It was someone at work yesterday who gave me the idea to go to the Odeon IMAX Cinema in the Printworks in Manchester today. All they did was mention that they were going and I realised it had been a while since I had been to an IMAX cinema. I think I’ve only ever been once years ago and I think I saw some rubbish nature documentary. Since then, things have progressed a great deal with the development of 3D technology. It was, therefore, an instant attraction to go and see a 3D film in a cinema on a screen that is 8 storeys high and as wide as 3 double decker buses end-to-end.
The film of choice was the new Disney 3D film, A Christmas Carol starring Jim Carrey (in no less than 4 roles), Colin Firth, Gary Oldman and Bob Hoskins. It was directed by Robert Zemeckis (sp?) who also directed Polar Express and it was filmed in the same way as that film and Beowulf. I’d heard good reviews and seen some excellent trailers and, although not a massive fan of Christmas, I still liked the appeal of seeing this film in all it’s digital glory.
The Odeon in Manchester is deceiving when it comes to size. It looks small, like it would contain only 3 screens when you first walk but, after collecting the tickets and going up the escalator, we noticed that it actually had 20 screens in total hidden away including the ridiculously big IMAX screen. The queue for the screen was… small and we were the first people in it. We passed on popcorn and drink because we left our gold bullion at home and waited to be shown into the screen. When the time came, we had to collect a ridiculous pair of 3D glasses each. They were a gorgeous orange colour and all we needed was some garish shell suit and we’d slide right back into the eighties.
We were faced with a massive white screen (obviously) and made our way to the seats. The seats were comfy and it didn’t matter where you sat, you were obviously going to get a good view. However, there were “Premium” seats for which you had to pay an extra £1. I sat next to a Premium seat and the only difference was a handy headrest. Waste of money.
I digress.
We were directed to put on our glasses and the film started. It was a bit massive.
My daughter has complained in the past that the recent 3D films haven’t included much 3D. This film had lots and it worked so much better on a big screen.
Jim Carrey carried off the role of Scrooge and his other characters amazingly and the animation was spectacular. The 3D aspects of the film did create a “wow” reaction, especially the flying scenes but there were also subtle 3D effects that were noticed unconsciously but certainly added to the enjoyment of the film.
Highly recommended although I would have set the rating higher than a PG. There are some scenes that make you jump and I think some children would find some parts a little scary.
Otherwise, a brilliant triumph for Jim Carrey, Robert Zemeckis and Disney.
BYL.
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