One of the best movies i've seen in a long, long time.

Rating: 10/10 (11 October 2013)

I can count on one hand how many times i've seen a movie and have been completely, utterly enraptured and on the edge of my seat. Cauron once again proves his competency as a director and storyteller. (see the excellent: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as reference to his excellent work.)
This is one of them. I've seen it twice, once in 2D, and the other in 3D IMAX.
The 2D experience:
1.) Visuals: Absolutely breathtaking. The CG used here is so well done, and seamlessly blended I couldn't tell what was CG and what wasn't. The colors and rich and vibrant.
2.) Attention to detail. Was meticulous. I liked "no sound in space" I liked that the only sound we had was in the presence of air, and the reverberation through and in the space suits of the using of tools, etc. I enjoyed the physics and realism, the sometimes clunky and awkward movements of the astronauts as they are limited by the bulky space suits, and lack of gravity or air pressure to assist.
3.) Clooney and Bullock do a spectacular job, I was invested and concerned in the story and felt real emotions at the unfurling of events. I CARED what happened.
4.) I found myself leaning, shifting, and making gestures with my hands, face, feet, whatever (as if that was going to alter the outcome of what was happening.) Not to mention muttering under my breath "look out!, "go,go,go" "grab that!" amongst other things.
5.) The score was spectacular. (And not overwhelming,) powerful and appropriate. I believe this is Steven Price's first "big" work. Well done.
6.) Kept me guessing until the end. I honestly didn't know if this was going to be a happy ending. All the signs of good story telling.
The 3D IMAX experience. (everything great from the 2D experience, and some bonuses!)
3D is something I rarely invest in. Usually it's pointless, annoying and adds nothing significant to what i'm watching. It's just a way for me to part with extra $$ for no real reason and a disappointing experience.
Gravity is an exception to the 3D rule. And seeing it in IMAX is a special treat. The expansive screen swallows you whole and makes you experience space and the unfolding events as if you were actually there.
3D is well done and well used. I've become accustomed in my 3D experience to things popping out of the screen towards the audience, things, in the foreground separated from the background, fireballs, etc. etc. etc.
I cannot recall one instance in any of these previous movies where I actually flinched, blinked, and raised my hand up as if to protect myself from something coming at me.
I did this for Gravity. To me that debris was coming straight at my head.
To the naysayers and nit-pickers: all I'll say is "really?!" How much better do you get? I dare you to find a more realistic space movie.
Whatever way you view this movie, the important thing is you do. I highly recommend the 3D IMAX version (Something I rarely do.) Blu-Ray will be spectacular, but nothing will touch seeing this in a theater.
Bravo gravity, Bullock, Clooney, Price, and especially you Cuarón. I will see you come awards season.
10/10