Moviegoers will appreciate the depth of 3D in this reissue of James Cameron'sOscar-winning blockbuster. There are many examples where people and objects appear closer thanks to the 3D conversion technique called stereopsis where the recording of three-dimensional visual information can be created so the images can appear to be in 3D. The result in Titanic in 3D is far more interesting to see if you are watching the closeup shots enough to notice the difference. When you put on your 3D glasses, what would be ordinarily out of focus becomes clearer. Not all of the film can be distinguished this way for much of it can be seen clearly if you try taking the 3D glasses off. owever, you don't want to miss a 3D image so keep them on until the film is over.
With the 100th Anniversary of the ship's sinking getting closer, like many of you, I, found myself swept up in the Titanic, and the compelling love story that Cameron brings to the screen between Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, two actors who have become stars since Titanic first came out.
James Horner's music score slowly builds up the necessary element of excitement about all things Titanic as the two main characters are introduced and you can't wait for the love story to begin. The wide shots of the ship and closeups of her captain and crew provide an eerie sense of deja vu after you meet the older Rose (Gloria Stuart) and she tells her story. It doesn't matter if you know where it is all going because Cameron painstakingly conveys the details of Titanic's maiden voyage with relish and enthusiasm.
Stuart's instant recall is a haunting and lasting reminder of what we see re-enacted, and the experience for us is equally invigorating because Horner uplifts and underscores the action in a music score that resoundingly matches your own excitement. Few movies these days can inspire you like this and it is a breath of fresh air to sit through it all again. Granted, I still prefer A Night To Remember (1958) which recently was reissued in a special Blu-ray edition from Criterion.
I still feel Cameron's version is a bloated epic in retrospect, but it does still retain the visionary imagery inthe closeups and wide shots for they appear clearer than ever and the sound effects are still thrilling to hear in the theatre's speakers. The supporting cast also brings a sense of being there. Despite what may be more predictable in its telling, it can't be helped and you can applaud the director for believing in his obsession to bring it all back again.
I have to admit that this Titanic has grown on me and it remains as time well spent at the movies.
It is rated PG, with the warnings: frightening scenes and not recommended for children.
April 6, 2012
Copyright Rick Jackson 2012
