Sunday, 1 August 2.47pm
Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs
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    Narrated by actor Christopher Lee, "Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs" unravels some of the mysteries enshrouding the ancient royal mummies, how they were embalmed and where they were hidden, and also recreates the dramatic story of their recovery - an Indiana Jones-type tale of tomb-raiders and hidden treasure that led to one of the most significant archaeological finds in modern history. Featuring top researchers, such as Egyptologists Dr. Bob Brier and Dr. Zahi Hawass, the film also embarks on a genetic analysis of mummies that could have huge implications for the study of human diseases.

    Rated: [ G ]
    Cinema release: 9 Aug 2007
    Director: Keith Melton
    Running time: 40 mins
    Stars: Christopher Lee
    Links: Official Site
    IMDb
    Rotten Tomatoes

    What we say
    Mummies unwrapped

    Brad Gray, MovieFix  
    1 star rating
    When a number of peculiar antiquities appear on the black market, 18th century hieroglyphic reader Charles Wilbour realises that these are no ordinary relics, for they bear the marks of kings. Following the story of their recovery, a tale of tomb-raiders and hidden treasure unfolds, which leads to one of the most significant archaeological finds in modern history - the Valley of Kings.

    Screening at IMAX, "Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs" unwraps the mystery of embalming and introduces the audience to Egypt's most powerful pharaohs. It is well known that Egyptians recorded basically everything yet the one thing they didn't was how they mummified the deceased for life beyond death.

    Although reenactments are the foundation of the plot, viewers also delve into the world of forensics with Egyptologist Dr Bob Brier, who in the ancient Egyptian tradition mummified a modern body donated to science. With the help of DNA specialist Dr Angelique Corthals, they attempt to extract and compare genetic information from ancient mummies to their modern mummy in the name of medical science.

    There is something mythically intriguing about mummies, and there is no denying Egypt is a truly fascinating civilisation - but this documentary doesn't do its subject justice. Filmed by an award-winning team including director Keith Melton and renowned cinematographer Reed Smoot, audiences are entitled to expect more. Christopher Lee's voice lends itself well to the narration yet the fact he starred in the original 1959 film "The Mummy" seems a lame effort to 'authenticate' the script.

    One of the world's forever beguiling topics is diluted with several unrelated tangents and it becomes a relief when this documentary finishes after a measly 40 minutes. Sure, its format and length lends itself to the IMAX, but it serves little purpose screening here. I can't help but feel "Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs" would be more at home on the ABC because this documentary is out of its league.

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