scenes featurette that delves into the making of the movie but also shines a certain light on its makers, and what first inspired their occupational interests. To purchase the DVD, phone (800) PLAY-PBS, or simply click here. Or, if Amazon is totally and irretrievably your thing, click here. B+ (Movie) B (Disc)