James Cameron has dominated the cinemas recently with the highly-anticipated return to Pandora with “Avatar: The Way of Water,” which is in the top four highest grossing films of all time. He is now bringing back his Oscar-winning blockbuster “Titanic” to the big screen for its 25th anniversary, and he’s reminding cinema-goers that he’s the king of the Big Screen experience.
The film was re-released in 2012 for the 100th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic and was then converted into 3D. However, this new version presents in remastered 4k, which provides the clearest version of the film yet. If there is one film that should be seen on the Big Screen again it’s “Titanic” — the story is larger than life and should be experienced on the biggest screen you can see it on, in a room full of cinema-goers. This is exactly the reason why it was the highest grossing film of all time up until 2009, as people craved that unique cinema-going experience.
The 4K Remaster Sets the Film Apart
The 3D is not the best part of this re-release, as it does not serve any further vital upgrade from 2012. The standout of this conversion is the 4K quality of the film. It gives the film a beautifully-enhanced feel and makes you appreciate the beauty of the ship in all its glory. However, with the clear picture it does reveal some of the more dodgy CGI shots that went unnoticed in the original film. This is particularly true of a shot as Jack and Rose run from a cupboard full of dishes, where the film’s CGI on their faces becomes obvious.
All that aside, the clear quality of the picture makes revisiting “Titanic” an absolute treat and the storytelling lives up to any modern blockbuster. The nostalgia this story provides stands the test of time, and just seeing young Kate Winslet and Leonardo Dicaprio play star-crossed lovers is worth the price of the ticket alone. There have been several versions of the famous sinking on the Big Screen, but Cameron’s is by far the most recognised and beloved due to the formidable love story of Jack and Rose. They are from two vastly different classes; but through all odds including money, family — and even a devastating iceberg — destiny wills them together, and their narrative propels the action forward. The film turns into disaster film about a sinking ship, but at the centre of it is a masterful story with characters that are complex and all have their own motives.
A Chance to See the Legend on the Big Screen Again
Rewatching the film again shines a light on the amazing cast, which is led by Winslet and Dicaprio — who then went onto become household names due to the success of the film. The villain of the piece is Cal Hockley (Billy Zane), who steals every scene he is in with his dastardly character and truly villainous one-liners. Also, another-scene stealer is Kathy Bates who plays the ‘unsinkable’ Molly Brown. Her First Class cohorts look down on her, but she helps Jack and Rose along the way. The film transitions between life on the Titanic and 100-year-old Rose who is recounting her days onboard, portrayed by the gifted actress Gloria Stuart. She showcases Rose perfectly, reflecting on her short-lived time with DiCaprio’s Jack Dawson.
People may think with this re-release, why do we need to see this film again? It is the same film that we all know and love — and that is the reason why you need to see it again. As this film is so beloved, it warrants seeing it on the Big Screen and with a packed cinema. Seeing it on the TV is a treat, but watching it on a theater screen, it transforms. It reminds everyone why it was one of the highest grossing films of all time. In an age of blockbuster releases that earn millions — “Titanic’s” Box Office accomplishment still holds up and it will live on for generations.
“Titanic” in 4K opened in theaters on February 10th. Check your local theater listings for showtimes.
