The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

This is the second time I have seen this movie, once in 2D and once in 3D and felt it was worthy of a blog post. In my opinion the best of the three Narnia movies thus far, and definite must see in 3D.

I know the opinion in 3D is a split one, some saying it is simply a gimmick to make more money for the cinema industry, and others would argue that it is pushing the boundaries of movie making and adding new dimensions to film. This is frankly an old argument now, and honestly I agree with both sides. It is obviously a money spin as cinemas charge extra for a 3D ticket, claiming there are extra costs, though I have yet to see evidence of this. Sure it is not a necessity to see a movie in 3D, but it also true that one doesn't need to see a movie with added VFX or even in colour. In fact why go to the cinema at all when one simply needs to pick up a book? This is why I am a firm lover of 3D movies. It adds something extra to the experience, and, at the end of the day, that is what a cinema goer is paying for. For 2 hours they get to step out of their world and into one of their choosing and the more it sucks you in the better value for money it is.

This I stress, is if the 3D is done well. When I originally went to see Voyage of the Dawn Treader I saw it in 2D. I had been to a series of live action 3D movies and every time had been disappointed with how it had been dealt with. Sure they had been 3D, but it wasn't really breath taking. Generally the 3D adverts are more exciting than the movies themselves! I'd save a bob or two, I thought, and I wouldn't be missing out on much. But I was wrong.

Tonight I ventured to my local Cineworld with my university chum who had yet to see this movie. He was a 3D virgin and we decided it was about time he had his cherry popped.

There are no cheap gimmicks in this movie, and most of the 3D is depth perception rather than objects coming out at you. Personally I prefer this, as it adds to the beauty of a shot and you can experience it as the character would. The story is exciting with great pace, the characters fun and engaging, and in the centre of all that fantasy adventure are three children growing up and embracing the hero within. Sure there are a few plot holes, but if you can suspend belief enough to accept a talking mouse, you can accept those things too.

What interested me most were they visuals. They were stunning! Animation has come on leaps and bounds since the original and the Narnians were positively cuddly. There was one moment early on where you are introduced to a minotaur. His coat looked so fluffy I could have just buried my face in his chest and snuggled all night!

The pans across the ocean were what impressed me most. It genuinely felt like you could just fall into the water and sink forever. The added depth made it feel like the water just stretched out before you for miles. You could feel what the characters felt because you were right there with them. I imagine it is the closest I will ever get to sailing across the ocean, mostly because I'm terrified of drowning...

There are a lot of good movies out at the moment, and this one has been out a fair while, but if you get the chance, then go for it. If you liked the Fellowship of the Ring or other light hearted fantasy adventure, you will love this. And not to worry, if you didn't see the last movie in the Narnia Chronicles, all you need to know is there is a new King Caspian who the kids met last time round. :)