The Nightmare Before Christmas in 3D 2007
If you go expecting, as I suspect my co-workers did, ghosts and ghouls and pumpkins flying out of the screen and leaving ecto-plasm on your face you will not be a happy camper. Although I wonder how happy you really would be with goo dripping down your glasses (you smudge those babies with your fingers and it's all over).
Because of the production design of the original, the skewed perspectives and disjointed architecture lend itself to the 3D retrofit. I was actively trying to be critical and only found a few spots that looked "We're already spending a ton of digital money on this, let's skimp on this one part toward the end so that we can melt faces near the beginning."
Instead I thought more about watching this story unfold as if in a fish tank. Granted it's a fish tank with many rooms. That diorama feel is perfect for such a fantasy. The design of floors, walls, and architecture and the way it moves with the camera is absolutely beautiful.
Maybe I appreciate Burton's design more than most—My English senior capstone project was on contemporary romanticism as evidenced by Tim Burton in film—but I think it is worth the extra $2 per ticket to see this translation of a great story and really timely for the season, and the next two months.
I give it no time checks because I was too busy singing along.
BTW
Guy Fawkes Day is Nov. 5: feel free with joining in me watching V for Vendetta or any other film that has to do with blowing up the English Parliament.
Labels: 3D, Christmas, horror, nightmare, Tim Burton