The film is based on the true story of tightrope walker Philippe Petit’s historic high-wire walk between the two World Trade Center towers in NYC in 1974. The film is a tribute both to Petit’s accomplishment and the twin towers that are no longer part of the NYC skyline.
Told from Petit’s point of view (as portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt), we are taken on a journey to Petit’s beginnings as a high-wire artist and juggler, through the planning stages of his dream, to his actual walk between the twin towers.
The film was originally shot in 2D, but it was converted by Legend 3D for both theatrical and Blu-ray presentation. For those who dismiss the capabilities of 2D-to-3D conversion, this film’s results will blow you away.
As a build-up to the extensive final scenes, the 3D effects are applied realistically to low-wire and circus performance settings, but the 3D effects shine in the finale, where you actually experience (close-up) Petit’s famous walk.
If you’re afraid of heights, this film’s finale will have you squirming in your seat, but in a good way. Just keep telling yourself, “it’s a movie,” and know that your reaction is a testament to how realistic the 3D effects were in this film.
The bottom line: excellent movie, excellent use of 3D!
The 3D presentation is fantastic. There are a lot of “comin’-at-ya” effects, but they’re not just thrown in; they’re part of the martial arts action integration. Interior and exterior shots have an extraordinary amount of realistic depth, as Tsui Hark uses an excellent technique of placing characters strategically between both foreground and background objects.
In addition, the colorfully layered period costumes are very detailed. Even the English subtitles are strategically placed just in front of the plane of the characters speaking the lines. However, if you find the subtitle reading distracting, consider opting for the English dub.
The Blu-ray Disc transfer is bright, thus translating well to 3D viewing with minimal brightness loss. Aside from the 3D, the Chinese language DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 channel soundtrack is also excellent. However, if you prefer viewing the film in English, the English dubbed soundtrack is in Dolby Digital 2.0.
Even if you’re not a fan of Asian martial arts films, the 3D Blu-ray Disc release of Flying Swords of Dragon Gate is a great film to show off how good 3D can be when it’s done right.
After a devastating accident, celebrated-but-egotistical medical doctor Steven Strange loses the ability to use his hands for performing complex surgeries. Desperate for a cure, he travels to Katmandu, Nepal. However, instead of finding a cure, he is thrust on a journey of discovery that takes him to unseen dimensions, ultimately facing off against powerful inter-dimensional and dark entities that threaten the universe.
The 3D effects are excellent, acting as the perfect tool to transport the viewer into alternate realities. Some scenes are reminiscent of the effects used in the film Inception, but Doctor Strange takes it much further.
The aspect ratio of the film does change periodically between 2.39:1 and 1.78:1 to better present the action sequences.
The film was shot in 2D and was post-converted to 3D by Stereo D and Legend 3D, and it’s one of the best examples of post-production 2D-to-3D conversion done so far, a true testament to how 3D technology has matured.
From the opening space arrival scene to the final battle, this film has it all in terms of a 3D feast for the eyes. This film’s 3D aspect takes a more natural approach. There is very little of the “comin’-at-ya” type of 3D effects commonly used in 3D movies. Instead, director James Cameron opts for a more textural approach to 3D that actually draws you into the fantastical world of Pandora.
The soundtrack is a great example of well-blended and properly balanced audio mixing, which makes it the perfect complement for the video presentation. Avatar is a benchmark for 3D viewing.
Although originally shot in 2D and converted to 3D in post-production, you can tell that care was taken to get the 3D version exactly right. The 3D effect takes advantage of the natural depth in the exotic landscapes, which draws you into the movie.
Also, the size difference between humans and monsters, and the perspective of multiple mountains and trees alongside valleys and rivers, make for effective visual storytelling.
A night scene where Kong faces off with Samuel L. Jackson shows off how well 3D enhances multiple objects in different planes. Of course, the great DTS-HD Master audio soundtrack adds to the punch.
Although Avengers Infinity War has a great soundtrack, unlike the Ultra HD version, which has a Dolby Atmos mix, the 3D version provides less immersive 7.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio. If you want to immerse the viewer in 3D video, it would be nice to also immersive them in 3D audio.
3D shines in scenes of the main character Rey’s activities on the planet Jakku, when you see the roundness of the BB8 droid, and in the inside of a cantina.
3D effects were applied purposely and appropriately throughout the film and work well in both dark and daylight scenes; both costume and building textures are displayed realistically.
The 3D collector’s edition comes with many extras, including both standard Blu-ray and DVD versions of the film and several “making of” mini-documentaries.
The only disappointment is that, although this release includes a good DTS HD-Master Audio 7.1 channel soundtrack, it deserved to have an immersive Dolby Atmos soundtrack that would have blended better with the 3D effects of the film.
Director Alfonso Cuarón successfully weaves the style of a science fiction epic with intense personal drama, using 3D as part of the storytelling vehicle. The only on-camera cast members are Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.
Gravity is a great dramatic and visual film, but its 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack adds to the drama and immersion of the film.
There’s also interesting supplementary material, including a documentary narrated by Ed Harris on the issue of space junk that is crowding near-Earth space, and a short additional scene that shows the other side of a radio communication between Sandra Bullock’s character and someone on Earth. Other material includes the film’s pre-production and production process, as well as some interesting shot breakdowns.
Gravity is a must-have have for your collection.
Since the film deals with a superhero who can shrink and grow at will, there are abundant opportunities to take advantage of 3D. The contrast between Ant-Man in his tiny state in relation to giant-sized ants, rocks, plants, and humans makes for a fun viewing experience. Definitely, take note of the bathtub scene!
In addition to 3D, the film also features a great balance of adventure and humor, as well as the presence of veteran actor Michael Douglas and the smart and sassy Evangeline Lily.
To top it off, the 3D Blu-ray Disc also features an impressive DTS HD-Master Audio 7.1 channel soundtrack.
However, that aside, the film does have a lot to offer. Not only does Scarlett Johansson “dive” into the role, but the film recreates a few key scenes from the anime (check out the Making of Ghost in the Shell feature on the 2D Blu-ray for visual details). In addition, Ghost in the Shell provides an excellent platform for 3D execution.
From the futuristic urban landscapes to the mid-air holograms, the 3D effects are very convincing, providing excellent depth. Also, both the production and costume designers beautifully adapted the look of the previous anime version, placing it in a 3D environment.
If you’re a 3D fan who missed this one in the theater, and have resisted getting the 3D Blu-ray version, you should parallel Scarlett Johansson’s leap and get it.
The Adventures of Tintin Limited Edition 3D Blu-ray disc comes packaged with both the 3D and 2D versions of the film and a third disc containing the DVD version. Also provided are access codes to an Ultraviolet Digital Copy of the film.
The 3D and 2D Blu-ray versions both provide a great viewing experience, but the 3D version is one of the better 3D transfers, retaining excellent detail and color, and holding up in fast-motion sequences.
Whether you prefer 2D or 3D, The Adventures of Tintin belongs in your Blu-ray Disc collection. This film should have won an Oscar for Best Animated Film for its qualifying year; it was disappointing that it wasn’t even nominated. However, The Adventures of Tintin won’t be ignored on this list!
Hugo takes us to a place and time both real and fanciful, grand in scope, yet very personal. Through Scorsese’s lens, Hugo reveals the magic and importance of film on our hopes and dreams.
The film is a delight to watch in either 2D or 3D, but the masterful use of 3D is woven in the film as an effective storytelling tool that draws you into the world of a 1930’s Paris train station and its cast of distinguished characters.
3D is used to great effect to add visual texture and perspective, making you feel you’re actually in the movie. As the story develops, the viewer, along with Hugo and his friend Isabelle, discovers the inspirational magic of movies.
Hugo deserved its Academy Award nominations and wins, and some argue it could have won Best Picture. Whether you watch in 3D or 2D Blu-ray or DVD, Hugo is a special film the whole family can enjoy.
In addition, the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 channel sound mix complements the 3D viewing experience perfectly.
The film does a great job of introducing us to an unfamiliar group of characters who start off as outlaws, making them relatable to the viewing audience. (Fan favorites: Rocket Raccoon and Groot.)
The most touted touch of the film was its excellent retro soundtrack, but it also showed fantastic 3D execution.
The transfer onto Blu-ray is clean, with exceptional detail. Also, despite being a 2D-to-3D conversion, the 3D execution is consistently good throughout the film, with natural depth and appropriate emphasis where you’d expect.
Some of the key 3D scenes include the opening scene and title sequence, a brazen jailhouse escape, and the elaborate finale.
The only thing we were hoping for was more “spaceship-flying-at-you” effects, but 3D fans won’t be disappointed with the overall result.
Based on the well-known cult British comic book, viewers experience a “day in the life of Judge Dredd,” one of an elite corps of individuals assigned to be judge, jury, and executioner (if need be) in the fight against crime in the near-future metropolis of Mega-City One.
However, Dredd’s additional assignment is to evaluate a new recruit. The unlikely duo decides to investigate some odd happenings in the 70,000-population Peachtrees Megablock, where they end up facing off with both corrupt judges and the murderous drug lord Ma-Ma. If you can handle the intensity of the action and the gritty film style, this is a great 3D movie.
We found the video transfer to be excellent with exceptional detail and color (although there were some instances of overly bright whites). We didn’t notice any over-processed post-production image enhancement (although the CGI used in the beginning and end of the film wasn’t that great). The skin textures, fabric, and chrome and bodywork on cars are all very detailed in both 2D and 3D. In addition, the Midwest and Southern locations looked great and provided the perfect rural backdrop for the action.
Although there is some minor intermittent ghosting (most noticeable in dark scenes), the 3D holds up well. The 3D has a lot of natural depth and doesn’t suffer from “paper doll” effects. In addition, the soundtrack complements the over-the-top action very well.
In this case, Disney, which usually takes great liberties when translating literary works to the screen, doesn’t veer away much from the story’s main details. Also, instead of live-action performance, Disney used the medium of 3D motion-capture animation to bring this classic to the screen.
Some sequences emphasize the type of exaggerated 3D effect we endure with just about every 3D movie. However, director Robert Zemeckis also uses 3D to tell the story. One of the most impressive areas is the sequence where Scrooge has to pay the coffin maker for the casket of his previous boss. The excellent use of 3D, with the interplay of color and shadow, is extraordinary, not to mention the 3D texture of Scrooge’s facial features. This is a must-have 3D Blu-ray disc, even if it isn’t Christmas.
The 3D effects are mostly played for laughs, but to great effect. The strange world of the title character Gru (the world’s preeminent super-villain) and his lemming-like Minions, although impressive in the 2D version, really comes alive in the 3D version. This movie is a great piece of entertainment, with just the right dab of seriousness, for the whole family.
One of the best of these films is Under the Sea. The narration provided by Jim Carrey isn’t that impressive, but what you see on the screen is amazing. You’re taken down into an undersea world where you get the chance to see creatures that very few humans ever witness in their natural environment.
The added bonus of 3D makes you feel that the undersea world is alive in your living room. Watch for the shark, and don’t let the sea lions jump out of the screen. You even get to enter the world of the Leafy Sea Dragon, a creature that is camouflaged so well, you’d almost certainly miss it, even at close range. This film demonstrates what 3D does best, bringing aspects of our world to us that we may never be able to go to ourselves.
House of Wax has all the spookiness of a good 1950’s horror film, and the 3D effects definitely help. The only odd thing in the film is an obvious (but short) demonstration of “comin’-at-ya” 3D effects that don’t need to be there. This does, however, provide some levity from the drama.
Also, the film quality is a little softer than what you might be used to, but keep in mind this was before CGI and other modern production and post-production techniques were available.
If you’re both a film and 3D buff, this movie needs a spot in your collection before it goes back into the Warner vault.
The 3D is excellent and a pleasant departure from 3D horror and action movie fare made during that time period, but it does include some very effective in-your-face moments. The stage-style sets reveal a lot of natural depth, and as a musical, the dance numbers take full advantage of 3D depth and motion.
In addition to the 3D video, the original stereo soundtrack has been remastered to 5.1 Channel DTS-HD Master audio, which is a definite improvement.
The disc is available in the U.S., but it’s also region-code free for those international buyers who want to take the dip.
