Review: “Finding Nemo 3D” enhances fantastic Pixar classic, preceded by simple-but-fun “Partysaurus Rex”

in Disney, Entertainment, Movies, Reviews

Let me just say up front, I’m not a fan of 3D. I think it’s great for theme park attractions like Star Tours: The Adventures Continue or Transformers: The Ride 3D, but for feature length movies I find it distracting and detracting from the overall cinema experience. That said, “Finding Nemo 3D” hands down the best 3D conversion I’ve seen.

I’m sure by now everyone has seen and adores “Finding Nemo” like I do, so I’ll spare you a film review and just stick to the 3D. The ocean environments were absolutely stunning in 3D. Easily the best use of 3D to immerse you in a world since “Avatar.” Depth has been added to every little particle floating in the water. My eyes normally adjust to 3D movies within the first 10 minutes and I stop noticing the effect. Those particles kept me aware of the three dimensions throughout the film. The characters moved around in that space quite nicely and naturally. Like most 3D movies these days, the conversion avoided the traditional 3D gimmicks, but it did have a few shots where objects or characters came out of the screen to great effect.

The presentation was pristine. I didn’t notice any of the usual dimming of the picture that 3D glasses can cause, but I did see it at Walt Disney Studios’ state of the art theater. Your mileage may vary.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen “Finding Nemo,” but it is worth noting that this is the first time I’ve watched it without being moved to tears. While the 3D looked beautiful and was extremely well done, I feel like it did prevent me from connecting emotionally with the characters by making me constantly aware that I was watching a movie. It could also be the result of seeing “Finding Nemo: The Musical” too many times and using up all my tears on that, so I’m not going to place all the blame at the 3D.

The film was preceded by the newest “Toy Story” short – “Partysaurus Rex.” As you’ve come to expect, it was delightful. The story isn’t the strongest of the series, but it was fun nonetheless. It involves Rex getting selected for bath time. We get a nice playtime sequence with Rex as a giant sea monster and meet a bunch of new bath time toys.

When he’s left in the bathroom, he’s able to use his arms to turn on the water and “get the party started up in here.” At that point it turns into a wild rave and gets out of control. It was really fun and clever. Of course the short was in 3D as well. It looked fine, but wasn’t nearly as impressive as the 3D in “Finding Nemo.”

Bottom line: if you’re a fan of 3D and “Finding Nemo,” this is probably a must see. If you’re like me and aren’t a fan, it’s probably not going to sway your opinion of 3D much.

“Finding Nemo 3D” swims into theaters on September 14, 2012 along with the “Toy Story” short “Partysaurus Rex.”

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