The Movie
Tim Burton's dark fantasy-adventure spin on Alice in Wonderland proved to be a wildly popular movie-going (and later home video) experience, largely because of its overwhelming visuals, enjoyed by many in its 3D version in particular. A dark, sly goulash of author Lewis Carroll's writings with a modern feminist spin, it's entertaining enough I suppose. This new Blu-ray 3D now allows home theater buffs to better appreciate the full sensory impact of the film.
Read Joe Lozito's frabjous review of Alice in Wonderland as well.
The Picture
This movie took a lot of heat for its late-in-the-game switch to 3D, when it was not originally photographed that way, and indeed the illusion of depth in the real world--on practical sets with little or no digital enhancement--is often very slight. Once we get through the door into Wonderland Proper however, the 16:9 image really comes alive. These extensive special effects are carefully constructed in the computer, in layers, and so they can be re-manipulated in the subtle ways necessary to convey cinematic depth.
Backgrounds, foregounds and all manner of incidental touches now pop at various levels of focus. I could swear that even the brim of Johnny Depp's mad hat extends noticeably away from his face.
Like Avatar, it's not always about wowing us, although that begins soon enough, rather it grounds the fantastical in such a credible way, we fell like we're really there. The edges are a little hinky, and I still don't like the overall look of the movie, the videogame-caliber animation and the lifeless blacks, but it's definitely more engaging in 3D.
The Sound
I would argue that the surround sound is even more important here than for 2D, and this same DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 channel complement blends perfectly with the larger-than-life imagery. Subtle environmental effects, directionality and all flavors of surround activity are most welcome, be it discrete rear-channel noises, fluid motion or the approach of evil soldiers on all sides, reinforced by clear bass as needed.
The Extras
As with Step Up 3D, another recent Disney release, Alice 3D carries absolutely no bonus content on the 3D disc, and the rest of this package seems identical to the 2D edition I reviewed in May, for a total of four platters. The dozen HD featurettes, each averaging about four minutes, are all here again, along with the BD-Live connectivity, the DVD and the Digital Copy for iTunes or Windows Media.
Final Thoughts
For those so equipped, Alice in Wonderland 3D is indeed a preferable way to enjoy this unique film, especially since we lose absolutely nothing from the 2D set. (And through September 1, 2011, Disney is offering a $10 rebate when we upgrade.)
Product Details
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