Tron Legacy could be a milestone in 3D

I have presented my opinion on 3D on numerous occasions, especially this year where we had quite a few 3D movies. My biggest argument is that 3D can be very effective as long as it is shot and created in 3D, and not a last minute conversion. But I think not only will Tron Legacy be a great 3D movie, but I really do think that it will be an effective 3D movie. Let me explain, the purpose of 3D should not be a gimmick, as some movies have been in 3D, it should be more of an experience, and that is where 3D is very effective. How To Train Your Dragon was a very effective 3D movie mainly for the parts where Hiccup and Toothless are flying, you feel like you are really flying with them. Tron takes place in the computer world, almost like virtual reality, and it is fair to have you feel like you are really in this computer world with the characters, and therefore the 3D would be very effective. I even heard that the scenes in the real world will be in 2D, and that the computer world would be in 3D, I don’t know if that’s exactly true, but we will find out. Almost like The Wizard of Oz, where the beginning and end scenes are in black and white, then the land of Oz is in color. This year had left a bitter taste for 3D, mainly because of the cheap 3D conversions, and the expensive prices. Whatever the case may be, we need some really good 3D movies that will bring back the enthusiasm of the format, I don’t think every movie should be in 3D, but I don’t think it should be totally dismissed either. Tron Legacy could bring back that enthusiasm.

What is Tron?



I have talked a bit about Tron Legacy for a while and that it would be arriving in theaters this December. I don’t think I have talked about Tron itself. Tron is a movie that was released back in the 80s, 1982 to be exact, and it played a huge role in the history of filmmaking. It helped establish computer animation. So why haven’t you heard about it, well, Tron wasn’t a box office hit, in fact, it basically flopped when it was released. Why do we even have a sequel for it if it flopped all these years ago? For starters, even though it didn’t do well at the box office, it did gain cult status once it hit video, that tends to happen to a lot of movies, fail in theaters but it becomes huge when it arrives on video. Let me share another example, The Wizard of Oz was not a hit when it was released in 1939. But in the coming years, it became a huge hit, and it is now a classic around the world. Tron has experienced the same thing, while not everyone loves it, it is a big movie, and has become a milestone in the history of computer animation. Will you need to see Tron to know exactly what is going on in Tron Legacy, I don’t believe so, especially if they are withholding all the copies of Tron from stores like Best Buy. If it’s an important movie, why pull it off the shelves before the sequel is released. Disney’s fear is that the special effects are outdated and that people might just laugh off the idea of seeing Tron Legacy because the old one may not be as good. I could understand the fears, but I feel that Tron should be watched, while things have advanced since, it does play an important role in our culture. So if you can find it for rental or maybe there is an old copy laying around your home or something, watch it. However, do expect the original Tron to be released again on DVD and Blu-Ray when Tron Legacy makes it to Blu-Ray and DVD next year.

What can we expect for promotional material for Tron Legacy?



I had to put this in because there is a lot of great promotional material. When I say promotional material, I am talking about soundtrack, video games, and other little goodies. First off, the big thing I am sure many are looking forward to, including myself, is the Tron Legacy soundtrack which is done by Daft Punk. Every time I hear samples for the soundtrack, I get very excited and it is one CD I want to get. You can find samples by following this link.



As well, we have video games that are coming out the beginning of next month. You can find them for all systems, one of the cool things that I found out is Tron Evolution for the Playstation 3 will have the capability of playing the game in 3D, so if you have a 3DTV then you can play the game in 3D and you can use the Playstation in Motion wand (which is like a Wii remote) to move around, and by the sounds of it, it really makes you feel like you are in the game, kind of like virtual reality, huh. Speaking of virtual reality, you should check out this video that was made back in 2007.

Even if you don’t have a Playstation 3 or a 3DTV, there are other Tron Evolution games coming out, for the Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii, the one for the Nintendo Wii is called Tron Evolution Battle Grids, which should be a fun game.



So yes, it like there will be cool video games for Tron.

Other things that I have heard about is a new Tron ride at Disneyland, involving the light cycles, those that have seen the original movie will know what I am talking about. There will also be a TV show that will be released in 2012, called Tron Uprising. I believe there are many other things, exciting.

Well, whatever you think of Tron Legacy, one thing is for certain, it will be a huge movie next month. Hopefully it will generate good word of mouth and become a box office hit.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 review

The one thing that I always expected from the Harry Potter movies is that it basically takes place in Hogwarts. This was the first one where I don't recall ever seeing Hogwarts. This was one series that has taken me by surprise. When I saw the first two Harry Potter movies, I didn't really expect much. I saw it more as going to Hogwarts and going on an adventure each year, I didn't really expect them to tie together, like the Lord of the Rings movies. But ever since Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, things sort of changed, not too much just then but I started to realize there was going to be a big arc altogether, trying to stop Voldemort. It was always the kind of movies where I would just see it once, and be satisfied. Ever since the last one, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, things started to change for me, I really started to appreciate the movies more and really wanted to watch them all again and see what I might have missed. And with the last one, when it ended, I was really excited to see the next one, while the earlier ones I wasn't that excited. Well, after this movie, obviously I am beyond excited to see the next one, and can't wait till July 15 of next year (note: that is the same date that Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince came out). Things have really changed for the characters, things have gotten much darker, and figuring out things has become more interesting. Enjoyed seeing old characters again. Everything in this movie was superb. I want to go see it again as soon as possible. Highly recommended.

If you can't see it this weekend because it sells out or something, then here are a couple of other recommendations. First off, Unstoppable, it was enjoyable and really good. Another is Morning Glory, had a few good laughs in it. And for families, Megamind, really funny. Hope you enjoy the weekend. I will fill you in on other movies that come out.

Blu-Ray and DVD release Schedule Christmas 2010

Here is a list of movies that you can expect within the next two months:

November 2

Toy Story 3 – The biggest animated movie this year, and probably exceeded many expectations, for sure mine. I would probably consider it the best out of the Toy Story movies, yeah the first one was for sure a mind blower, since it did something that was new, but this one was developed well for a family movie, a lot of emotion in it. A must have.

The Goonies (Blu-Ray) – The classic 1985 adventure involving a bunch of teenagers going out trying to find One Eye Willie’s treasure. It is not a cheap buy, and from what I have read, the audio and video quality don’t differ much from the DVD, and not many new extras added to this release, more of a board game and some duplicates of articles promoting the film. Huge fan, then I am sure you have bought it, if not, the DVD is fine I’m sure.

November 9

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World – This movie stands out over a bunch of the others that were released this summer, one of two movies that I can think of that were very original (Inception being the other). Very funny and very creative. Highly recommended for those that are fans of comic books, video games, and anime. I hear the video and audio quality on this disc is very good.

Grown Ups – A summer comedy that involves a huge cast of famous comedy actors like Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider. While many would disagree, I thought there were a few good laughs in this movie, and had a decent story to it.

Charlie St. Cloud – Never saw it, heard mixture from the movie, but I am sure it would be a good rental. Zac Efron plays a teenager who just lost his younger brother.

November 16

A Christmas Carol – If you don’t remember this movie, it was released last year in November, it was computer animated and had Jim Carrey. I actually really liked this movie, it is a lot darker than many of the other incarnations of this beloved classic tale, but I think it’s worth checking out. There is a 3D Blu-Ray release of it for those that have 3DTVs and a 3D Blu-Ray player. The 3D was good when I saw it last year, and I am sure it would be great for those who have that capability. If not, I am sure the regular Blu-Ray will be just great too.

Avatar: Collector’s Edition – Yeah, It did come out on Blu-Ray and DVD back in April, but it was a release that didn’t include any extras. For those that are interested in learning about how the movie was made, or want multiple versions of the movie (this release includes versions that have new footage added back into the movie), then this will be a perfect version to buy. And no, there is no 3D release, but for those who have a Panasonic 3DTV, you could somehow get the exclusive version of this movie in 3D. However, with a bunch of solid extras, I couldn’t see any reason why not to get this release.

The Last Airbender – Probably one of the worst movies to be released this summer. I will be honest, I didn’t think it was the worst I have seen, but it was very poorly done. Where does the fault lie? I am not going to point fingers, but this movie will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray for those that did enjoy it, and also 3D Blu-Ray that is exclusively available at Best Buy, but I don’t think there is anything special with the 3D in this movie.

3D movies – There will be many different 3D movies for 3D Blu-Ray released from Warner Bros., like Polar Express and Clash of the Titans. Again, I think the 3D for Clash of the Titans was awful, but I am sure the 3D for Polar Express will be good.

November 23

The Expendables – Big action movie with just about every big action hero from the past two decades. I didn’t see it, but I am sure for those who are interested or liked it, will look for this one, either as a rental or a purchase.

Eat, Pray, Love – I don’t know what to say about this, I am sure there are those that enjoyed it, I never bothered seeing it. But you can find it on Blu-Ray and DVD on this date.

November 30

Knight and Day – For those who missed it in theaters, check it out. Seriously, it has plenty of action and it is very funny. Stars Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, Tom Cruise is a secret agent that falls in love with Cameron Diaz and they end up on a crazy adventure. Yeah, it didn’t do too hot at the box office, but seriously, check it out.

Sorcerer’s Apprentice – One of Jerry Bruckheimer’s big blockbusters for Disney, this one didn’t do too hot, but I found it entertaining that I think is worth checking out. Nicholas Cage is an old sorcerer that finds the one that will become a great sorcerer that will destroy an evil force, and brings him in as his apprentice. It also has a sequence that is based off the Mickey Mouse cartoon of the same name, you can find it on Fantasia. Speaking of which, look for Fantasia on Blu-Ray that day as well.

Twilight: Eclipse – Yep, sometime that week, you Twilight fans can look for Edward and Jacob and Bella in their new movie on Blu-Ray and DVD. I heard this one was better, but honestly it isn’t enough to make me get into the series, but it does have its fans, and if you are a fan, then I am sure you will be buying this the first day it arrives.

December 7

Inception – The new Christopher Nolan movie that blew everyone’s minds arrives a few weeks before Christmas. In case you haven’t seen it or don’t even know what it’s about, it involves going into dreams and there are different levels of dreaming, a dream within a dream. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon Leavitt, and many others. If you haven’t see, you must, it is a must see. It does require thinking throughout the movie, but for sure the smartest movie that I have seen this summer. In fact, Christopher Nolan is for sure one of the top directors of all time now.

Shrek Forever After – If there was one sequel that I believed wouldn’t be any good but was surprised that it was actually good, this was it. I saw Shrek The Third, and wasn’t very impressed, and when I heard about this new one, actually the first trailer arrived when Avatar arrived last Christmas, and the first thoughts in my mind was, “Why?” We didn’t need another Shrek movie. But when I saw, I was pleasantly surprised. It had a good story, and while the humor wasn’t like the humor with the first two movies, this one did have some good laughs attached to them. I recommend checking it out.

Alice in Wonderland 3D – This is suppose to have a separate 3D release for those with 3D equipment, it isn’t my first choice for 3D, but honestly, it is still a good movie, and the 3D is still good.

December 14

The A-Team – Another big action movie that was kind of ignored that I think deserved much more attention. Stars Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, and Jessica Biel. In case you don’t know, it’s based on a popular 80s TV show, I never watched it, but I absolutely loved this movie, highly recommended.

Despicable Me – A really funny animated movie, it will also be available in 3D Blu-Ray for those with 3D equipment, and this movie is really good in 3D. For others, it is also available on Blu-Ray and DVD. Steve Carrell plays a super villain that tries hard to be a bad guy but has a real soft side to him, and it really starts to come out as he adopts 3 orphan girls, which was for one of his master plans. I highly recommend this one.

The Other Guys – I really don’t know what to say about this, it was one of those popular buddy cop movies this summer, but first off I really didn’t think it was that funny. There were a few parts that I was really laughing, but that was about it. If you are a huge Will Ferrell fan, then I am sure you will enjoy it anyway.

December 17

Legend of the Guardians – Came out about a month and a half ago, really didn’t get much returns from the box office. I will be flat out honest, the story wasn’t very well developed, quite a few plot holes, but the animation was incredible and beautiful. I do think that this movie is very much worth checking out at least once, even if there were problems with the story development. As well, the 3D is great.

December 21

Salt – This was one of those action movies that was quite enjoyable. It stars Angelina Jolie as a CIA agent, she encounters a man that tells her that she is a Russian spy that will kill the President. There were a ton of interesting twists in the movie, some that you really don’t expect, and there is plenty of action. Out of anything, I do think it is totally worth a rental.

Step Up 3 – Again, another one of those that will also be available in 3D Blu-Ray, so those with 3D equipment will have plenty of choice in the 3D realm this Christmas. I never bothered seeing this, in fact, I haven’t bothered seeing any of the Step Up movies, but I am sure if you like the movies you will enjoy this.


Keep in mind that this list isn't complete, these are ones that stuck out to me, and the ones that will probably grab the most attention. Anyway, I hope you enjoy.