Technical Brilliance

Rating: 8/10 (19 December 2012)

I have not worn 3D glasses since watching Bwana Devil in the early 50's. It was a surprise to discover that the process has been improved upon. The clumsy paper frame with two plastic lenses, one red and one green as I recall, have given way to what might pass for ordinary sunglasses, and the screen effect is quite satisfying.
I also liked the superb animation in this film. I have no idea at all how it was achieved, having not yet bothered to read other people's reviews. Not only are the various animals made to act in a certain manner consistent with the story line, the visual images seem uncannily true to life.
That said, I found the conclusion of the narrative ever so slightly sententious and disingenuous, suggesting two possible interpretations the viewer might entertain. What had been up to that point an exciting and colorful tour de force became instantly pallid. For what it's worth, I chose the allegorical version.
As a frequent traveler on cruise ships that offer on-board cinemas, I can confidently say this film will never be shown there. My physical response to the maritime scenes even knowing I was actually surrounded by desert bordered on nausea.