Gimmicky 3-D isn't worth the extra few bucks

I am not a technophobe, I promise.

In fact, I've become a fan of such technological enhancements of filmmaking as computer-generated graphics and animation effects, at least when they're done right.

I'll even go so far as to say that digital projection of movies is a good thing — if for no other reason than it means there are no more film "breaks" and similar headaches.

Yet, speaking of headaches, I'm still having problems seeing 3-D as more than a filmmaking gimmick.

That feeling was only reinforced after I saw a recent promotional screening of the new animated fantasy "Shrek Forever After," which is showing in 3-D and 3-D IMAX versions, as well as more traditional 2-D.

There's nothing really special about the 3-D effects in the film, so I really can't see a compelling reason to see it in either 3-D version.

At one point in the pre-screening of the film I attended, I even abandoned the rental glasses needed to see the film in that format. And I missed very little. Save your money and skip the 3-D "Shrek" … or just skip this forgettable sequel altogether.

To be fair, I'm not singling out DreamWorks Pictures, which released the fourth "Shrek."

If anything, I'm still in awe of their animated fantasy "How to Train Your Dragon," which might be the best experience I've had seeing a 3-D film so far.

YOU CAN FEEL THE ACTION. REALLY.

I don't mean to sound biased, but the local Megaplex Theatres chain is doing a lot of good things for moviegoers.

That includes recent digital IMAX projection upgrades at the Jordan Commons in Sandy. Now Megaplex's District (South Jordan) location is going to be on the cutting edge, in terms of "motion-enhanced" seating.

The District is being equipped with four rows (28 total seats) using so-called D-BOX MFX seat technology.

D-BOX seats are supposed to "move in perfect sync with the onscreen action." I haven't gotten to experience the sensation, but you can judge for yourself this upcoming weekend.

The District's new D-BOX equipped theater will open May 28, with showings of the new fantasy-adventure "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time."

NO GIMMICKS, JUST GOOD STORYTELLING.

The BYU Motion Picture Archive Film Series continues this month with its annual Memorial Day Tribute program May 28.

The series will be showing the 1946, post-World War II drama "The Best Years of Our Lives," a winner of nine Academy Awards.

The film will show at 7 p.m. in the Harold B. Lee Library.

Admission is free, but seating is limited. Children 8 and older are welcome. Also, BYU dress standards do apply.

e-mail: jeff@desnews.com