Titanic 3D Review

Although the 3D version of Titanic (1997) may not be making much of a splash in the U.S., it is becoming a hit in China.

Following the success of Avatar, James Cameron became the poster child for modern 3D in Hollywood – setting the gold standard for how filmmakers could approach the format artistically (i.e., subtle depth as opposed to gimmicky pop-out effects). As a result, more and more directors are coming around to the 3D format, and delivering their own enjoyable implementations of the effect (such as in Martin Scorsese’s Hugo).

However, while Cameron may have opened the eyes of directors and producers – not just money hungry studios – to the benefits of shooting in 3D, many moviegoers are still skeptical of films that are presented with post-converted 3D. Non-native 3D offerings are a mixed bag with unnecessary (My Soul to Take) or flat-out ugly (Clash of the Titans) conversions, not to mention underwhelming applications of the format to re-releases (Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace).

The film’s debut in China on Tuesday brought in over $11 million, which is the biggest take for the film’s re-release in any overseas market.

When the film was originally released in China in 1998, there were few movie theaters in the country, and only a handful of those showed the movie. Today, Titanic is playing in 3,500 locations in the country.

Several of China’s IMAX theaters have had their seats pre-sold for days.

However, some fans expressed disappointment that the re-release has cut the images of Kate Winslet’s Rose posing for Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jack.

“I’ve been waiting almost 15 years, and not for the 3D icebergs,” a fan commented on his blog.

Although the scene was not cut during its prior 1998 release, the Chinese State Administration of Radio, Film and Television explained the reason for the cut this time around.

“Considering the vivid 3D effects, we fear that viewers may reach out their hands for a touch and thus interrupt other people’s viewing. To avoid potential conflicts between viewers and out of consideration of building a harmonious ethical social environment, we’ve decided to cut off the nudity scenes,” a statement from the organization read.