Sci-Fi News and Reviews

My 3D Experience

In a recent post, I wondered aloud about the influx of so many new 3D movies this year. People seemed more in tune to this trend than I was. For example, a comment (by Steve) noted:

"Obviously the studios are looking for ways to get people into the movie theaters instead of their home theaters...As home technology advances, the feature film divisions are fearful of their markets disappearing. 3D is just one avenue being explored to get butts in seats."

So, seeing that I have not been to a 3D show in some time, I went. "Monsters vs. Aliens" was the ticket, and I spared no expense by visiting my local IMAX theater. $66 dollars later (not including drinks and snack), the family and I had our yellow-rimmed 3D glasses prepped and ready for the show. So, let me give you my impressions of the 3D experience

I don't know if I am alone in this, but when I think of a 3D movies, I expect to have things floating out in front of me. I like to watch the kids try to reach out and touch those floaties! (By the way, it is especially cool to see a five year old jump up out of his seat to grab a floating rock. Good times.)

"Monsters vs. Aliens" did not disappoint on this front. The movie had its share of floaties (and a couple of the 'bounce out of the screen' objects) and they were well executed. However, either the amount or the impact of those moments seemed to diminish as the movie went on.

In contrast to the 'floaties', the scenery shots all were consistently enhanced by the 3D experience. Everything felt crisper, for lack of a better term. The best combination of these effects were, strangely enough, in the introductory scenes when traveling through the solar system. The asteroid belt was stellar!

Overall, I thought the movie-going experience was enhanced by the inclusion of 3D technology. However, I am not sure that it was enhanced enough to make me want to pay extra for the privilege. At the beginning of the movie, numerous scenes caught my attention, but as the movie progressed, the 'wow' factor of 3D faded. The scenery was still great...but there was not anything that jumped out at me (pardon the pun). The best analogy that I can make is that it was just like watching TV in HD - you will be wowed at first, then just expect the better level of quality. You become accustomed to the picture and the perspective - and then thrill is gone.

3D is clearly an upgrade in the quality of a theater presentation. But, I am not sure if this idea will actually bring more people to the theaters. 3D might not be a gimmick any more, but it doesn't add enough to be a draw on its own.

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Posted by Fred on March 30, 2009 8:27 PM
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