What can I say? I love 3D! From the moment I began watching 3D content in my home I quickly discovered that I needed more content. I suspect that those of you just purchasing your first 3D hardware will acquire the same ferocious appetite. That's why I became the HTF 3D ADDICT. I personally love images that pop off the screen and come inches away from your face without becoming overly gimmicky. However, I certainly appreciate the nature documentaries that offer beautiful depth and separation. These are not necessarily reviews of the film themselves. I am not going to concentrate on story or supplements -- you can find the 2D reviews elsewhere on this forum. My job is to let you know exactly what kind of 3D experience to expect from the titles that are being released. As I will be receiving a handful of new product from the studios expect to see more title coverage.
Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Release: June 22, 2010
Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English, French, Portugese 5.1 DTS-HD MA, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
Running Time: 90 Minutes
Rating: PG
ON A SCALE 0-5
Overall 3D Presentation Rating: 5
3D Separation: 4
3D In Yo' Face Factor: 0
After sampling various nature documentaries (which I will be posting individual overviews
of shortly) I was ready to watch my first Feature Film in 3D. What could be a better choice
than Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs released by Sony Pictures but has that seeming
quality of a Pixar film.
The high production value, ample attention to detail, sound storyline and clever humor is
what makes this film a pleasure to sit through. Throw in the 3D aspect and you have just
upped the entertainment value considerably.
Though there is not one bit of that "In Yo' Face" 3D (nothing emerges from the screen) but
what I was pleased to discover was a realistically textured presentation with nice separation
between the characters and the background. There are some fairly impressive 3D moments
in the film such as when Sam Sparks (Anna Faris) is rescuing Flint (Bill Hader) by throwing a
rope down a deep chasm. To the 3D viewer, the rope has this visual sensation of being suspended
in air. There are smaller moments where characters placed inside the rescue ship look so lifelike
that you feel as if you could reach inside and touch them.
You are not going to win anyone over on 3D with a bad transfer. Everything in the 3D world
needs to look meticulous. This is the big reason why Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs works
so well for this format. The transfer itself is flawless and rich in colors. With the 3D eyewear
in place there was a bit of brightness lost, but it seemed to intensify the level of color saturation.
There is a scene where Flint's weather making invention buries the town in snow cones and
ice cream, all brought to life in brilliant colors that bring the viewer into a wonderland of their own.
I saw no ghosting problems within the transfer.
The visually intoxicating experience is well matched with an active DTS-HD track that seems
well detailed and mixed, as well as skillfully placing effect noise in proper channels.
Included are 3D trailers for Open Season and Monster House.
CONCLUSION
When I laid eyes on one of the first animated 3D feature releases to Blu-ray, Monsters
vs. Aliens, I was not especially pleased. That was a transfer plagued with ghosting
problems. I was a little apprehensive I would find the same here. However, I am very
happy to report that Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs is flawless, highly enjoyable 3D
content. Sony seems to be doing some great stuff here and I look forward to giving you
my impressions of Monster House and Open Season in 3D shortly.
Equipment
LG 60PX950 THX Certified 3D display
LG BX580 3D Blu-ray Player
Denon 3808CI Receiver
Atlantic Technology H-PAS AT-1 fronts, 4400 center; 4200 rear speakers
SV Sound Subwoofer
