15 More Films that Should Have Been Converted to 3D
3D movies might not be as popular nowadays as they were back in the early 2010s. But between films like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Black Panther 2, and or course, Avatar 2, it's safe to say 3D ain't really going away anytime soon. That being said, one thing that has seemed to fade away gradually since the 3D boom are the legacy 3D conversions of older films that often times, weren't made with 3D in mind. Films like Jurassic Park and Monsters Inc., you probably wouldn't even give a second thought to seeing them in 3D. But upon seeing them in their three-dimensional glory, you probably can't imagine seeing them again in their original 2D form. Granted, not every film needs a 3D conversion, and a few 3D conversions probably haven't come out looking as good as they could've been. But for the most part, if the right movie is chosen and a tasteful 3D conversion is applied, the result can come out absolutely striking. It's not like 3D conversions have fully disappeared, as with the Jaws 3D re-release earlier last year. However, it's a shame to see them becoming less and less prevalent because quite frankly, there are quite a few films I'd still like to see get the 3D treatment. I've listed 15 of them in this article which I made a while back. But since then, I have come up with 15 more films I've somehow missed the first time around. So without further ado, here are 15 more films that should have been converted to 3D.
Honorable Mention: Dirty Jobs (TV show)
Ok, this one's technically a TV show, so it doesn't particularly deserve to be on the list. That being said, if anyone were to take a few select episodes of the show and give them the 3D treatment, I'd pay good money to see them. Dirty Jobs, for those of you don't know, is a show about a man named Mike Rowe who goes down and accomplishes some of the most undesirable jobs on the planet. Some of them can be very dangerous, such as going up into the fuel tank of a jet, and others can be downright nasty, such as cleaning out the grease from the inside of an underground grease trap tank. Sure, watching Mike shovel elephant poop might sound like prime 3D material. But some episodes, such as when he's crawling in a sewer or working to exterminate a legion of bugs probably would. With the revolting setting and some of composition of the shots (like the one above), Dirty Jobs might in some cases, work well in 3D. I can definitely see not everyone wanting to get immersed into the hard, grimy, disgusting world of dirty jobs. But me? I certainly would.
#15: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Yeah, Rudolph probably seems like a bit of a weird choice for this list. But I do think that with a tasteful 3D conversion, the results could come out looking somewhat interesting. Yes, the stop-motion animation is a bit dated by today's standards and on the surface, there's nothing about the film that begs for 3D treatment. But that being said, the characters themselves are still plenty likable and the setting they live in is still bright and colorful, with plenty of places that could stretch far into the background. And being how 3D is known for making films more immersive, it would probably make Rudolph a much more fun experience. Would a 3D conversion on Rudolph improve the movie or would it make it look more cheap than ever? I don't know. But I bet it'd be an experience either way. And if that ever becomes the case one day, you'd bet I'd be first in line to find out.
#14: Bee Movie (2007)
Considering how good Puss in Boots 2 looked in 3D about a month ago, and upon coming up with films for this list, it occurred to me, "What other films had Dreamworks made that would look great given a 3D conversion?" I had already brought up The Prince of Egypt in my last list. But then that's when I gave a glance at Bee Movie. This animated gem is probably most memorable for qualities other than its animation, mainly its bizarre storyline, heavy-handed bee-related humor, and voice acting by none other than Jerry Seinfeld. But that being said, the animation itself is still pretty detailed, the style can get very creative, and there are a few sequences in the film (like the flight one which you can see above) that would probably lend itself well to being watched in 3D. I wouldn't say Bee Movie in 3D would probably be the next How to Train Your Dragon or anything. But I think if this film was given a solid 3D conversion effort, it would be well worth seeing, maybe even on the big screen.
#13: Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
At first glance, a movie about 2D cartoon characters interacting with the real world might seem like something that only intended to be seen in 2D. But personally, though, I think just like with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a 3D conversion for this film can give it an entirely new look. As we've seen with the 3D version The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, even 2D animated cartoons have something interesting and fun to give in the third dimension. And while Who Framed Roger Rabbit might not have the vast scenery of the former film or all the bright and gorgeous details of the latter, it does blend real life and cartoons together in a way that's thoughtful and groundbreaking even as a 2D movie. It's because of that I believe that if it were given a 3D conversion, Who Framed Roger Rabbit would probably become an entirely different movie. Heck, the conversion would be worth it just to see Jessica Rabbit in all her 3D glory.
#12: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
In my last list of films that need a 3D conversion, I put Charlie and the Chocolate Factory down, a film that people seem to a bit divided on. And shortly after that, it hit me that I honestly wouldn't also mind seeing the original Willy Wonka get a 3D re-release. Like I said before, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is more surreal and features bigger sets. But that doesn't mean the 1971 version has nothing to offer if it ever got the 3D treatment. The factory is still very unique with lots of weird equipments, unusual shapes, and creative implementations of candy. And there are plenty of shots I've noticed in which the composition would make for some fun 3D, especially at Willy Wonka's gate. If given the chance, I'd like to see this enchanting world of pure imagination get brought back to the big screen in 3D glory.
#11: The Ten Commandments (1956)
The Ten Commandments is an epic Biblical film from the 50's. To this day, it is acclaimed for its (at the time) impressive special effects, grand scope, and engaging story. Add 3D onto that, and you would have yourself an experience. With its enormous settings, vast backgrounds, and giant scale, there's plenty here for the 3D to take advantage. To an extent, yes, the special effects might look a bit cheesy by today's standards in some areas. But if they can make The Wizard of Oz look as good as it did with its 3D conversion, I think something similar can be arranged for the cinematic landmark that is The Ten Commandments. I do think there are some people who might complain about having to wear the glasses for the film's nearly four hour runtime. But as long as the 3D is done well, I wouldn't be one of them.
#10: Thirteen Lives (2022)
Thirteen Lives is a true story about the rescue mission to save a group of boys on a soccer team and their coach in Thailand when they get trapped in a flooded cave. This Ron Howard film about the dangerous, and at a point, somewhat controversial, mission is well-told and absolutely gripping. In fact, I wish I caught this at the theater during its limited release. However, at least in my opinion, the icing on the cake would be a 3D conversion. The tight and watery cave settings would not only make for some interesting 3D composition, like in the picture above, but it would also greatly enhance the claustrophobia and peril of the mission. The 2D version already does a good enough job at keeping you on the edge of your seat. But I get the feeling if the creators decided to give this film a 3D conversion, it'd create an experience you wouldn't soon forget.
#9: Twister (1996)
During the late 90s when disaster movies were seemingly coming out every other week, Twister was one of the more successful ones. Today, it's still remembered pretty fondly. While the story itself is mainly very forgettable, the special effects and action sequences continue to deliver the thrills, especially if you have a projector. However, those aspects would thrill even more if the film ever got a 3D re-release. The twisters themselves would be even more intimidating in all their 3D glory. But add in some flying debris, and you have yourself a disaster movie well worth a 3D conversion. Even better, I'd love to see this film get an IMAX 3D release. Someone get Warner Bros. on the phone.
#8: Apollo 13 (1995)
What do you know? Another Ron Howard film has made this list. And it too is in the true story disaster genre. And it also has 13 in the title (sorta). Apollo 13, for those of you who don't know, was a mission to send three men to the moon, that went horribly wrong and the victory changed from actually getting to the moon to getting the men back home safely. Like Thirteen Hours, this Ron Howard film keeps you engaged from the moment the disaster starts to the minute when it's miraculously all over. And just like Thirteen Lives, a 3D conversion here would greatly enhance the movie, putting you in the same malfunctioning space capsule our three main protagonists are in. Not only that, but the small claustrophobic spaces in the capsule, combined with the zero gravity, would make for some neat 3D composition. And if they don't go the James Cameron route with it, the outer views of space could potentially stun in 3D. Now if I had to see this film in RealD 3D or IMAX 2D, I'd go with the IMAX as this is a film that demands the big screen. But if this film ever managed to get an IMAX 3D release, you would bet I'd be there opening night. Classic movie with great 3D would be the ultimate experience.
#7: Beast (2022)
Beast is a film about Idris Elba going down into Africa with family, and eventually finding himself getting hunted by a lion. It's virtually another forgettable action thriller. But as far as forgettable action thrillers go, this one delivers. It's an absolute ride from beginning to end, and it even offers a few surprising techniques to make itself more immersive such as lengthy camera shots, well-timed jump-scares, and a great score by Steven Price (who also wrote the score for Gravity, one of my personal favorite movies). It's already an intense enough movie on its own. But add in the 3D, then those lengthy camera shots will have you engrossed, and make the jump-scares all more frightening. Beast is already scary enough as it is. I'm just a bit disappointed the creators didn't feel the need to go the extra mile and give the film the 3D treatment it practically begs for. That would truly make it a complete thrill ride.
#6: Apollo 11 (2019)
Apollo 11 is one of the most fascinating documentaries I've seen in a long time. It stitches together various clips capturing the moon landing event from takeoff to the return to earth in order to form a narrative documenting the events of that mission. And what an engrossing narrative it is. This is another film I wish I caught on the big screen upon its release as it thoroughly demands it. But it's also another film where I wish the filmmakers decided to go the extra mile and give it a 3D conversion, similar to what Peter Jackson did for They Shall Not Grow Old. Not only could I imagine the footage giving off some incredible depth with proper 3D treatment, but it would also give you a whole new way to watch the moon landing, which I need not tell you is one of the most historic events in the history of mankind. Being able to see that in 3D would be an opportunity I'd dare not miss.
#5: The Indiana Jones movies, preferably the first three (1981-1989)
Indiana Jones is a character who need no introduction. Being some of the greatest adventure movies of all time, I'd watch them on the big screen anytime. That being said, they're also films I would love to see get a 3D conversion. From the insides of temples to tight catacombs to vast deserts to car and boat chases, Indiana has been to many-a places that would look all the better in 3D, and provide a fantastic adventure experience too. Funny enough, film critic Roger Ebert, a man who pretty much hated 3D, stated in an article the following statement: "Ask yourself this question: Have you ever watched a 2-D movie and wished it were in 3-D? Remember that boulder rolling behind Indiana Jones in 'Raiders of the Lost Ark?' Better in 3-D? No, it would have been worse. It would have been a tragedy." God bless your soul Mr. Ebert. But personally, I'm going to have to disagree. I, for one, think that boulder chase scene would look fantastic in 3D. That and the rest of the film, and Temple of Doom and The Last Crusade, good conversions were provided that is.
#4: Armageddon (1998)
To some, Michael Bay's film Armageddon is two and half hour drag full of mindless action and forgettable characters. But to others, myself included, it's an intense, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride with non-stop action and great special effects. For those of you in the latter category, you'd probably understand why this film begs for 3D treatment. From the city destruction to the chaotic space trip to the meteor mission, coupled with the non-stop action I mentioned earlier including everything from fire, explosions, debris, smoke, to flying rocks, Armageddon would be a complete film with the third-dimension added onto it. Tack on an IMAX screen, and it would bring the house down (literally).
#3: The Spider-Man trilogy by Sam Raimi (2002-2007)
With all the superhero movies out there with 3D conversions, it'd be pretty easy to take any of the older superhero movies and put them on the list. But Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy swings its way into third-place by being a cut above most all other superhero movies. On top of being a great trilogy of films on their own, the Spider-Man movies have always had a sense of style about them, thanks to the efforts of director Sam Raimi. The result, some mesmerizing action sequences, plenty of vast cityscapes, and fun surreal camera movements. All of those things, as you can imagine, are prime for a 3D conversion. If Sony ever decided to give this one a full-on theatrical 3D re-release, you can count on me being there. Not only that, but we'd also have the added bonus of having every Spider-Man film in general being available in 3D. Wouldn't that be amazing?
#2: Die Hard (1988)
Die Hard is undeniably one of, if not the, greatest action movie of all time. And you know what would go along well with it? You guessed it: 3D! Yeah, for some reason, no one seems to have ever thought about how well this flick might do with 3D treatment added to it. With all of its intense action and fight scenes, explosions, gunplay, views from rooftops, elevator shafts, and vents, Die Hard seems almost at times like it was made for 3D. I doubt 20th Century Studios will be looking over for films to convert to 3D anytime soon. But if they ever did, Die Hard would most certainly be my top pick. And like with all good Christmas flicks, I'd put it on every year, if that is the conversion is actually good.
#1: Fall (2022)
How no one thought to give Fall a 3D release is beyond me. Unlike all the other films on this list, Fall doesn't just look fit for 3D, it seems like it was made never to watched without 3D. For those of you who don't know, Fall is a film about two women who climb up an old rusty cell phone tower. But soon, it starts crumbling around them, starting with the ladder, leaving them with no way to get down. What's next is a vertigo-inducing situation that will have you gripping your armrests in fear. Even in 2D, Fall is an intense roller coaster ride. But with the enormous heights this movie works with and the deep shots it gives you, it almost puts this film in the same vein as Robert Zemeckis's The Walk, which of course, was a frightening experience. And where that movie used its 3D wisely and practically can't be seen without that format, Fall looks like it would end up doing something quite similar, if only it was given the opportunity to. I know this film was only made on the budget of $3 million. But if anyone ever decides to pick this film up for a good conversion, Fall would be an excellent choice.
Anyway, those are 15 more films that I wish would've gotten a 3D conversion. Maybe if enough people speak up, one of them will find itself getting the 3D release they deserve. Until then, we'll just have to wait for that possibility. Are there any movies I missed? Let me know in the comments below. Thank you for reading and I wish you a nice day.
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