The Desktop crew went to see a preview of Alice in Wonderland last night at IMAX 3D and this is what we thought.

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When I heard Alice in Wonderland was being re-created in 3D I feared the demise of a Disney classic… but the knowledge that Johnny Depp had agreed to play the Mad Hatter ensured this would be worth seeing.

Certainly a more ‘popping’ 3D visual effect then more recent 3D efforts.. think Avatar, the vibrancy and use of colour complimented the demented perception of reality through Alice’s eyes and each character delivered throughout this masterpiece ensuring it will be yet another timeless classic.

“And I heard the sound of Alice chasing rabbits down a hole “ COG – Problem Reaction Solution

Jarrod Kris, Advertising Manager

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I arrived half expecting to be disappointed with Burton’s efforts as I was nervous he would ruin Alice for me, however I am happy to say that I left feeling pretty amazed by the movie. Sure the story is basic, you don’t feel emotionally attached to Alice (or any of the characters), but Johnny Depp is a ginger Scottish madder-than-mad Mad Hatter so that makes it ok.

The cast are simply amazing, and are definitely the highlight of the film. Matt Lucas’ Tweedlee and Tweedledum are exactly like the ‘fat-buster’ lady from Little Britain, Stephen Fry as the casually dapper Cheshire Cat is incredible and Helena Bonham Carter shines as the hilariously nonchalant Red Queen.

As you would expect from Burton, the film is visually stunning and the 3D was utilised a whole lot more than say the likes of Avatar. Just a little disappointed that most of the scenery relied on CGI (a reported 90%). While technology has been able to catch up with Burton’s imagination, there were no amazing handcrafted sets that we have seen and loved in most of his previous films.

The film is definitely watchable and enjoyable for all ages, IMAX delivered once again. You will laugh, you probably won’t cry and you will come out of it wondering what it would be like if Alice and the Hatter got their funky thing on.

Brendan McKnight, Online Editor

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When I first discovered Tim Burton was directing Alice in Wonderland featuring Johnny Depp (favourite to the power of 3), I instantaneously forfeited any chance of reasonable expectation, which I should have known would lead to my own disappointment. I wanted to appreciate every majestic intricacy, immerse myself in the intoxicating colours of Wonderland, let my imagination run childishly riot with imaginary characters and respond to the slightest facial expression change in some of my favourite actors.

Instead, I felt the 3D effect washed out any chance of intricacy and delivered a somewhat visually diluted experience. My inner child was stubbornly against minor tradition breaches, such as Alice having curly hair and brown eyes (we all know her as straight and blue!). I felt Anne Hathaway missed the mark, and could have hammed it up more, but on the flipside, my boyfriend (Johnny Depp) did no wrong, nor did Helena Bonham Carter.

I was 8 years old again as soon as the Hare or my favourite Cheshire Cat appeared (incredibly use of CGI & voice) and whilst I loved the darkness of the film, I  expected Tim Burton to take it further. I am unsure where to cast my blame for my “meh” feeling… Too much 3D over the past weeks? Bad mood (the film “broke” for 20-minutes half way through, plus I was distractingly hungry!)? 3D diluting the visuals? Either way, something wasn’t right and I most certainly need to see it again, without the 3D. Believe it or not, I think I will love it!

Chantelle Ford, Associate Publisher

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www.imax.com.au