Is 3D Worth It? A Talkback Discussion!

It wasn't all that long ago that AVATAR was released, and James Cameron assured us (and continues to do so) that 3D is going to be THE way to watch films in the theater from now on. Whether it's an animated film, or big budget science fiction epic, or superhero film, 3D has quickly become the default release for these films, even going so far as to have a little blurb on the ads - "Also In 2D." Just in case you wanted to see the film in inferior technology.

I saw KUNG FU PANDA 2 in 3D, and let me tell you, I thought the 3D was fantastic. I'm especially particular about screen brightness, and at my screening, the picture was sharp, the screen well lit, and the use of the 3D in the film was immersive and fun. The arrows shot around and past the screen, and the use of depth of field was pretty much perfect. I think 3D works best with these animated films, as opposed to live-action or converted 3D. I'm sure CARS 2 uses it in a similar manner.

However, the 3D in PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES was worse than useless - it was actually a detriment to the film.

Personally, when it comes to my choice for seeing a film in the theater, these days I choose 2D over 3D every time. It's not because I don't like 3D - done right, like in KUNG FU PANDA 2 or even AVATAR, it adds to the experience and makes the film more fun. But I've never seen 3D really add anything to the film as a story. But I don't think 3D should go away, either. I've seen it done right enough times that it makes the film more entertaining. Now, does it take away from the film? Does it turn the art of film into little more than a thrill ride? That's a debate that we can definitely have.