Outstanding movie with 3D to match
5
By Just another movie review
Note: This is a review for the 3D effects in the Blu Ray 3D version of How to Train Your Dragon and not of the movie itself. However, I give the movie itself 5/5. It’s an incredible feat of action, humor, suspense, and heart. Im giving the film 5 stars on iTunes so it will not be misled on how I actually feel about the movie and I will not mess with the rating system.
If you’ve lived through 2010, then you probably remember when How to Train Your Dragon came out. And while the film has been successful critically and financially, it has also been said by many that it was one of the pioneers of great 3D in movies. So for those of you who haven’t seen it in 3D, you’re probably asking yourself if all that’s really true. That’s what we’re exploring today. So let’s dive into the 3D effects of How to Train Your Dragon Cinemablend style and determine whether or not it’s worth buying in 3D.
Does it fit 5/5
Certainly. Animated films are almost always a shoe in for a great 3D fit. And with How to Train Your Dragons dragons, flight sequences, action, and countryside views, there’s no reason this should be an exception. If anything, all that stuff puts it a notch or two above every other animated movie.
Planning and effort 5/5
It’s pretty hard to believe that Clash of the Titans and this movie came out in the same year. While one of them was a poorly converted 3D mess only created to earn extra cash, the other one has been planned for 3D from the start and absolutely takes advantage of the setting it’s been given to make the 3D shine. Granted, it’s not Robert Zemeckis type planning. But seeing how well this movie works with the 3D, I think anything less than a five will be greatly understating this movies involvement with 3D.
Before the window 5/5
It’s possible I’m giving this category more credit than it deserves. However, just like Hugo and Despicable Me, this is one of those movies that can make objects protrude the screen in a very subtle manner. People and peoples physical characteristics comfortably leave the screen often even during dialogue scenes. The film still does give us dragons and dragon related stuff. But that alone would’ve only brought this category to a three. Luckily, there’s enough subtle protrusion in the in between moments to make this a five.
Beyond the window 5/5
This is probably the category you’ve most heard about when 3D enthusiasts talk about this movie. And they are most certainly right when talking about how well the movie shines this way. The flight sequences are obviously the greatest thing about this films 3D. The world becomes vast and mesmerizing. And with how fast Hiccup and Toothless are going, you feel like you’re right there with them. Even in the not as impressive in between moments, the 3D still makes the Viking town, forests, and seas all the much more expansive and immersive. Great 3D throughout.
Brightness 3/5
The only real thing that I would have to complain about with this movie would be the brightness. While most of the movie remains pretty bright and colorful, the moments where it’s dark can get really dark, especially the beginning attack scene. While none of these scenes should be a real deal killer, it still unfortunate dampens the score a little.
Glasses off test 5/5
In case you haven’t heard of the glasses off test, it goes a little something like this: when you take your glasses off during a 3D movie, the more blur you see onscreen, the more 3D you’re getting. How to Train Your Dragon obviously has blur to spare here. Otherwise, it’s 3D wouldn’t be as impressive as it is.
Audience Health 5/5
I experienced no problems with this film. Unless you can get easy motion sickness, you probably will not either.
Conclusion 33/35
If you haven’t seen How to Train Your Dragon in 3D yet, you are really missing out. Don’t get me wrong, the movie is still a wonderful feat of storytelling and action in 2D. But the 3D greatly enhances those elements. It makes the world of Vikings and dragons much more interesting, it makes the fight scenes much more mesmerizing, and I can’t say too much more about the flight parts. It’s just that good. It might not be A Christmas Carol 3D incredible, but it’s still one of the most top notch 3D presentations you can find. How to Train Your Dragon truly earns a spot in your 3D collection.
