- Joined
- Jul 3, 1997
- Messages
- 66,549
- Real Name
- Ronald Epstein
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.
Piranha 3D
Studio: Sony
Product Release: January 11, 2011
Ratio: 2.40:1
Audio: DTS-HD MA 5.1, English
Running Time: 88 Minutes
Rating: R
ON A SCALE 0-5
Overall 3D Presentation Rating: 5
3D Separation: 5
3D In Yo' Face Factor: 5
3D Exploitation at its finest!
You know what might be the problem with 3D for
some individuals? Perhaps it’s the fact the format is taking
itself way too seriously. Yeah, it's great to put on those
glasses and watch something as beautiful as Avatar or
perhaps something charming and funny like Despicable Me
or Coraline.
However, you have to give a hand to director Alexandre
Aja (The Hills Have Eyes) for delivering Piranha 3D, the
most over-the-top and repulsive summer massacre movie
this reviewer has ever seen -- perfectly exploiting 3D. This
no-holds-barred film sinks as low as any film dares to go
yet it manages to get some interesting veteran actors in
on the fun that include Elisabeth Shue, Ving Rahmes,
Christopher Lloyd and even Richard Dreyfus.
So, let me begin by giving you the fake plot of the movie.
Basically, as the film opens we are treated to Richard
Dreyfus, fishing off a boat in the middle of a lake, offering
up a parody of his Matt Hooper character from Jaws. He
throws a beer bottle into the water. Moments later, there's
a huge subterranean rip that unleashes hundreds of vicious
prehistoric piranhas that race to the surface and for days
following, terrorize the waters of a quaint town occupied by
hundreds of teenagers on Spring Break.
Let me now give you the real plot of the movie. Basically,
Piranha 3D is a mockery of gore films of the 70s and 80s
including the original 70's classic. It's a shameless
opportunity to bring as much ridiculously excessive nudity,
gore and shock value that can be capitalized within a 3D
environment.
This film has got teeth!
Speaking of 3D, one needs to go to extremes to provide
the most impressionable viewing experience you will ever
have. Never before have I seen so much carnage and
body parts (including a severed penis) thrown at the screen
at once -- all executed perfectly to give the viewer an excess
of "In Yo' Face" moments. Oh, and did I fail to mention the
inclusion of hot, naked girls who fling off their tops and shake
their boobs all in glorious 3D?
Piranha 3D was not originally shot for 3D and was later
upconverted in post production. This may explain some
of the ghosting problems I discuss further on in this review.
Nonetheless, I was surprised how effective most of the
3D here was. In fact, I found most of the presentation
to be mostly top-notch. The film is colorful, razor sharp,
and has a superb sense of depth to it. The filmmakers
never miss an opportunity to get as "gimmicky" as possible
with their arsenal of props that often leap off the screen at
the viewer. If you are someone like me who lives for
gimmickry, this film does it more than any other.
That's not to say everything is perfect with this transfer.
The initial underwater scenes are mirky and unfortunately
some of the best intended 3D effects (such as a falling
beer bottle) are lost in the process. However, the underwater
sequences become greatly improved as the film moves on.
I am certain there are many that will marvel at the underwater
lesbian acrobatics that take on...uhm...stunning dimensionality.
Unfortunately, this is a transfer plagued with ghosting.
You can see the image doubling right at the opening
credits. Other times it appears along facial and body
contours. As expected, darker scenes suffer the most.
I found the ghosting here to a bit more problematic than
other titles I have recently watched. I am also aware
that different displays and hardware may lessen the
amount of double imaging you actually see. For that
reason, I am not going to let it affect the overall review
rating.
Featuring 5.1 DTS-HD audio, Piranha 3D boasts a
highly aggressive soundtrack that completely surrounds
the listener with atmospherics that include a never-ending
array of effect noise, most notably that of water and various
ominous creaks cleverly placed to heighten freight level.
There's a fair amount of LFE activity present which becomes
more booming during the rap music sequences provided by none
other than "Chocolate Thunder." A highly effective, engrossing
soundtrack.
Extras on the disc include a filmmakers commentary as
well as 10 behind-the-scenes Featurettes.
CONCLUSION
The secret to truly enjoying Piranha 3D is to
never take it seriously. Obviously the filmmakers didn't
nor did the screen veterans who jumped at the opportunity
to do cameos. The film is pure camp and nothing more.
Understanding the above, the film only plays to a certain
type of audience. It's perfect for a dorm room party or
perhaps a bunch of guys hangin' out in front of the TV
away from their wives. On the other hand, it's not the
sort of thing you would want to show at a PTA party.
Yes, the film is horrifically gross, but I found myself
laughing aloud at it more than actually being repulsed.
Personally, I found Piranha 3D to be another stellar
viewing experience. In fact, despite the fact that the
film was upconverted in post production I still feel that
to date, it belongs on any Top 10 list of titles to add to
your collection.
For those that are not easily offended, I highly
recommend you run out and purchase this Blu-ray.
Images are for illustrative purpose only not representative of the picture quality of this disc.
Equipment
LG 60PX950 THX Certified 3D display
LG BX580 3D Blu-ray Player