Last week we saw the first trailer for the 3D rerelease of Titanic, the 1997 hit that became the biggest movie of all time, until director James Cameron decided to one-up himself with last year's Avatar, which usurped the story of youthful love aboard a doomed ocean liner. That trailer was like a little time capsule taking us back to those heady days during which the world was infatuated with the film, thanks to Cameron's technical virtuosity, Leonardo DiCaprio's dreaminess, Kate Winslet's impeccable nudity, and Celine Dion belting out "My Heart Will Go On."
Today, though, we have a new featurette on the theatrical reissuing of Titanic, featuring the man himself, James Cameron, discussing the film's lasting emotional resonance and the thinking behind its conversion to 3D. Cameron's reputation for perfectionism and ambition is well-earned, and when he promises that Titanic will provide a faultless post-conversion 3D experience that is equivalent to a feature filmed with 3D cameras, you take Big Jim at his word.
Enjoy the featurette, which runs just over three minutes, right here:
While its easy to dismiss Cameron's talk of the film's universal appeal as hyperbole, it would be a mistake to underestimate the film. Its massive popularity ensured that it would inevitably be subject to a corresponding backlash, and the earnest romanticism of its tone can inspire snickers, but Titanic was such an unstoppable pop-cultural behemoth because it hit the zeitgeist's emotional sweet spot and simultaneously provided epic spectacle.
Titanic is one of the first in what seems destined to be a whole wave of 3D rerelease. It'll be preceded by Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Every year will see the rerelease of another picture in the Star Wars saga in 3D, while 2012 could also see a 3D reissue for Top Gun. Set for next year are 3D rereleases of Beauty and the Beast and Finding Nemo, following Disney's huge success with The Lion King.
Titanic is scheduled to for rerelease on April 6, 2012.
