Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo was originally released in 2003, and the film returns to theaters today in Disney Digital 3D. I'm typically not much of a fan of 3D, but Finding Nemo 3D – and the Toy Story short Partysaurus Rex – may have finally won me over.
With a level of detail that absolutely blew me away, it seems like the movie was made for 3D. I've seen Finding Nemo a dozen times since my daughter was born, but watching Finding Nemo 3D in the theater was an all-new experience. From the floating specks in the water, to the sand that kicks up when the fish swim near the ocean floor, to the smudges Darla leaves when she touches the aquarium, there are so many new things to notice thanks to the beautiful job Disney/Pixar did converting the movie to Digital 3D.
Your favorite characters are all there in clear detail as well, with facial expressions rendered even more remarkably. Ellen DeGeneres is unforgettable as Dory. Her performance is the highlight of the film for moviegoers of all ages, and it's a treat to see it again on the big screen. Ellen and the rest of us Nemo fans have been hoping for a sequel for years, and it seems that finally we'll all get our wish: Original director Andrew Stanton and Ellen DeGeneres are both in talks to return under the sea for Finding Nemo 2.
As if you didn't have enough reasons to see one of your favorite Pixar movies in the theater, Finding Nemo 3D is preceded by an all-new Toy Story short called Partysaurus Rex.
Woody and Buzz are back with the gang at Bonnie's house, but it's Rex the dinosaur who's the star of the show this time. After being deemed a party-pooper by Mr. Potato Head, Rex is desperate to show the toys in Bonnie's bathtub that he can let loose and party. The colorful and hilarious mayhem that ensues – with a bubble rave, no less – leaps out of the movie screen and is over all too soon.
Marlin's search to find his son is even more touching now that I'm a parent, and seeing the film in theaters now that you're a mom or dad yourself might be an entirely different experience from the first time you saw Finding Nemo all those years ago. You might think you've seen Finding Nemo one too many times already to make it worth the trip to the theater, but thanks to the stunning new Digital 3D format, you'll find it well worth your time.
I attended a promotional screening of the film for review purposes.
