So last night I saw Robert Zemeckis' Beowulf in 3D. They used a technology called "Real D", which is apparently what they used for The Polar Express. It will be released in 3D at about 1000 screens nationwide and everywhere else in 2D starting this Friday, the 16th.
First of all, the animation was super-impressive.
Beowulf is employing the patented Performance Capture technology Sony Pictures Imageworks created for Zemeckis’ The Polar Express. The movements and facial expressions of the actors will be captured in computers and applied to computer-generated characters in fully digital environments.
Zemeckis’ third 3D endeavor, Beowulf is slated to bow in more than 1,000 Real D theaters and other locations equipped for 3D projection, making it the widest day-and-date large-format 3D release to date.
All of the subtleties in actors' performances really came across. You felt like you were actually watching John Malkovich act, not watching an animation based on him. The only one who didn't look completely realistic was Angelina Jolie. But it was close enough.
The 3D stuff was quite awesome as well. The use the same technology they use for IMAX 3D, if you've ever seen that. It's not the old, crappy red-and-blue joints we grew up with. Click here to read how Real D works. The battle scenes were awesome, alot of stuff jumps out at you and scares you, as well as dripping blood, bubbles underwater, etc. We were afraid it might be a strain on our eyes after a while, but it wasn't.
The movie itself was pretty exciting, although I did get a little bored during a few scenes. However, that might also be attributed to the fact that I was tired as a mofo.
I was impressed by how much violence and near-nudity they got away with for being PG-13. There was quite a bit of blood and gore and stabbing and severed limbs and bodies torn apart at the torso. Also, seeing Angelina Jolie nearly nude in 3D, even just animated, was enough to make a man readjust his seating position. Also, for the ladies, you get to see Beowulf's ass and ripped abs multiple times.
I don't know how well this movie will translate to 2D, but it should still be worth seeing it in the theatres.
4 preashes: Badass! A must!
3 preashes: Pretty cool
2 preashes: Mediocre
1 preash: Don't waste your money!
Note: On these free promotional pre-screenings, they never show trailers. So I didn't get to see the rumored new trailer for J.J. Abrams' upcoming 1-18-08 Cloverfield Project. Sorry, Eddy.
Source for quote: http://www.animationmagazine.net/article.php?article_id=6061
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