- davidahallnum5
Aquaman 3D Blu-ray Review
MOVIE REVIEW
Aquaman is a 2018 action adventure origin story of the superhero with the same name. Born of a lighthouse keeper and an Atlantean princess, Arthur Curry has had powerful abilities related to the water for as long as anyone could remember, making him practically a celebrity with those on land. But just when he thinks he's found his place in the world, he is approached by a mermaid named Mera who tells him he's royalty and must come down to take his place as king of Atlantis. While Aquaman is initially dismissive of Mera's request, he eventually comes to discover that without him, his step-brother King Orm will declare war on the surface world. This leads him on a quest that'll test his strength, his character, and his rightful place in Atlantean heritage.
For the past five years or so, quite a bit has been said about Aquaman. The public's general consensus seems to be that it has good action and VFX, but that it's story is handled in an uneven way. And while that combination doesn't make for a bad film overall, it doesn't really help it stand out from the sea of superhero movies we've gotten as of late. Personally, I can certainly see where a lot of people are coming from in their negative to mediocre criticisms of this film. But at the same time, there's also plenty of good in Aquaman that tends to get overlooked that I believe not only helps it work as a entertaining movie, but also helps it stand out in its own stylized manner.
With that said, there are a few pretty valid points to mention that work against the movie. The main one, of course, is that the movie's story does seem a bit on the familiar side. In a vacuum, I personally believe the story is fine. But with all the superhero origin stories we've gotten over the years, I can certainly see people pointing out how the plot can remind them of films like Superman, Thor, or Black Panther. As for how the movie itself actually plays out, Aquaman tries to balance being epic and grand with just a little bit of silliness. The two things can definitely co-exist as films like Avengers and Shazam have shown us, and this movie does handle them decently. But like the story itself, some of the comedic moments can be seen as a bit derivative, and watered down, of other better superhero movies. Plus, the story itself works so well in the serious moments that when the lightweight comedy comes in, it can feel a little bit jarring. On top of that, the film also runs on about a half hour longer than it needs to. I get that it tries to be an epic along the lines of Avatar or Avengers. But the story tries to pack in so much stuff that it doesn't flow quite as well as those two films, which really make you feel the runtime. The sub-plot about the Black Manta also added virtually nothing to the main storyline.
So yes, Aquaman clearly isn't a perfect movie by any means. However, for what it is, I also believe there's quite a bit to appreciate. On the smaller side of things, while yes, the script probably deserved to go through another draft or two before becoming final, it's still functional and gets the job done pretty nicely. There's plenty of stuff that doesn't really need to be there, for sure. But it's not bad stuff. In fact, I personally think it can at times be quite enjoyable stuff. And there are a few pretty decent twists and emotional moments that the movie knows how to execute properly. The visual style, of course, is the main thing to like about this film. I'll touch on this more in the 3D review, but there are constant smooth camera motions, vibrant aquatic designs, action sequences that are completely engrossing, and an overall unique atmosphere that flood Aquaman's greatest scenes, especially the underwater ones. The ambitious world-building is something to behold. When the film isn't trying to undercut a serious moment with a quip or two, the intense and big scale scenes are actually very well done. The spectacle is where Aquaman most succeeds. And its aided well by the performances, the score, and the slick direction of James Wan. The style is what ultimately makes Aquaman distinguishable from much of today's modern superhero fare, and it makes it quite a bit more fun too.
I will admit, Aquaman is a film I've put off watching for a good long while now, not because I expected it to be bad, but because in the wake of recent and more interesting movies, it's just been pushed to the back burner. Now that I've gotten around to watching it, I will have to say I'm glad I've finally done so. It's not quite an under appreciated masterpiece or a brand new personal favorite of mine. But I was surprised at how many things worked and overall, just how much fun I had watching it. Yes, it ran on for a little bit long. But as it ran on, I had noticed it begin to grow on me. While the substance isn't quite as strong as some of the best superhero movies to come out in recent years, it's backed up by a style that I haven't seen much in today's cinematic landscape that makes its story seem a little semi-fresh. It's grand scope and gorgeous visuals really make Aquaman a treat, especially on the big screen. All in all, I'd say if you aren't already too interested in Aquaman, there's no harm in not watching it. But it still gets my recommendation and will provide anyone fascinated by it a solid, enjoyable time.
OVERALL FILM RATING: 3.5/5
3D RATING
What more can I say at this point about how well 3D movies and underwater settings work together? For something like Aquaman, a movie that combines underwater settings and grandiose superhero fights, to not work in 3D, the filmmakers would have to actively try to sabotage the film's conversion. Luckily, being in the day and age we live in now, you can rest assure the filmmakers will work to make the 3D worth your while. As a result, not only is Aquaman a visual delight in 3D, but it probably goes down as one of my favorite 3D films to come out of the superhero genre.
Where to even begin with this one? I guess I could start by describing the underwater scenes, which all have so much stuff going on in every direction that it's pure 3D eye candy. On a simpler level, the depths (no pun intended) the film's image reaches are absolutely staggering. You'll be looking off into the distance of underwater caverns, structures, buildings with large glowing lights, tunnels, arenas, pits of lava, giant creatures, and more. All of these elements use 3D composition that gives them shape and sizes that work excellently in 3D. Beyond that, the ocean is also full of vehicles, fish, aquatic creatures, beams of light, lasers, streams of bubbles, crowds, reflections in glass, sound waves, and floating people that all go in and out of the screen. The water itself even lends nicely to 3D with vortexes, waves, holograms of people, and far off views of the ocean horizon that almost remind me a bit of Life of Pi. In fact, there's one moment where David is standing on a boat when it gets approached underneath by one of King Orm's neon glowing vessels that reminds me of the whale scene in Life of Pi. Although the vessel never goes above water, you can still tell the distance between the lights and the surface of the water, and it's a very cool effect. Being able to tell the distance between the surface of water and other surrounding elements is something this film generally does quite well. Another 3D highlight involves a ship at the bottom of Atlantis that holds an air bubble. The broken ship wreckage looks great in 3D. But the surreal nature of the scene combined with the choreography the water gives off makes the 3D captivating. Another excellent 3D moment occurs when Arthur and Mera are swimming down into the ocean while holding a flare to ward off a ton of menacing creatures.
Even in dry areas such as land, the 3D is just as strong and well-utilized. This is accomplished in subtle ways such as how the camera is placed to capture the shape of buildings, capture the shape of rooms inside buildings, look down a long pier, look into an aquarium, or etc. But it's highly effective and keeps the 3D interesting even during the slower moments. And like in the ocean, the backgrounds and horizons can at times feel limitless, whether it's out in the middle of the sea in the middle of the desert. Scenes in submarines feature long corridors and tight, claustrophobic areas which of course, 3D loves. It pales in comparison to the underwater scenes, of course. But still, you can certainly feel the filmmakers trying their best to make 3D an integral part of the experience.
But it's not just the subtle ways that Aquaman shines in 3D. All throughout, the action is constantly and consistently utilizing the 3D in fun and clever ways. Like I said in the movie review, the camera movements are smooth, and they follow the action to virtually no end, even if that means including plenty of long and sometimes close up shots. In fact, the unique visuals combined with the movie's slick direction almost reminds me of the 3D from a motion capture movie along the likes of Beowulf or The Adventures of Tintin. And just those films, Aquaman has no shortage of ways to have fun with its 3D. The camera will often move up close on characters if they're fighting 1 on 1, all the previously mentioned elements such as vortexes, bubbles, lights, laser beams, creatures, and fly around in and out of the screen, water (and wine) can be manipulated in ways that make for some good 3D composition, and even weapons such as machine guns and tridents have good pop outs. Explosions throw debris out of the screen, the camera follows people through chase sequences whether characters are busting through walls or jumping from building to building, there are a couple of fantastic slow-mo shots involving raindrops, and even simple particles get to shine in 3D space. Even the opening logos and the title of the movie make expert usage of 3D with particles, rocks, beams of light, and fish. To fully describe all great 3D action here would take longer to read than it would to watch the film itself. But I hope I've given you a glimpse of just how much 3D was a part of this movie's process.
If I had anything to complain about with this 3D presentation, it would probably be a couple of minor things: 1. There are a few scenes that are quite dark, including the opening scene. That's not really the 3D's fault as even in 2D, these shots are already dark enough in 2D. And the rest of the film is so bright and vibrant they're easily forgivable. 2. On the 3D Blu-ray, the IMAX shots are cropped. I'm sure the 3D Blu-ray Bunker wouldn't mind. But for the rest of us, it prevents the movie from being quite as immersive when it wants to be such in as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 or Captain America: Civil War. Like I said, though, these two issues are very mild and will probably not even be remembered much by most people.
Just as Aquaman was destined to be King of Atlantis, clearly Aquaman the movie was destined to be a top-notch 3D. The setting and story allow for much to work in the way of 3D, and director James Wan took full advantage of that. Yes, you can appreciate the movie's visual flare well enough in 2D. But in 3D, you're no longer looking at this underwater world; you're part of it. There's so much happening in this film visually that you probably need the 3D anyway to tell what's going on. In fact, this is one of those few films I wish I caught in IMAX 3D during its initial run. The 3D adds that much to this flick. But still, even at home and with the cropped IMAX shots, Aquaman gives off some of the best 3D money can buy, as the case is with most all other underwater 3D films. If you haven't given this trip to Atlantis a three-dimensional visit yet, I highly encourage you to do so and experience it the way it was meant to be experienced.
3D RATING: EXCELLENT
OTHER SOURCES THAT REVIEW THIS MOVIE'S 3D:
Cinemablend's To 3D or Not Review: https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2464020/to-3d-or-not-to-3d-buy-the-right-aquaman-ticket
Tommy Boy 3D's Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DT0Jc2ez-0
3D Blu-ray Bunker's Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAngPA5G4m8
Go Find Fun's Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDSKIuGJ8nc
Shane Lee's Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA4kI-FXKKk
FINAL THOUGHTS
In spite of its flaws, I personally had a pretty good time with Aquaman. It delivered an interesting story and told it with some of most surreal, but also gorgeous visuals you'll find in a big budget action flick and a cast of characters who know what they're doing. Will it be everyone's cup of tea? Clearly no. But for a superhero origin story, I'd say it more than does justice to the character of Aquaman and brings us some great spectacle along the way. If this one's been on your back burner for a while, I say maybe give it a shot. And while you're at it, get the 3D version. The 3D alone is worth your time and the asking price for the 3D Blu-ray. It fully takes advantage of that great spectacle and brings us a roller coaster ride full of intense depth, immersive visuals, pop outs, and excellent 3D compositions. While I don't know if it really rivals the 3D masters such as Avatar: The Way of Water or even those aforementioned motion capture movies, for a superhero movie, Aquaman's 3D really blows most all other flicks of its sort out of the water (once again, no pun intended). If you're looking for a 3D adventure that'll bring you all the good and more, Aquaman is for sure worth picking up.
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