AVATAR at Gateway Digital 3D Cinema

Update: Ignore everything that I said here about Dolby Digital 3D being close to IMAX 3D. Read my complete AVATAR movie review to find out why.

Consider this as part 1 of my review for James Cameron’s newest epic film “AVATAR”. I will still watch “AVATAR” on SM North Edsa IMAX this weekend.

I was originally planning to see AVATAR in 2D format first, just to focus on the script and story. I chose Cinema 5 of  Gateway’s Cineplex at Cubao because that is (in my opinion) the best digital theater in town. I was thinking they’d screen AVATAR there in 2D but I was wrong.My friend bought the tickets and he didn’t know of my plans so I was shocked to find that he paid 270 pesos for AVATAR there. Turns out that both Cineplex 1 and 5 of Gateway are screening AVATAR in full 3D. I felt disappointed at first but now I’m thankful I never got 2D tickets. I would have hated myself for spending money for a 2D version of this movie.

This is actually my first time to watch a 3D movie not in IMAX. I’ve always wanted to try these Dolby 3D Digital cinemas but I also always had the impression that IMAX provided the best 3D movie experience that’s why I’ve ignored them. Well, not anymore. I honestly really enjoyed watching at Gateway’s 3D cinema just as much as I did in the IMAX theaters. You even get free popcorn and drinks! How’s that for a deal, IMAX?

The Movie

I now fully understand what all the hype was about. I would run out of adjectives to describe it but rest assured, it’s one movie that any regular moviegoer shouldn’t dare to miss.

And the most important thing is to watch AVATAR in a 3D cinema. This movie was meant to be seen in 3D and watching it in 2D would be doing it a disservice. I actually feel bad for those people who will see this in 2D only. They will definitely not be getting their money’s worth.

Note: The food stub is separate and that had the 70 pesos price tag.

If you can’t afford to watch it in IMAX, go to Gateway Cineplex instead. I’ve been watching 3D movies only at IMAX for a long time and I was shocked at how little the difference is. The only noticeable difference to me is the screen size and that’s hardly a deal breaker for the average moviegoer. Other malls that have 3D cinemas too are Greenbelt, Trinoma and Greenhills.

Check out the “Digital Theaters in the Philippines” forum thread at PinoyDVD.com for more info such as the ticket prices. (Note: requires forum registration)

Anyway, I should be able to make a more just comparison after I see Avatar again this weekend, this time in SM North Edsa IMAX. But that will still not change my first impression with Dolby 3D cinemas. They’re a viable and probably better alternative to the pricey IMAX theaters I’ve been patronizing for years.

Summary

• Watch AVATAR in 3D cinemas NOT in 2D, please!
• Gateway Cineplex has two digital 3D theaters: Cinema 1 and 5
• Ticket price for 3D movies at Gateway is 270 pesos
• Regular-sized popcorn and drink are included at Gateway’s 3D cinemas