On Earth Day, Disney+ and Hulu streamed various documentaries that examined nature, as well as the dangers facing our world.
Now, Hulu is streaming 16 IMAX docs in the coming weeks and months that celebrate its wonders.
The technology is amazing — docs using it earned Oscar nods (“Fires of Kuwait”) and have traveled from the deepest oceans to the far reaches of space.
Megan Colligan, president of IMAX Entertainment, said: “IMAX has helped share the power of the natural world and the potential of human existence, and now, together with Hulu, we can bring those incredible, enlightening experiences to millions more.”
The docs run the gamut from “A Beautiful Planet,” narrated by Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence (“Silver Linings Playbook,” “Joy”) to “T-Rex: Back to the Cretaceous,” a prehistoric adventure.
Here are the films:
“A Beautiful Planet” (2016)
Made in cooperation with NASA, the film features stunning footage of our blue planet — and the effects humanity has had on it over time — captured by the astronauts aboard the International Space Station. It is narrated by Jennifer Lawrence and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Toni Myers.
“Pandas: An IMAX Original Film” (2018)
Narrator Kristen Bell (“The Good Place”) tells the story of Qian Qian, a captive-born giant panda cub who is destined for life in the wild. In “Pandas,” a cross-cultural collaboration brings American and Chinese scientists together.
“Superpower Dogs” (2019)
Join an immersive adventure to experience the life-saving superpowers and extraordinary bravery of some of the world’s most remarkable dogs.
“Destiny in Space” (1994)
The doc, offers an exciting glimpse into the future of space exploration, as it was seen in the mid-’90s. Featuring images of the space shuttle in orbit 200 miles above Earth and thrilling flyovers of Mars and Venus, the film focuses on the dramatic partnership of humans and robots working in space.
“Fires of Kuwait” (1992)
An eloquent visual testimony to the heroism of the men and women who extinguished and controlled over 600 burning and gushing oil wells sabotaged by retreating Iraqi troops in the aftermath of the Gulf War. The film shoots the center of blazing fields of oil fires, shoulder-to-shoulder with firefighters. Nominated for an Academy Award - Best Documentary.
“Galapagos” (1999)
Journey with marine biologist Dr. Carole Baldwin on an adventure to the famed Galapagos Islands. Galapagos explores the unknown waters surrounding the volcanic archipelago.
“Hail Columbia!” (1982)
Experience one of humankind’s crowning achievements — the inaugural voyage of the world’s first space shuttle. Astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen prep for the historic launch of the shuttle Columbia. Witness the thunderous liftoff, the flight and dramatic re-entry and landing.
“Into the Deep” (1994)
A spectacular exploration of the undersea world. The film captures unique marine life and magnificent underwater vistas.
“Journey to the South Pacific” (2013)
Narrated by Cate Blanchett, the doc takes audiences on an adventure to the lush tropical islands of remote West Papua, where life flourishes above and below the sea. Home to more than 2,000 species of sea life, this exotic locale features the most diverse marine ecosystem on earth: whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays and other iconic creatures of the sea.
“Space Station” (2002)
Travel 220 miles above Earth at 17,500 mph to experience the greatest engineering feat since landing a man on the moon. “Space Station” is the story of 16 nations that teamed to build a laboratory in outer space to study the effects of long-duration exposure to zero gravity. It is the necessary first step toward a global cooperative effort to set foot on Mars. Narrated by Tom Cruise.
“Survival Island” (1995)
In the Southern Ocean, South Georgia is a majestic, barren and remote land. Yet in the spring and summer months, this small island plays host to some of the largest concentrations of animals anywhere on Earth: penguins, albatrosses, fur seals and elephant seals. Written and narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
“The Dream is Alive” (1985)
An inside look at the astronauts living in space. Shot by 14 NASA astronauts on three shuttle missions, the doc includes footage of launches and landings, satellite capture and repairs and space walks. Experience the sensation of weightlessness and the splendor of Earth from 250 miles up.
“T-Rex: Back to the Cretaceous” (1998)
Follow a paleontologist’s daughter on a wondrous pre-historic adventure as she is magically transported back through 65 million years to the Cretaceous Period. As she encounters the 20-foot tall, 15-ton Tyrannosaurus Rex, discover how these fierce animals lived.
“China: The Panda Adventure” (2001)
This is the true story of Ruth Harkness, a fiercely independent woman who travels to the mysterious forests of China to achieve her late husband’s dream of bringing the first live giant panda to America. Starring Maria Bello, the film features spectacular images of China and giant pandas and delivers a story of courage and triumph of the human spirit.
“Horses: The Story of Equus” (2002)
Three horses born on the same day: One becomes a racehorse, the second is trained as a stunt horse, the third horse joins the herds in the wild.
“The Secret of Life on Earth” (1996)
Discover the interdependence between plants and animals and the key developments that made possible the web of life. Use of micro, macro and time-lapse photography delivers stunning close-ups of special relationships between plants and animals: barnacles feeding, microscopic plankton, tiny grasses flowering and pollinators at work.