U stands for 'Universal', meaning the film, video or DVD is suitable for anyone. Examples include Nanny McPhee & the Big Bang and The Princess & the Frog.
PG stands for 'Parental Guidance', which means that some parts of the film might not be ideal for younger children. Parents ought to think carefully before letting them watch. Examples of PG films are How to Train Your Dragon and Tooth Fairy.
12 is now only ever seen on videos and DVDs. As with the 12A, it tells parents that the content is best suited for those aged 12 and above. Examples, both of which were certified 12A for cinema, includeIron Man 2 and Avatar.
12A is only for films released at the cinema. It tells parents that the film is best suited for those aged 12 and above. Parents can take along under 12s if they choose, so long as they go with them! Examples include Iron Man 2 and Avatar.
15 means that the film, video or DVD is really only suitable for those aged 15 or above. Only people aged 15 or older are allowed to view a 15 rated film at the cinema or buy or rent a 15 rated DVD, video or game.
18 means that the film, video or DVD is only suitable for adults (people aged eighteen or over). Only adults are allowed to view an 18 rated film at the cinema or rent or buy an 18 rated video, DVD or game.
Teenage Julie is visiting an aquarium and is fascinated by the creatures she sees and wonders about their evolution. Cue a 'visitation' by pioneering 18th century paleontologist Georges Cuvier who takes Julie through the story of how marine reptiles developed in prehistoric times.
'Sea Rex' is a documentary feature which uses computer-generated images of prehistoric marine reptiles, presented in the 3D IMAX cinema format, to tell the story of their evolution and lifestyles. The film contains infrequent mild threat and scary moments.
The film has a very clear educational intent and allows children to engage with the information being imparted through the thrills of seeing prehistoric creatures looming out of the screen at the audience. Such images are quite familiar from television programmes such as 'Walking With Dinosaurs' but the large IMAX screen presentation, enhanced by 3D and advanced sound effects, does have the potential to overwhelm very young children. Those responsible for such children should bear this in mind.
Although there are scary moments, for example when a large prehistoric shark seems to head straight for the audience with its teeth bared, these are very infrequent and it is clear that the film-makers' intention is to present an experience that is both entertaining and informative, rather than to terrify the young audience at which it is aimed.
'U' stands for Universal, which means that we think the film is suitable for audiences aged four or older.
