As 2009 begins so too does a 3D revolution with special focus given here to the horror genre. Three new horror films come immediately to mind. On January 16th, get ready to soil those edible panties with a modern 3D take on 80’s slasher classic My Bloody Valentine. August 21st brings the release of Final Destination 4: Death Trip, as if three films filled with accidentally dismembered teens aren’t enough. And sandwiched somewhere in between the two, teenagers get their revenge with Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience.
(Good luck competing with that one. And special thanks to 3D Movie List for the warning!)
To prepare for the in-your-face fright-fest to come, we take a look back at the 5 best 3D horror films of all time… or at least recent memory. Now before we begin, keep in mind 3D is still considered a gimmick by most critics. Therefore, even though this is a best-of list, try not to expect greatness from any of these films. If any do pique your interest, head over to the Internet Movie Database for further details.
THE LIST
5. Silent Madness (1984):
Just in time for Halloween 1984 was this forgotten slasher film, notable for its inclusion of Rick Aiello (actor Danny’s son) in the casting and co-scripted dialogue by The General’s Daughter author Nelson DeMille. Oh yeah, and it had a little 3D, too, not to mention a flying hatchet, coming right at you, watch out! (Whew, that was a close one.)
4. It Came from Outer Space (1953):
Ray Bradbury penned the story for this sci-fi/horror classic about invaders from outer space that sort of pre-blobs The Blob. Despite the mindless schlocky fun the film’s unfortunate title generates, it’s actually a suspenseful, solid little potboiler that has, surprisingly, held up well in its old age.
3. Friday the 13th Part 3 (1983):
Horror owes this bad boy a lot. Where did Jason Voorhies’ hockey mask come from? If you said the third installment of the enormously popular Friday the 13th franchise, you are correct. Additionally, there is the yo-yo to the face, the disemboweled boyfriend dripping on his girlfriend, the ejecting eyeball, and, of course, the spear to the eye. (What with the ocular fixation?) All of this mayhem happens to us, just as it does the characters in what was – at that point – the most intense horror 3D spectacle ever seen.
2. House of Wax (1953):
While the scares have worn thin from 2D home video releases and a few decades having passed, House of Wax is still a well-made film with creepy performances from Vincent Price and, of all people you wouldn’t expect to find in a horror film, Charles Bronson. So while House of Wax may not have modern audiences jumping out of their seats in fright, it’s certainly a more prestigious production than most of its ilk.
1. Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954):
One film that manages camp, craftsmanship and creepiness all at the same time is the original 1954 classic Creature from the Black Lagoon. In a time when low-budget monster movies were as abundant as foreclosures, it took some doing for one to stand out from the rest. Enter director Jack Arnold and his cast of B-movie familiars Richard Carlson and Julie Adams. With breathtaking underwater photography, and an equally captivating, swimsuit-clad Adams, Creature from the Black Lagoon is a film that still impresses, even though the pizazz of its special effects have indeed worn off. As is the case with most classic films, this one inspired two sequels: The Creature Walks Among Us and Revenge of the Creature (also in 3D). And yes, Hollywood is already planning a 2011 remake. Will it be in 3D as well? Only time will tell. Until that day, we’ve got 2009 to keep us busy dodging knives, axes, Jonas Brothers lyrics, and many other forms of assorted gruesome mayhem, all from the comforts of our local theaters.
Aric Mitchell - ABOUT ME I have approximately 7 years of instructional experience -- 5 in the corporate world and 2 in public education. I am also a ...
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