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2D - Yes. 3D - Yes. 4D - NO!

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  • 2D - Yes. 3D - Yes. 4D - NO!

    Uncharacteristically, I have been a busy bee down at my local Cineworld cinema this week. I have managed to see TWO films that have just been released here in the UK.

    The first is the long awaited "F1-The Movie." This is an excellent film IMHO for any F1 fan. A fictional story about 2 drivers quest for glory. However, on more than one occasion the story gave a nod to one or two incidents that have occurred in Formula 1 history over the years. I won't spoil it for you, but this film must surely be in the running for an Oscar for its editing if nothing else. Saw this one on a nice large screen with the normal quality all directional sound that we have all come to know and love.

    Nothing wrong there......

    However......

    A couple of days later I returned to the same venue and treated myself to "Jurassic World - Rebirth." Not only that, it was in 3D AND 4D, which is the moving chair, rain, wind, and smell experience. Never experiencing 3D and 4D together before, and roughly knowing what to sort of expect in the film, I thought this would be the perfect double whammy.
    Well, the 3D was good. Certainly enhanced the film in certain situations, but was not nearly as effective as the re jigged Spielberg Jaws (#1) that was given a 3D make over. The main problem, I think, is that in this one the cameraman used too deep-a- depth of field on a lot of the shots which made both close and far objects out of focus with a limited mid range. I suspect it might not have been originally intended as 3D and maybe an after thought, which is strange as Jaws was never intended to be 3D either..... but that worked! Nonetheless, I have seen enough 3D to know it is overall a really good film enhancing experience to give it the thumbs up. The film, incidentally, is worth seeing on its own merits.

    How about the 4D ?

    Oh my goodness! Is this REALLY the future of cinema ? If it is, shoot me right now. A confounded chair rocking all over the place, even at times when it was unnecessary. I can understand when one is on a boat that runs aground that a certain amount of jolting is appropriate..... but a man merely hammering a metal stake into rock ? Really ? The whole thing, including wind in ones face and water being dumped on me is totally distracting from the film. I am just relieved it was not the film "Se7en" or "Singin' In The Rain" I was watching! I might have drowned !
    It seems very sad to me that this wonderfully artistic medium has to be dumbed down to this level just to haul in extra thrill seeking punters. Are they really interested in the film or whether they get launched through the screen?
    As you can imagine, I won't be going 4D again in any hurry.

  • #2
    There was a Bugs Bunny Cartoon about the “future” (2000AD!) where a headline says “Smellavision Replaces Television”.

    25 years behind schedule, it sounds like maybe Smellavision has finally arrived!

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    • #3
      Melvin,

      I have yet to see a film in 4D. I don't mind ride simulations in theme parks, however a two hour plus version of those seems like too much. I believe that less than 8% of filmgoers attend 4D screenings.

      I saw F1 the other day and I totally agree with you. I found it visually impressive with nice performances. It is formulaic (pun intended), but still very enjoyable.

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      • #4
        Melvin, that reminds me of the time about 15 years back or so when I was filming for the re-opening of Blackpool tower. Part of the new look was a mini cinema showing a 20 minute promo about Blackpool. As I went in, one if the ushers said, "Have you got a rain cover for your camera?" I looked suitably bemused and they said, "As part of the show, there are aromas and fog and rain". Naturally, I thought they were taking the mickey. We all came out smelling of dry ice and covered in a film of wet mist. None of the audience looked like they had particularly enjoyed the experience...

        With regard to Jurassic Park, I guess there was even more popcorn all over the floor by the end than usual.

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