The sights and sounds of "Oceans" were augmented by the gleeful "Awwws" of children, in awe as their parents should be of the incredible subjects in a magnificent film.

The amazing documentary, "Oceans," a Disneynature followup to "Earth" (2007), takes us on a world voyage beyond the seas in fact, under the sea and on the beach, where we are introduced to sea mammals, fish and creatures familiar and exotic, beautiful and bizarre.You will see the familiar: among them, penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, dolphins, sharks and whales. You will also see the strange: the blanket octopus, for example, which looks like a floating red magic carpet.You will be transported to the world's seven seas, with stops at Australian reefs, South African waters and the Alaskan coast.Call it "Oceans 7."It's not often that a G-rated movie hits the cinema that can be recommended for young and old alike. "Oceans" is a film that should be enjoyed by families, educators and government leaders.The leisurely-paced film, narrated in dulcet tones by Pierce Brosnan, is soothing, enthralling and a big-screen adventure.The combination of Brosnan's voice, a symphonic score and ocean sounds is lulling.There are some jolting sequences, too, as in a mantis shrimp smackdown of a crab on the ocean floor, as well as when the sound of pounding surf reverberates through your chest.As Brosnan intones of the ocean: "You have to hear it. You have to see it." And, yes, "Oceans" is so realistic you can almost taste its saltiness, too."Oceans" is surprisingly lacking in politcal rhetoric. It's mostly a parade of creatures large (the half-block-long, 20-ton baleen, or blue, whale) and small (the krill).Co-directors Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud (also co-directors, "Winged Migration," 2001), working from a script they wrote with some five additional writers, let the film unfold without much of a storyline.The narration could have provided more scientific facts and information for the oceanographic-minded, rather than platitudes. At the same time, the commentary, combined with the visuals and soundtrack, achieves a kind of marine life poetry."Oceans" is cinema in its purest form. The visuals are truly stunning. The film is an inspiration.That said, sitting there, watching "Oceans" made me hungry for seafood.So, take a trip to "Oceans."First, though, you may want to stop at the movie theater concession stand for some Swedish Fish candy."Oceans": MPAA Rated G (General Audiences. All Ages Admitted); Genre: Documentary, Drama; Run time: 1 hr., 26 min.; Distributed by Walt Disney Studios.Credit Readers Anonymous: The "Oceans" end credits roll includes scenes of the underwater cinematographers, showing you how they obtained some of the outstanding footage.Box Office, April 23: The 3-D "How to Train Your Dragon" was back at No. 1, with $15 million and $178 million, five weeks, keeping Jennifer Lopez's comeback bid, "The Back-Up Plan," at No. 2, $12.2 million, opening.3. "Date Night," $10.6 million, $63.4 million, three weeks; 4. "The Losers," $9.6 million, opening; 5. "Kick-Ass," $9.5 million, dropping from No. 1 after revised tallies, $34.8 million, two weeks; 6. "Clash of the Titans," $9 million, $145.6 million, four weeks; 7. "Death at a Funeral," $8 million, $28.4 million, two weeks; 8. "Oceans," $6 million, $8.4 million (opened Earth Day, April 22); 9. "The Last Song," $3.7 million, $55.3 million, four weeks; 10. "Alice in Wonderland," $2.2 million, $327.4 million, eight weeksUnreel, April 30:"Furry Vengeance," Rated PG, stars Brendan Fraser and Brooke Shields in a comedy about a real estate developer whose plan to build homes in a forest brings opposition from the critters."A Nightmare on Elm Street," Rated R, is back with Jackie Earle Haley starring as Freddy Krueger in the slasher film about stalking the dreams of youths."Please Give," Rated R, stars Catherine Keener and Oliver Platt in a comedy about a Manhattan couple whose plan to expand their apartment is thwarted by the daughters (Amanda Peet, Rebecca Hall) of their elderly neighbor.Four Popcorn Boxes out of Five Popcorn Boxes