HTF TOP 30 3D BLU-RAY RELEASES
HTF 3D ADDICT Reviewer Ron Epstein picks his favorite 3D releases. These are the titles that he feels give the viewer the biggest WOW factor, and certainly demo worthy when showing off your 3D system to friends and family. These are not necessarily the top rated picks of the HTF membership or staff. These titles will be updated regularly so please check back oftenNote: Some reviewed titles have been issued placement demerits due to crosstalk. However, please be aware that different display technologies may not produce the same results. Crosstalk is a problem related to certain displays, not the disc.Please don’t observe the numbering system as “absolute.” It’s very hard to place these very best 3D titles in perfect order. Consider this list to be the very best 3D titles that are available and worthy of your purchase consideration.​
Updated October 31, 2023
I, THE JURY (ClassicFlix) may not be the best film that era of the 3D Golden Age has to offer, but this Blu-ray sets the bar for being the best restoration that has ever been done on a film of this kind. It is also one of the best examples of natural 3D implementation.
2.
3-D Rarities sits as the most important release of its kind. Not only does it document the earliest experiments with the stereoscopic format right through the “golden era” of the 1950s, but it also offers the best combination of depth and pop-out for those two camps who can never agree on which is more important.
3.
The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet (Gaumont) is a marvel to behold. The best live-action 3D film that can currently be purchased. Unfortunately, if you live in the United States it must be imported and the disc is region locked. A modified Blu-ray player is necessary.
4.
The Mad Magician (Twilight Time) is the ultimate 3D movie night. Not only do you get one of the most superior 3D transfers of any of the Golden Age classics, but also included are 2 Three Stooges 3D shorts. It doesn’t get any better than this!
5.
It Came From Outer Space (Universal) is a true sci-fi gem of the golden age of cinema. With its pristine digital restoration from the 3-D Archive, this is an essential watch you will thoroughly enjoy.
6.
A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures (Optimum) is the most amazing use of 3D that I have seen in any film to date. Sadly, most won’t be able to obtain this Blu-ray disc as it is only coded for region B.
7.
Alita Battle Angel is the most recent film on our list to offer a satisfying 3D experienced. After all, it was co-produced by James Cameron who has been very committed to the format.
8.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Disney) is the best post-production conversion we have seen to date. To watch this in 3D is absolutely thrilling. It reinforces how wonderful this format really is.
9.
Everest (Universal) is the second-best post-production conversion we have seen to date. Its 3D is so convincing that it’s often dizzying to watch as the climbers reach new heights.
10.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Warner) looks stunning on 3D Blu-ray thanks to its pristine image and level of depth that brings Middle Earth to life.
11.
Gravity (Warner) is not the best 3D I have seen, however, combined with one of the most intricate sound mixes brought to film, this becomes an immersive experience like no other.
12.
House of Wax (Warner) is the epitome of what classic 3D film is all about. It represents an era that even though is long gone, pretty much surpasses the garbage 3D Hollywood produces today.
13.
The Bubble (Kino) epitomizes everything that makes a great 3D presentation. One of the true “classics” from the golden era of 3D with lots of “Space-Vision” 3D gimmickry.
14.
Thunder and The House of Magic (Shout! Factory) is a wonderfully produced and entertaining animated feature with terrific depth and lots of forward projection.
15.
Mad Max Fury Road (Warner) quickens one’s pulse with some of the most amazing action sequences ever staged in film. The 3D puts it right over the top. One of the better upconversions out there.
16.
Kung Fu Panda (Dreamworks) brings a fresh 3D experience to the recent barrage of average fare. The terrific depth and the subtle sense of objects coming off the screen make for very satisfying dimensional entertainment.
17.
A Turtles’s Tale 2: Sammy’s Escape From Paradise (Vivendi) is the next best choice if you can’t obtain the original film. It’s filled with a chock-load of 3D pop-outs that will make for crucial demo material. Additionally, it’s actually more entertaining to watch as well.
18.
Avatar (Fox) was originally ranked in our top 5 list upon its release. The home 3D experience exceeds that of the theatrical. This is the title that sets the benchmark for the format.
19.
Life of Pi (Fox) is the ultimate visual treat for 3D enthusiasts who wish to be immersed in storytelling like never before.
20.
Inferno (Panamint) is one of those rare films from the golden age of 3D that supports as strong a story as the 3D itself. A thoroughly enjoyable 3D presentation with a tremendous level of separation. NOW ALL-REGION
21.
Imax Hubble 3D (Warner) is my favorite of all the IMAX titles. With remarkable images taken from space, and the infinite sense of depth the 3D provides, this is a viewing that will be nothing short of awe-inspiring.
22.
The Walk (Sony) is the best-upconverted effort I have seen thus far. Some of the best levels of depth I have seen in any 3D film.
23.
Guardians of the Galaxy (Marvel) is fantastically fun, and in 3D, offers a thrill-ride experience with at least two prominent pop-outs.
24.
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (Paramount) is an astounding mix of animation and live-action in glorious 3D. It’s just plain “fun” for the entire family….adults, too!
25.
Oz The Great And Powerful (Disney) fell very short of my expectations. That being said, its 3D presentation is highly enjoyable and among the best on Blu-ray at this moment.
26.
Madagascar 3 Europe’s Most Wanted (DreamWorks) ranks nearly as the best-animated title available. Its dizzying, spectacular imagery draped in neon and translated in 3D is completely fun and stunning to watch.
27.
Titanic (Paramount) is the second-best upconverted 2D-3D film ever produced (after THE WALK). It’s amazingly stunning to watch and it’s no coincidence that 2 of the top 6 ranked titles are shared by a single director who has embraced this format like no other.
28.
Hugo (Paramount) is such a rare wonder; a children’s film that is more for the child in all of us than strictly for the young. An exceptional 3D presentation, though many have reported problems with excessive crosstalk.
29.
Creature From The Black Lagoon (Universal) takes us back to the golden age of 3D. The film remains as appealing today as it did in 1954. Outstanding transfer and appreciable level of depth make this one of the must-have classics.
30.
Pacific Rim (Warner) Yes, it’s loud and noisy, but darn it, this ranks as one of the best-upconverted films since Titanic, making it an ever-so-perfect 3D home experience that is demo worthy.
Honorable Mentions
A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas
(Warner) is the most obscene and outrageously hilarious 3D spectacle I have ever seen. Play it at your next adult gathering.
Despicable Me 2 (Universal) is just plain “fun” and one of the best 3D releases of 2013.
Finding Nemo (Disney) will literally have your jaw dropping to the floor with its vibrant colors, HD clarity and 3D presentation. The best up-converted animated 3D title I have seen to date.
Megamind (DreamWorks) is wickedly funny and is an outstanding 3D presentation.
Despicable Me (Universal) is the rarest of sorts. Providing exceptional laughs and highly effective 3D immersion, it makes for the perfect family film.
Wreck-It Ralph (Disney) May not be filled with pop-up gimmickry, but represents the best use of 3D enhanced animation to tell a story. Thoroughly enjoyable and one 3D Blu-ray that should not be passed up.
The Wizard Of Oz (Warner) is a film you have seen countless times in 2D, but now newly converted to 3D, it’s an entirely new viewing experience. You have never seen Oz like this before.
Pan (Warner Bros.) is quite immersive thanks to being one of the better upconversions. 3D is so well done, it feels like being on a theme ride.
Coraline (Universal) is a wonder to behold as its intricate story and amazing visuals slowly unfold in glorious 3D.
Yogi Bear (Warner) is perfect family entertainment enhanced with 3D that reaches far out to its audience.
The Hobbit (Warner), epic in scope, is a marvel to watch in 3D thanks to it depth and dimensionality that puts characters and their Middle Earth surroundings in proper perspective.
Monsters, Inc. (Disney) is more expansive and impactful than its 2D counterpart. This is one monstrous presentation and ranks up there with the best Disney 3D releases.
Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3 (Disney) whether bought individually or in the trilogy set, these are perhaps the finest examples of 3D without added gimmickry.
Monsters vs. Aliens (DreamWorks) boasts highly enjoyable animation and effective 3D, though it is plagued with some ghosting issues on some displays.
Born To Be Wild (Warner) is the most visually appealing of all the IMAX documentaries. Overpriced for 41 minutes of content, but if you can nab this for about $20, do grab it.
Deep Sea 3D (Warner) is one of the most entertaining of the IMAX documentaries. Fantastic 3D, though overpriced for content under 45 minutes.
Journey to the Center of the Earth (Warner) places the viewer dead smack in the middle of an adventure that mimics a wild theme park ride with plenty of projected effects.
The Lego Movie: Everything Is Awesome Edition (Warner) sports wonderful depth throughout, but overall, didn’t make the major list because it falls short of providing a really AWESOME 3D experience. Still, a recommended 3D purchase.
Ron is the heart and soul of Home Theater Forum. His dedication since founding the platform in 1997 has shaped it into a leading voice in the home theater industry. Ron currently lives on the east coast.
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