"Welcome to Jurassic Park", back again in 3D (20th Anniversary)

[SPOILERS are greyed out. Will have to highlight over to read them. I can’t assume everyone have seen this movie, after all, no matter how popular.]

The movie that further integrated my childhood love for dinosaurs is back. To celebrate 20 years, Steven Spielberg decided to have one of the most important film in history converted to 3D. That sentence there is not to be taken lightly. As of now, the Jurassic Park theme is on an endless loop in my head thanks to the amazing IMAX 3D experience.

 Say what you will about the 3D format but the opportunity to see it on the big screen for the first time is a no-brainer. Though PG-13, I've always considered Jurassic Park family entertainment at its own right. So it was no surprise to see a family-filled theatre on opening day. With the scope of what this movie offers, the 3D really works. This is not your money-greedy heartless conversion. It’s one that actually takes viewers deeper into the experience.

There's nothing like the first time, again in 3D.

Jurassic Park had always been that world to suspend reality for. The 3D enhances that escapism further, not only with fair amount of out-of-screen pop ups but with great sense of depth. If one of those two things were missing, it wouldn't be that kind of 3D to appreciate. Even conversational scenes were dimensional (and to say the least, well written dialogue that does not wonder about). It is now a wider window that leaves audiences convinced into a reality unimaginable in real life. In other words, it really was as if we all saw that brachiosaurus the first time. I've even heard sniffs from the audience during that scene. That and when Ellie cried at the close encounter with the triceratops. It's a scene I've made fun of as a naive kid but this time, overwhelmed at that level of emotion. This is one trait that the sequels failed to achieve, which were spoiled into dinosaur runaway chases. Jurassic Park was a balance of that while positioning viewers in perspective of the majestic wonders of dinosaurs. (or as Mr. DNA calls them, "DinerSARS" - couldn't help it!)

Remember to keep your glasses on when this scene happens.

 As there is beauty to be found, there too is the horror. Seen this a million times, anticipated every cue and would still pee my pants. My sister would hold for dear-life on to me, even knowing what was to eventually happen. I can't tell you the number of times we took advantage of the flexible IMAX chair, gripping the armrests, only then to push my entire body against the chair due to tense buildup. In sync with the engaged audience, the entire theatre would be left in quiet suspense until an unwelcome threat approaches, overwhelmed by the up-close terror the film projects.

 Twenty years later, it remains a rightful title of visual effects done right. With the use of brilliant animatronics and minimal CGI, the world of dinosaurs is believable to this very day. Of course, all this wouldn't be possible if it were not for everything else. The sound department, reworked with a new immersive mix by the original engineer Gary Rydstrom. John William's iconic compositions, giving musical entity for all the right moments. StereoD for doing a heck of a job in post-converting a 20 year old movie with sensational 3D. Last but not least, Steven Spielberg for adapting one of the greatest novels to life, ultimately by the late Michael Crichton for creating an unforgettable adventure.

It is in my strong belief that every second the dinosaurs appear are meant to be savored for, hence no pictures here. I treat them not only as spoiler material but as if a once in a life time experience, especially those new to this movie. With that said, I was as sad as John Hammond at the end. To build what he thought he'd share with the world, to have finally made the sight of dinosaurs possible, only then to accept his mistakes in abandoning it all.  It's heart breaking to give up what's considered a childhood dream come true. I have never felt this deeply about it 'til now. This is all thanks to the 3D, which has done wonders, even packing an emotional punch in the gut. (And yes, I nearly choked up ...)

  Unless it gives headaches, don't be an old fart and watch this in 3D. Seating position also matters for effective 3D. This is where the Rex roars best, especially in IMAX, while being able to hear every lush of grass in surround sound. Now's the time if you haven't had that experience. At 20 years, Jurassic Park is still the breathtaking memorable adventure, ten folds in IMAX 3D. Worth. Every. Penny. 


*Was going to include how it was remastered but decided to keep that separate. Those interested, it's here (click) for your reading pleasure (or frustration).