Moana 2

Overview 

Moana 2 has been released in 3D and its finally time to decide if getting the upgraded ticket is worth the money. Disney animated movies have the privilege of being easily manipulated into the 3D realm, so it seems like a safe bet that the more expensive ticket will be worth the extra investment. There’s another consideration, though. It turns out that the movie isn’t getting an IMAX 3D release in the United States. That means you’re going to have to make the choice between an IMAX showing and a 3D option. That can be a difficult decision to make, but we’re going to break down the 3D version and give you all the reasons why you should go for it or let it pass you by while you get the full IMAX treatment instead. 

Pros 

Cons 

Review 

It’s been a few years since the first Moana came out, so it’s safe to say that audiences are hungry for a new outing. Luckily for them, it’s more than worth the beefy runtime of 100 minutes. The plot meets up with an older and wiser Moana who’s tasked with dispelling a curse that’s been with humanity for quite some time. Moana also has a little sister in Simea, and she’s a real scene stealer every time you get to see her. Her presence helps Moana grow as a mentor figure and see herself the way she was back in the first movie, giving young viewers some insight into their own lives. 

It’s important to know that the music in this outing isn’t as breathtaking as the previous installment. That’s because Lin-Manuel Miranda wasn’t a part of it and he’s the one who made the music a standout star of the first Moana. Still, this movie has plenty of musical reasons to enjoy it. “Beyond” is a great song and it’s going to be the one you find yourself humming when no one else is around. Just keep in mind that he was a big part of the last outing, and his presence is sorely missed. 

Now onto the 3D version of Moana 2. To say it’s perfect is a bit of an overstatement, but not by much. It’s obvious the studio put lots of hard work into it and it shows in every scene. If you take off your glasses, you’re going to see blur from the very first seconds of the movie and they never let up. Each scene is painstakingly converted to 3D, and it will thrill you and keep you entertained for the entire run. That alone is enough reason to opt for this version. 

On top of that, it doesn’t fall prey to the usual downfalls of 3D conversions. While the dark scenes are the rare low points for the movie, they could be much worse. You can still make out all the detail and you’re not going to feel like you’re missing out on anything. Still, if there has to be one problem with Moana 2, that’s going to be it. Things will get a little muddy, but it’s no reason to pass on the chance to see it in all its 3D glory and you’re going to be more than happy with the results of all the hard work. 

There’s no IMAX 3D release for Moana 2, at least when it comes to U.S. theaters. That can be a big letdown for some, but so far, there’s no word about a future release. When it comes time to make your decision, the 3D offering is going to give you the most bang for your buck. While an IMAX screening will be impressive, you’ll lose out on the window breaking effects that make the third dimension so impressive in this movie. You’ll be happy you opted for it, since IMAX really only offers a bigger screen with no aspect ratio changes to gawk at. 

If you still want a little bit of pizazz to your showing, you can go all in on the 4D version. This is an immersive experience that adds in smells and sensations to the movie. You’re still getting the 3D showing, but you’ll also get to enjoy water mist, smoke, and other sensory delights. For a movie that’s based around an island with the ocean practically showing up as its own character, it’s worth it. They add plenty of water effects, so you’re never going to get bored with it. It’s the next best thing to an IMAX 3D showing, so go for it and you won’t regret it. 

Memorable 3D scenes 

Rating 

    Overall Movie **** (4/5) 

    3D effects ***** (5/5) 

    Plot **** (4/5) 

    Overall **** (4/5) 

Final thoughts 

Moana 2 in 3D is more than worth the extra investment and everyone is going to love it. It’s a great movie for adults and new, younger viewers. It will also be a very memorable experience for children who saw the original and are now a little bit older and wiser, just like Moana. The inclusion of her sister makes it a home run for every age group and the 3D conversion is spot on. There are plenty of window breaking effects that will keep you enthralled, and you’ll be okay with the lack of IMAX participation. Check this one out in 3D and you’ll never look back!