Customer Reviews

Journey to the Center of Earth

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First some back-information on the releases..

Journey to the Center of the Earth has been released in at least 3 different Blu-Ray versions now:
Blu-Ray 2D (with 3D anaglyph (green/magenta glasses) + DVD + Digital Copy
Blu-Ray 2D + DVD + Digital Copy
Blu-Ray 3D + Blu-Ray 2D

The original Blu-Ray 2D w/ Anaglyph 3D wasn't so great, mainly because the required green/magenta glasses which made the video look terrible (it also showed much more ghosting and the 3D was nice but hard to watch an entire movie). This release was later replaced with a 2D only release.

The 2012 release is a REAL Blu-Ray 3D release (requires a 3DTV). The release is a single-disc with both Blu-Ray 2D and 3D versions on it (there is no Anaglyph version on here, so you will need a 3DTV to view it in 3D). It's also worth noting that there is no longer a DVD or Digital Copy included (There was, however, 8-dollars movie money for the 2nd movie coming out in early 2012).
The 3D Blu-Ray release includes a lenticular cover.

MOVIE - I found the movie to be fun. Not a great movie by any means, but works nice as a "turn your brain off and just enjoy it without thinking too much about it" way. Nothing terribly memorable, but also more watchable than most of these movies (and I think a bit of that comes from the 3D - I originally watched it in 2D, but enjoyed it much more in 3D). At 92 minutes, it also doesn't drag on like some movies.

AUDIO - This is an improvement over the original Blu-Ray releases which only had Dolby Digital 5.1 -- the 3D Blu-Ray now has DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 -- audio was very nice, didn't notice any issues with it.

VIDEO - Video was also good - the colors seemed a bit odd at times, but still very watchable. An above average transfer.

3D - Here's where the movie really shines. The Movie was filmed in 3D and combines live action and CGI elements very well. Lots of depth, lots of popout (a lot of gimmick popouts also, which I enjoy). I didn't notice ghosting/crosstalk during it (Panasonic DT30 LED TV with shutter glasses), something that is obvious during some movies. Depth seemed very natural and showed good separation.. sharpness was also very good. It was very obviously 3D the entire time, unlike some movies which seem as though 70% of them could easily be in 2D (and quite a few newer releases are just converted to 3D (this one was shot in 3D)). I'd rate it near the high end of 3D releases currently available.

Extras - Extras are sort of thin (same as the original release) - biggest being the commentary. The 3D release also includes a lenticular slipcover.

Overall - Not a great movie, but a fun movie. If you've seen it before and liked it, you'll like it much more in 'real 3D'. I owned the prior release (2D+Anaglyph+DVD+Digital Copy) and was still very happy with this new release. Recommended!

The movie itself is great!...just an FYI the first two reviews state its the old school blue & red glasses and its clearly not. This is a 3d blu ray release for active or passive 3d tv's not the old school 3d, you can clearly see that in the pictures the back of the case shows you need a 3d tv, 3d blu ray or ps3 player, and 3d glasses.

Trying to find that perfect blend between OOS (Out of Screen) effects and depth is what 3D is all about, for me anyway. Some will say that OOS effects are gimmicky or childish and would say to them so what, I want to see some good OOS effects when watching a 3D film. Just giving depth to the film is only half the technology of 3D. Currently I have not found many 3D films with good consistent OOS effects, especially in the Live Action genera.
As for Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D, they hit the nail on the head. Fantastic depth and OOS effects are found all throughout this film, from the opening scene with an insects antenna coming right at your face this film is a real 3D feast for the whole fam. Its tough paying the high price for 3D films and then not getting the full effect of 3D technology, but this film delivers. If you like 3D with OOS effects, this film is definitively worth it. The new Journey with the Rock looks promising as well.
This is a good one guys/gals, collection worthy fo show.

My ratings are based mainly on the QUALITY OF THE 3D, not the video content.

OOS EFFECTS:
There are about 25 out of screen effects that extend about 10% of the way, from the screen to the viewer, 44 effects between 25 and 30%, 6 at 40%, 3 at 50% and 3 more around 60%. If I had to pick just 3 of my favorite effects from this film, they would be the biting fish at up to 30%, the carnivorous plant around 35% and a glowing bird that flits around between 25% and 40% for about 20 seconds. There are lots of other nice effects for you to pick your own favorites from.

IN SCREEN / OBSERVATIONS:
The depth is, for the most part consistent from scene to scene and is natural to SLIGHTLY exaggerated looking because the footage is so crisp and clear. In fact, the live action 3D is done so well that in some outdoor scenes, the fact that it is actually an indoor set or green-screened, becomes noticeable. (Did I just complain about 3D being done too well?? Must be a full moon or something. LOL)

This is a great action/fantasy film suitable for most family members (rated PG) and I will enjoy watching this movie many times in the future. It easily makes it into my top 10 (out of 100) blu-ray 3D movies.
I should add that this is NOT a 2 disc combo set. The Amazon title is wrong, their "Product Details" are correct.

ACTIVE GLASSES USERS:
On my system, in addition to some slight ghosting that most people shouldn't notice, 5 scenes had easily visible crosstalk. I'm not trying to scare you away from this title. It's not perfect but still well worth adding to your collection.
(crosstalk varies from system to system)

*** This is a must see, Add it to your list ***

4 ½ star
MY 3D RATING = VERY GOOD to EXCELLENT (poor, fair, good, very good, excellent)

Note: As far as the percentages go, everyone's eyes are different. What I see at 25% you may see at 15% or 35%. To fully realize how far something is out of the screen for you, pause on an effect and direct a partner with an extended finger to the tip of what you are seeing. You may be surprised.

Click on `See all my reviews' for the lowdown on other 3Ds

This movie was watched on my 55" samsung LCD/LED and it was Awesome both in the plot along with the audio/video/3D effects. The did a great job on this movie!

This movie is by far the closest I've come to a 3D experience. Hint: Things literally come as close as two inches away from your face. This is probably due to the fact that this movie was actually recorded with a 3D camera, so it did not have to be reformatted. The storyline, however, is very premature and cliche in the sense that it lacks the thrill of a mystery (at least to an adult, which, by that, I mean myself). Overall, good choice for a 3D movie, but don't expect there to be a complex plot in this movie. Thanks for reading!

I would say that this is my very.. very.. best 3D movie "EVER". Now we are finally in the new generation of "3D" TV. This movie is what the REAL 3D picture is suppose to look like (pure, clear and crisp). You couldn't ask for better. Picture quality was 10 stars and 3D images were "genious". Lots of "pop outs" which is hard to find in most 3D movies that are out now (so you'll appreciate this one!). Keep in mind, this movie is for family viewing and very adventurous. In my opinion, 3D movies are at it's best in adventurous. I can't see a love or drama movie being made in 3D (LOL..). However, I hope they keep it coming with more adventurous movies like this. You should own it, you will NOT be disappointed.

One of the best 3D movies so far in 2012. Whoo.. hoo...

Now This is what 3D is all about. You'll never watch it in 2D again.

Journey to the Center of the Earth (Two-Disc Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray Combo)

This is the rare, out of print Blu Ray FIRST PRINTING of Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D Blu Ray. It has a HOLOGRAPHIC SLIPCOVER and contains MULTIPLE PAIRS of old-school 3D red/blue glasses. This was only available with first printings of the Blu Ray, mainly at Best Buy. Great collectible!

Fun movie for the whole family!

This is pretty entertaining movie made better by 3-D. Unfortunately, it is not the current active 3-D for play on the high end tv sets.

But, it is the old school 3-D with the red/blue glasses which means that you can watch this on any tv!