To 3D Or Not To 3D

The advent of 3D in film leaves consumers with a decision to make before heading to the theater. Do you pay twice as much for an “enhanced” visual experience or is the film in question better left to more conventional methods?

In 2009 I saw Avatar twice, once in 3D and once in 2D. I can’t recall whether it was RealD 3D or Dolby 3D but I do remember that the film was decidedly better with the glasses on. The world of Pandora came alive and I felt like I was living the experience with the characters. But 3D is not always a welcome indulgence. I remember years ago seeing Bolt in 3D and being irritated with its usage of the technology. While the frequent employment of “Before The Window” effects — those that jump from the screen — can bombard the senses, it’s possible for it to work well (see Disney’s Honey, I Shrunk The Audience experience).

I am by no means a connoisseur of 3D films which is why I need a resource that helps me decide whether or not to see one in 3D. Enter Cinema Blend. They currently run reviews on the major 3D films to hit theaters and include a breakdown of all the 3D features therein. Complete with scores for specific aspects of the 3D and a final verdict, To 3D Or Not To 3D is the question they seek to answer.

While it’s not currently an actual “feature” on the site you can use the search bar and easily find that film you’re considering seeing in 3D. Now you can spend $20 on a movie and feel a little bit better about it.