By Graceland Geek

Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D
Directed by Eric Brevig
Starring Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Anita Briem
Rated PG
Release date: July 11, 2008

Visually stunning is how I put this movie. I have never seen a full-length feature film in 3D before and when I read that this movie was actually filmed in RealD format and is the first live-action movie to do so I was pumped.

A brief history on RealD format before I divulge my thoughts on the movie”¦RealD Cinema is a digital 3D projection technology which does not require two projectors, unlike some older 3D stereoscopic projection technology. A high-resolution digital projector using Texas Instruments’ DLP Cinema technology is used. Lucky enough for me that a theater in Memphis, TN, uses this DLP and RealD technology.

This being said, the film Journey to the Center of the Earth , was brilliant in this format and I couldn’t believe the special effects used. Simply put, with the live-action 3D aspect I was truly immersed into the action of the story. Now most people have known or heard the Journey to the Center of the Earth story by Jules Verne and there have been many film versions made of the classic story for TV and the big screen.

This film simply modernized the story, making even the Jules Verne book a central part of it. I have to say, the story was little weak and simple, but it didn’t need to be complex so I am not complaining”¦it definitely had a lot of elements directed for families, which this movie is a family film.

In this version we find Trevor (Brendan Fraser), a volcanologist, whose nephew, Sean (Josh Hutcherson), is supposed to spend ten days with him. Sean’s father Max had disappeared years ago on a journey trying to figure out different volcanic disturbances that correlated with events from Jules Verne’s book, “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” When Sean arrives, he brings with him a box that was his father’s to give to Trevor and in it is his copy of the book”¦ that contained unusual notes, maps, and figures in it that immediately intrigue Trevor. The two are instantly set on a course that leads them to realize the same volcanic disturbances are happening again, including a volcanic instrument that hasn’t been active since Max disappeared, and that they need to find out what they mean. Ultimately they end up in Iceland where they are met by Hannah (Anita Briem), who offers to help them climb up to the instrument that has suddenly started sending data again. Basically, they are set on a course where they end up arriving at the center of the earth and thus the journey begins. They are met by unique creatures, dinosaurs, and an adventure that no one would believe.

The film doesn’t lack and though it is a simple story, where the film is designed purely for the visual effects it had me entertained until I left the theater. Honestly, the best thing about this movie is the 3D. I can’t imagine the special effects being bad in the 2D version of the film, but it is the RealD experience that makes this movie WOW! Brendan Fraser doesn’t disappoint and fans of his will enjoy him in this film. Ultimately if you are looking for a fun and new movie-going experience, this is your film”¦technology continues to push filmmaking forward and if this movie has a sequel, then I will be there as long as it is in 3D. Next week, The Dark Knight opens and sets another filmmaking chapter for Hollywood combining IMAX shot footage into the film making it an IMAX experienced movie. After Journey, I can’t help but wonder when there will be a RealD, IMAX-shot film making it a truly interactive film experience”¦making it a truly invigorating experience for filmgoers.

Lastly, I will say that this is a review of the film in 3D format and as a disclaimer I would suggest you see it in this way. The movie seems to have been built for it and certain things in the 2D version may seem weird or silly in how they were shot because those things were designed specifically for the 3D functionality of the film. So when you are piling everyone in the car to see the movie, make sure you are going to the 3D version because you will be engrossed in an entertaining ride usually reserved for theme parks and amusement rides.