Jurassic Park and a Defense of 3D

Alright, let’s deal with the elephant in the room first: Yes, the primary function of 3D movies, whether new releases or re-rendered classics, is that of a sales gimmick. The film industry makes no effort to hide this intention, and everyone and their goldfish knows it.

But damn it, every now and then a film release happens that manages to work through the overbearing scent of corporate greed and provide a genuine artistic learning experience, and the limited run of Jurassic Park 3D has accomplished just that.

Believe it or not, the 3D visuals and surround-sound actually create an immersible experience, rather than just blasting the viewer in the face with nostalgia and ‘epicness’ and hoping we’ll be impressed. The plastic 3D glasses that theaters issue might sit a little awkwardly on your face, but they’re also to thank for the fresh sense of spectacle once the dinosaurs start showing up. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that this film was re-released in 3D primarily for the benefit of the T-Rex scenes, but skepticism in modern audiences truly do not make these scenes any less jaw-dropping. Even the times of expository dialogue throughout the movie feel more life-like.

While it’s hard not to feel cynical and worried the moment that “3D” gets dropped into any movie title, this re-release maintains the care and wonder for moviemaking that made Spielberg famous. The conversion takes advantage of the way that the dinosaurs tease the camera for drama, but (thankfully) avoids resorting to pop-out gimmicks. The conversion is tasteful, and lovingly emphasizes the depth and colour of the Jurassic Park experience.

While not every 3D film is as noble in its execution, there are some honest ways that classic cinema can benefit from it: it helps “clean up” and preserve the film quality for the future, and enable later generations to enjoy and appreciate it; it helps accentuate the visual and technical qualities of the film, and help viewers appreciate the attention to detail; it’s a chance to expose younger people to classics in a format that’s a little more exciting and engaging than plunking them down in front of a tv screen; and it’s a chance to re-live those iconic moments the way they were intended to be seen, from the swelling awe of the Brachiosaurus reveal, to the trill of the raptor attacks.

Besides, shirtless Jeff Goldbum in 3D, you guys. There’s virtually no downside here.