Fantastic IMAX 3D. Blu Ray 3D, not so much
4
By Just another movie review
This is only a review for the 3D of The Polar Express and not the actual content of the film itself. Also, this is only a review for the Blu Ray 3D version and not the IMAX 3D version of The Polar Express (which scores a 33/35).
We’re going to break down the Blu Ray 3D transfer of The Polar Express Cinemablend style. Here we go.
Does it fit? 5/5
Absolutely. Animated films have always been a great fit for the 3D transfer. And because this one is about a train ride to the North Pole, the 3D is really given ample opportunity to add to the more to the film.
Planning and Effort 4/5
This one is a bit of a confusing category. On one hand, the movie itself, when originally created, had 3D in mind. So the creators wasted no opportunity to make the 3D a crucial aspect to viewing the film when at all possible. But on the other hand, when the Blu Ray 3D transfer was being done, many different errors such as ghosting, uneven depth, and 2D scenes took place and made the film a more uneven 3D presentation than it should be. Luckily, the film incorporates the 3D so well that even with these mistakes, the 3D movie will still be worth your money. But I still must dock a point for the poor Blu Ray 3D transfer.
Before the Window 4/5
As much as image depth is one of The Polar Express’s strong points, it’s before the Window element is also given plenty of times to shine. At the least, we see snowfall, a characters body part, some caribou, and even though it’s a big undesirable, the nerd kid also pops out of the screen at least once or twice. At the height of its fun, though, you get a floating ticket, a midair pin, and watch out for a snowplow that comes inches away from your nose.
Beyond the Window 3.5/5
For the most part, this aspect in the Blu Ray 3D transfer remains effective, but still pretty flawed. As I mentioned, there is a fair amount of ghosting. At the beginning of the film, some of the depth seems offset or not present, and some scenes that would’ve done incredible in 3D seemed to just drop to 2D all of these really put a damper in this train ride. Luckily, the scenes that do work really are incredible. It’s vast views on the train, it’s roller coaster sequences, and the North Pole scenes are amazing to watch in 3D. I don’t know. This category falls a little short of a 4, but it’s too great for a 3. So, a 3.5 might just do.
Brightness 5/5
The Polar Express may take almost entirely at night, but that doesn’t put a damper on the brightness of the film.
Glasses off test 3.5/5
Here’s the rule of thumb: the more blurry the 3D film without the glasses, the more depth you’re getting with the glasses on. The blur is very present, but once again, with the 2D scenes and the ghosting, this category falls short of what it could’ve been
Audience Health 5/5
Unless you can get motion sickness with the roller coaster sequences, The Polar Express should leave you with no health troubles.
Conclusion 30/35
As I mentioned earlier, the films 3D is a bit ruined as with ghosting and 2D scenes present in the Blu Ray 3D version of the film. But as you can tell by the score that even with these parts that it still remains great in 3D because of the planning and effort given by the filmmakers ahead of time. But still, I would strongly recommend seeing this in IMAX 3D when possible. It’ll bring you the maximum 3D thrills with minimal distraction (also, the screen will be much bigger). Still, if you are thinking about buying the Blu Ray 3D version, I say go for it. But just know that it won’t be an entirely smooth train ride through and through.
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