Titanic Re-release: Still a Great Film [VIDEO, REVIEW, POLL]

We had a blast giving away "Titanic" tickets on the Impossible Question with Metrolux 14 Theatres and Paramount Pictures this week. Back in 1997, the movie broke all records, took over pop culture, and basically was one of the biggest entertainment events of all time. How did it hold up on re-release? Very well, overall.

I didn't see it when it first came out.

Yeah, I know. EVERYONE saw it. I was one of the few that barely noticed. My mind was on other things. I watched it for the first time last year because James Cameron has become one of my idols. He gave a TED talk that I've linked to and mentioned before, and hearing that made me realize what a visionary he is. He is in the midst of living a life of his dreams, and it is inspiring to me. I didn't even know 'Titanic' was slated for re-release in 3D when I rented the movie so I could see one of Cameron's crowning achievements. Had I known, I would have waited for the big screen.

Old special effects, even though they were the new hotness of the time, look dated.

Yes, it is impossible to go back. Arnold's entrance in Terminator was great the first time we saw it, but isn't going to blow any of today's 17 year olds away. Still, because back in 1997 they weren't yet shooting entirely on green screens and adding in the backgrounds later, the Hollywood magic is still there. A lot of that ship was actually a set and you can tell they are real boards that are breaking apart as the massive ship splits in two. The film used solid techniques and is quite timeless.

Seeing the Titanic give me chills.

I still remember hearing the story of the Titanic in elementary school, and they still hadn't found the shipwreck yet (early 80's...they finally located it in 1985). The phrase 'stuff of legend' has never been so right on, as the survivors couldn't even agree on whether the ship broke in half or not. Official positions of the British and American investigators were that the ship sunk in one piece, which they discovered upon finding it was not true. The stern was over 1,900 feet away from the bow on the ocean floor. For many (like me), this is the first look ever at the legendary ship. Weaving that into a great film truly is priceless.

I loved it.

These 3D re-releases, for me, have been bringing back great moments in film and cultural history. I saw Star Wars - Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, and I loved seeing Titanic on the big screen, and I'll continue to relive big moments in cinema as long as they keep releasing them.