The new Disney documentary “;Morning Light”; might be getting mixed reviews in the national press, but those attending the Oct. 16 fundraiser at Ward Stadium 16 for the Hawaii Youth Sailing Association and the Polynesian Voyaging Society enjoyed it — including me, the queen of seasick.

“;It's getting mediocre reviews from people who don't sail,”; said Robbie Haines, the Olympic gold medalist and Morning Light crew sailing coach, who flew in from San Diego for the screening. “;But everyone who sails loves it. And everyone says the photography is outstanding.”;

Indeed, some night sky shots are so breathtaking they almost look digitally enhanced. But TransPac veterans say that's how bright the stars really are a thousand miles from land.

While signing posters and a companion coffee table book at the pre-screening soiree, executive producer Roy Disney said the purpose of the movie was “;to bring the audience to a place they've never been, which is offshore. ... The sea has so much to teach us all. You can't call 911. ... You can't have a temper tantrum and go home. It's a metaphor for a lot of life.”;

Disney and co-executive producer Leslie DeMeuse, both avid sailors and TransPac veterans, successfully introduced novices to the world of racing on the open ocean for 11 days without boring devotees.

“;I really liked the authenticity of the movie,”; said Fred Paine, an experienced sailor whose son competes at the collegiate level. “;They portrayed the true emotions of the crew and gave a sense of being in the TransPac.”; He also appreciated its accurate representation of life in close quarters and the bonding that occurs between crew mates, as well as the changes each sailor experienced throughout the journey. For hometown fans there was plenty of footage featuring Punahou graduate Mark Towill, the only Hawaii resident on the young crew. Before the screening, legendary navigator Nainoa Thompson said the experience “;forced them to be more than a team; it forced them to be a family.”;

Disney presented a $40,000 donation later to Honolulu Community College to thank the school for the use of its Marine Education Training Center during training and filming.

  Halloween is approaching, so what better time to catch a television show about paranormal activity? “;808 Ghosts, Paranormal Investigation Team”; premiered at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 6 on OC16. The first episode followed the team during an investigation of a Diamond Head home the owners believe is haunted by a deceased friend. And they're not alone. Apparently, supernatural claims are not unusual here in the islands.

Don't worry if you missed the original air date. It's OC16, which means the same episode will run another 20 times in October.

  For those avoiding the Halloween frenzy, Unity Church of Hawaii will screen “;The Shoes of the Fisherman”; at 7 p.m. next Friday. Released in 1968, the classic two-hour-40-minute film stars Anthony Quinn and Lawrence Olivier and uncovers many of the rituals associated with the Vatican. Call Unity Church, 735-4436, or visit http://www.unityhawaii.org.