Journey to the Center of the Earth ventures into ground-breaking new territory as the first digitally shot 3D narrative motion picture.
Unlike a 2D camera, which can only focus on one area, the 3D filming creates a "hyper real" phenomenon where all areas on screen can be in focus simultaneously.
Enhanced by the 3D glasses supplied when entering the theater, the resulting effect is a transporting escapism that creates the illusion of being among the actors instead of watching a projection on screen.
The screenplay is loosely based on the 1863 novel of the same name by Jules Verne, author of other classics including 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in Eighty Days.
The story finds Professor Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) and his nephew Sean (John Hutcherson) trapped in a cave in Iceland during a scientific expedition. Their only hope of survival is to venture deeper into the Earth to find an alternative route. Their voyage beneath the planet's surface makes for the perfect vehicle to show off the 3D movie-making technology as they encounter unique worlds and a variety of creatures.
Despite the implausible happening on the screen and some weak dialogue, the acting was surprisingly convincing. Fraser, Hutcherson, and co-star Anita Briem all reacted and interacted seamlessly with a nonexistent environment created from green screens—running from creatures and jumping from rock to rock.
The plot development was rapid as if it was a light salad before a heavy entrée of action and special effects. As an Academy Award-winning visual effects creator in his directorial debut, Eric Brevig focused more on creating a visually pleasing experience. However, the lack of storytelling required for a film epic does come up short.
"Our job as filmmakers is to transport audiences to another world. We want moviegoers to lose themselves in the adventure," said Producer Beau Flynn. "The story never takes itself too seriously."