In 1988, Australian filmmaker Mark Lewis released a documentary that would establish his reputation and pave the way for his wacky yet innovative animal docs such as “Rat” and “The Natural History of the Chicken”.  That documentary, “Cane Toads: An Unnatural History”, tells the story of the toads’ introduction to and eventual take over of Australia – as their population increased from the original 102 imported toads to now, 75 years later, an estimated 1.5 billion toads weighing about 5lbs each.  As the females lay thousands of eggs each year, and predators stay away from the highly toxic toads, they’re very literally taking over the continent.  When it was released, “Cane Toads” struck audiences everywhere in part because of its unusual content, but also because of Lewis’ comic appeal.  Now it’s even an example of creative documentary filmmaking in film schools around the nation.

Today, in partnership with Participant Media and Discovery, a new version of the film is being released: “Cane Toads: The Conquest”.  This take has some new footage which demonstrates the ways in which the toads have permeated Australian society and made themselves a permanent fixture, but more surprisingly, Lewis has found a novel way to stretch the limits of documentaries yet again; “The Conquest” is a 3D film.

This addition makes some speculate that the film will have appeal amongst a younger generation of movie-goers who haven’t experienced the original.  Yet despite new hilarious scenes and toads jumping out of the screen, Lewis also strikes a more serious note: “What a difference 22 years make: Whereas “Cane Toads: An Unnatural History” was a scabrously funny mock-horror film that suggested a nature-documentary collaboration between Monty Python and Luis Bunuel, the new effort feels overweeningly touch-feely and politically correct, with just dashes of humor.” – Variety Magazine.

Perhaps Lewis has recognized that there seems to be a new awareness of the environmental issues at hand around the world.  Indeed, even the environmentalist that is interviewed in the new film directs his apparent attitude toward the filmmaker.  Despite the more educational undertone of the film, it has yet to be determined whether or not “The Conquest” will be as commercially successful or revered as its predecessor.  It was a hit at the Sundance Film Festival though, which is a good start.  What do you think?

Written by: Ashley Ellis