So, one of the things we normally do on this site is a '2D vs 3D' column. While a fair amount of my viewers will choose to see movies in 3D regardless of the 'pop' they produce, I personally know that 3D isn't a cheap option. Despite being around for more than ten years, movie theaters are still up charging for the experience, which at $4 a ticket could be an additional $12 for a family of four. When you add that $12 on top of the average $56 it costs for most families of four to see the movie...well, you've got a $68 day out for the family (not including popcorn and drinks). Now you take inflation into account, and I think if we want 3D to be more adapted, we should be fair and honest about what 3D movies are worth paying more for and which ones are essentially using 3D as an excuse to upcharge. That's why we have this long running feature. However, there is no purpose in writing that article this time around because there is one undeniable truth this time around:
"Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" is the best 3D experience in almost five years, and you absolutely should pay extra to see it in this format if you are at all interested in seeing this!
I thought I would be a little less blunt about saying that, but really, I see no need to; "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" uses 3D so brilliantly, so effortlessly, that it makes you made more 3D films aren't like this. I'm not saying that all 3D movies need to feature multiverses (honestly, with three of these movies in less than a year...I'm sort of over the idea), but they do need to have brilliant camera angles, long shots that allow you to take in your surroundings, and the effect needs to need to make the action more intense and immersive. Everything great about 3D that I swear on this blog year after year is represented in this movie, and even if it has to be a regular 3D screening (as opposed to the EXCELLENT IMAX 3D screenings) it's something WELL worth paying extra money for!
But hey, don't take my word for it: "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" producer (and head figure at Marvel Studios) Kevin Feige has claimed that this is Marvel's best use of 3D in a long time (depending on what you consider a Marvel movie, this is likely either "Ant-Man & the Wasp" or "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse")! Straight from the horse's mouth:
But I will say, Sam has made this movie to be experienced on as big a screen as possible, and it’s even the first one in a long time that 3D was really taken into account, too, because the first Doctor Strange film I think was out best film ever in 3D, and this one now will be right alongside that.
So that settles that: "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" is a must-see 3D experience! That's great news! Slightly better news is that the 3D screenings will likely stick around for a second week because the teaser for "Avatar: The Way of Water" plays before this movie, and word-of-mouth is growing that it's worth seeing the 3D version of "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" JUST to see how excellent that teaser looks! I may write about the teaser at a later date (I actually have a lot to say about it), however, should that post not come until 3D showings of Doctor Strange are largely over, I will concur that it is another reason to shell out an extra few bucks to see this movie in 3D. Ultimately though, how much do I recommend it?
Well, let's say this: I didn't like "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" much as a movie, but I'll be seeing it again to experience the 3D.
I saw it in 3D Imax at AMC. Was very disappointed in the size of the screen. Used to be Imax was at the biggest theater at the multiplex. Now it is in a 70 seat theater. :( But as I told my wife, where there is just one 3D Imax showing per day and it gets only 20 butts in seats, I cannot blame the management for putting the film in a small room.