Imax 3D: The Max Experience

There is no doubt that Hollywood is a business that thrives on trends. Whether it's a certain genre, a remake of some nostalgic film, or even turning a video game series into a film, Hollywood will always try to capitalize on whatever trend in an attempt to make money off of it.
But ever since James Cameron's Avatar obliterated box office records and became the highest grossing film of all time with an incredible $2.7 billion worldwide and redefined the cinematic experience, Hollywood has been doing its best ever since to squeeze every dollar they can out of making movies in 3-D. Now few can argue with Hollywood's intentions on this one. Avatar drew massive numbers at the box office, especially from 3-D and IMAX screenings. I have seen Avatar for myself in 3D and I can tell you it is a truly unique experience in terms of a visual show when shown in 3D. So after one of the biggest blockbusters finished its long run at the cinemas, Hollywood smelt fresh blood in the water and went after this new trend of 3D.
It seems that every film being released always has the phrase "in 3D" attached to it now. But what is a real 3D experience? Raising the ticket price another five dollars is the obvious aspect of 3D movies, but where you find the real 3D experience is once you put on those glasses, you are truly immersed in a cinematic adventure that will pull you into this new realm and cause you to leave reality for a couple of hours. In my opinion, the answer is obvious that only in IMAX 3D, can one truly experience the wonders of this technology.
Now don't get me wrong. Going to see any movie at your local theatre can be an experience and I've seen many a wonderful film at my local theatre. 3D adds a new realm of dimension and experience for the audience but clearly not every movie was meant to be seen in 3D. I've seen The Dark Knight, How to Train Your Dragon, Avatar, and Jackass 3D all in 3D and those films were certainly fun in 3D, but I could also ramble on and on about how I've walked out of a movie almost ashamed that I spent thirteen dollars on a halfway decent 3D movie.
However the movie that made me realize 3D in IMAX was the true 3D experience was the film 300. The film 300 may not be much in terms of acting or dialogue but the visuals that Zack Synder produced are truly epic and Synder as a director knows how to handle 3D carefully and correctly. The arrow scene in 300 actually made me recoil slightly because I felt as if I were right there on the battlefield watching a massive hail of arrows descend towards me.