This summer, the 3-D movie trend continues with "Kung-Fu Panda 2," "Cars 2," "The Smurfs," "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, Part 2" and more. It seems most movies for kids – films that are rated G, PG or PG-13 – are either made from the start as a 3-dimensional experience or converted after production and screened as both 2-D and 3-D like Tim Burton's "Alice In Wonderland."
Most agree that some films, like "Avatar," are truly worth seeing in 3-D. But other movies, like 2010's "Yogi Bear" and "How To Train Your Dragon" might be more of an annoyance than an enhancement in 3-D mode. Whereas the lush, magical landscape of the planet Pandora is interesting with an extra dimension, Jellystone provides way less eye candy in 3-D.
Also, 3-D movies increase ticket prices and give some viewers headaches or vertigo. Plus, a lot of kids simply do not like wearing the glasses and kids who wear glasses regularly have a very difficult time balancing the second pair over their everyday spectacles.
So, this leads us to the question should 3-D movies be reserved for special occasions, like a glass of champagne, or are we OK as viewers with consuming them as our movie-watching meat and potatoes?
Nina Schmidt lives in Fond du Lac and is the mother of three children. She doesn't mince words when it comes to viewing 3-D films.
"I hate them. My kids hate wearing the glasses. We have tried it, but less than half way in they always take them off and the movies look terrible without them. The whole experience is potentially nauseating. It's fine if they want to offer it, but they should always have the option of seeing it in 2-D," says Schmidt.
Riverwest's Autum Whitlow agrees.
"I don't like them and neither do my kids. They give me a headache and my kids hate the glasses," she says.
Overall, Milwaukee mom Michelle Gilbert likes the 3-D experience, but like many, only when it truly enhances the film.
"My son and I love them! I think they are doing too many movies in 3-D now though. It seems like ever since 'Avatar,' there has been an increase in 3-D movies, a lot of which are unnecessary. But when it is appropriate in 3-D I think it's awesome," says Gilbert.
One of the biggest complaints about 3-D movies is that the technology creates a darker, less colorful picture. This is true in some theaters which may not be using the right lenses which results in a duller image. If the film is 3-dimensional, but less vibrant, is it worth the extra money and the wearing of the glasses?
"I can't believe Hollywood won't let go of 3-D. It was a trendy phase in the '50s. What's next? Smellivision?" asks Dana Schultz. "I really think great acting, a solid script and excellent cinematography is enough."
And yet, others love the 3-D experience, so much so that more and more people are buying 3-D televisions for their homes now that the price has become more affordable. Brookfield's Mike Valzak bought a 3-D TV for his family last month.
"It's fun. People say things like 'Oh, the thought of seeing Jay Leno in 3-D scares me.' But that's not how it works. It only works with certain movies," he says.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
