(2008/USA)
Review By-Paul Cooke
Director: Eric Brevig
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson & Anita Briem
Source : Entertainment In Video / Blu-ray PAL DVD /Dolby Digital 5.1 Sound / Anamorphic 16:9 Enhanced /Wide Screen Aprox 1:78:1 Ratio / Both 2D & 3D Versions /Commentary By Star Brendan Fraser & Director Eric Brevig
 
A fantastical re-rendering of the Jules Verne classic hit’s the Blu-ray DVD format in glorious 3D. Perfect for those forty inch plus LCD and Plasma home screens, accompanied by surround sound home theatre sound, and some freshly prepped popcorn straight from the microwave. Brendan Fraser plays Professor Trevor Anderson who along with his thirteen year old nephew Sean journeys beyond the world we all inhabit, to traverse the land that nestles at the centre of the Earth.
 
Sean’s father, on a mysterious quest based upon the writings of Jules Verne, has been missing for many years, but upon taking receipt of some of his possessions his brother Trevor uncovers notes that may just point the way to where he has disappeared to. Trevor and Sean travel to Iceland, where they seek out a revered scientist, Sigurbjörn Ásgeirsson, with whom Sean’s father also sought out upon his quest. There the two intrepid relatives meet with the news that Ásgeirsson died some years past. His daughter Hannah Ásgeirsson, played by Anita Briem, who relays the information to them, is taken in by their search and agrees to guide them up the mountain where her father and Trevor’s brother had also trekked. Together, Trevor, Sean and Hannah reach the summit just as a lightening storm gathers overhead, forcing the trio to seek desperate shelter in a nearby cave. There they are trapped as bolts of lightening strike and bring heavy rock falls down upon the cave opening, sealing it shut to the outside world. The three explorers have no option but to head on inwards and seek an alternate route out of their predicament. With barely enough water and emergency supplies to last a couple of days, along with torches and flares to light the way, they trek inwardly towards an adventure of epic proportions they could never anticipate.
 
The journey into 3D wonderment really begins here, with the decent into the very heart of the Earth, as our three seekers of the truth are drawn into an adventure that expands into three dimensional Fun. The depth of each expansive scene is clear to behold as the multitudes of space between characters and fixed points is brilliantly realised. There’s no skimping on the Action to showcase substance mind you. This is a Disney roller coaster ride laced with an at home Imax experience that draws the viewer into the screen, and rolls their eyes around like marbles pinging off each other in a game of skittles. Revel in the runaway train shunts in the mine shaft sequence that rivals Indiana Jones. Increasing in speed on a downwardly spiralling track with a multitude of in your face 3D leaping off screen moments to gasp at. Its breakneck Action that leads our protagonists from one pulse pounding situation to another. The botanical landscape they arrive at is like pulling into the platform of an Alien world that is inhabited by Alien life forms. Man eating giant plants take a fancy to Hannah and bring out the ‘Mummy’ merchandised man fists of Trevor’s alternate character Rick O’Connell from that franchise, as he fist fights a fly trap before putting his green fingers to good use in showing the wicked weed who is the daddy !.
 
No question about it though this is good old fashioned PG rated family Fun and DVD gold for the festive season. Although this is still the standard red and green spectacle wearing viewing option for the 3D effect, and sure the colours are not as true as if seen in the theatres, it is without question a very welcome addition to the market place for home entertainment viewing.
 
When Trevor captains the helm of a man made raft, to take himself, Hannah and Sean across the expanse of an underground sea, the spectacle in 3D is nothing short of incredible. A fabulous sequence that soon takes itself to the stand out showpiece of the movie, as giant flying piranha leap out of the ocean at them from all angles and right out of the screen at the viewer too. It’s like experiencing James Cameron’s vision for a remake of his own first big screen Directorial outing with ‘Piranha 2 Flying Killers’ (1981). A great rewind turn of events that is expansive in design and brilliantly rendered on all fronts, especially the superlative 3D. Throw in some piranha hungry water going dinosaurs to take the heat off our battling trio and the entire escapade on display is blindingly rewarding all round. Hugely entertaining. Definitely a sit down together with the family and a guaranteed fun time for all event.
 
What Big Fantasy Fun flick thrown up in 3D is not complete without a huge end game dinosaur to eat up the screen ?, well this sure isn’t going to be the one to let folk down in that department either. They try to outrun a T-Rex in ‘Jurassic Park’ and here in ‘Journey To The Centre Of The Earth’ they go one better in 3D, with thousands of tons of Jurassic Rex chomping down on our heroes with a jaw distribution that fills the screen, and bulges out beyond.
 
Step into the world of Jules Verne in this 3D variation of his classic tale and fully enjoy the benefits to be had in so doing with this Blu-ray experience. It’s a fun fuelled feast for the family.

Film : 3.5/5 Blu-ray Hurray’s
Picture : 4.5/5 Blu-ray Hurray’s
Sound : 4/5 Blu-ray Hurray’s
Overall : 4/5 Blu-ray Hurray’s