Get ready to be up close and personal with Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot once again. All the Guardians are back in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and thanks to the film being shown not just in 2D, but in IMAX and 3D as well. With the highly anticipated sequel finally hitting theaters, there's only one more thing Guardians fans need to do: choose a format. So, should you see Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 in 3D? Well, it's a good thing you asked, because GOTG 2 writer-director James Gunn actually has an answer.
Like most films, GOTG 2 was shot in 2D, meaning that any 3D was converted later. Normally, a post-production 3D conversion is synonymous with darker picture and distorted perspectives because the film was not originally shot with 3D in mind. Granted, 3D conversion has gotten much better over the years, but there is still a visible difference between films shot in 3D and those converted later. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, however, attempts to overcome these difference. In a Facebook post, Gunn promised fans that the film was shot with 3D conversion and conversion to IMAX in mind. "Unlike many other films today where screen size shifts and 3D are afterthoughts, we plan our aspect ratios during the script stage, and every single shot is tailored for 3D as we shoot it," Gunn wrote.
So, seeing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in 3D won't distort Gunn's original vision of the film. In fact, the director added that "IMAX is the optimal way to view a Guardians movie." And, seeing as how many IMAX screens are also in 3D, Gunn's recommendation seems to go for 3D as well. His endorsement of GOTG 2 in 3D is not to be taken lightly. The director hasn't shied away from expressing his opinion on other movies converted to 3D. In response to a fan question on Twitter, Gunn said that he only watches films in 3D where the conversion was thought about during production, adding, "If it's slapped on haphazardly — which it is in most films — no."
If you're still on the fence about whether or not to spring for that GOTG 2 3D ticket, think of the plot. Is 3D as necessary to the plot in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 as it was in Doctor Strange? No. But, will it still be cool? Yes. At the end of the day, 3D really comes down to personal preference, but if you're willing to take the leap and want to see the film as closely to Gunn's vision as possible, then spend an extra $3 and go see Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in 3D.
