3-D films seem like they're the biggest craze in animated movies these days. They were hip back in the 50s and now gaining popularity once again. Some movies are intentionally made to be shown in 3-D, like most IMAX movies, but some regular movies that are seen at the Cineplex are giving people the option of seeing them in 3-D or not.
Who knew that "The Nightmare Before Christmas" was ever going to be shown in 3-D? It was not made for 3-D when I first saw it back as a child, and I was pleased with the film.
Thirteen years later, after seeing it in 3-D, I can't believe I wasted my time seeing the regular movie because this new enhanced version is much better.
If you haven't heard of or seen this claymation classic, or seen all of the decorations and souvenirs plastered all over Disneyland's Haunted Mansion ride, then you have extreme tunnel vision when it comes to watching movies.
"Nightmare" is about a Halloween Town filled with skeletons, werewolves, ghouls, goblins and ghosts who want to transform their evil ways into good by making their town more Christmassy, but it turns out that they ruin both holiday themes along the way.
Nothing new was added to the film. There are no 3-D tricks that were included on purpose, like the blowing of bubbles or a puppet popping out of the box. The movie is just the way it was years ago, but when you see it again, you start to believe that this movie was made for 3-D all along. The 3-D graphics, done by Disney Digital are smooth and they subtly enhance the movie to where everything seems real and truly does pop out of the screen.
At times, it seems like a live claymation play. The details and backdrops that I took for granted when I first saw it, stand out and made me appreciate the film in a whole new light.
As far as the 3-D glasses go, they are cheap plastic, so be extremely gentle when taking them out of their plastic bag and putting them on and off because I don't know if the box office person will give you a new pair.
They are comfortable and can be put over regular glasses if you wear them.
"The Polar Express" was the last movie I saw in both regular and 3-D. Just as the case for "The Nightmare Before Christmas", the 3-D version puts the regular one to shame.
I give The Nightmare Before Christmas ***** out of 5 Roses.
Reach the reporter at: monis.rose@asu.edu.
