For as long as there have been films, there have been filmmakers attempting to enhance the theatrical experience through the use of gimmicks. From the red-eyed skeletons of William Castle to the “odorama” cards of John Waters’ Polyester, gimmicks are the puns of the filmmaking world: memorable and effective in small quantities, but annoying when overused.
That’s why I get why so many people reject 3D cinema. After all, modern theater screens ended up becoming oversaturated with lazily post-converted cash-grabs rather than movies that were shot on actual stereoscopic cameras. However, having just recently fixed my own aging 3D TV and binge-watched dozens of gimmicky genre films, I’m pleased to say that there are a surprising number of fun 3D experiences beyond the usual suspects.
With that in mind, here’s a list recommending six underrated horror movies that were shot in 3D!
As usual, don’t forget to comment below with your own three-dimensional favorites if you think we missed an important one. Just keep in mind that the list won’t be mentioning popular movies like House of Wax, Creature from the Black Lagoon and Piranha 3D.
With that out of the way, onto the list…
6. Bait 3D (2012)
Shot by an experienced team that had previously worked as second unit filmmakers on big budget blockbusters, Kimble Rendall’s Bait 3D is a miraculous little film that extracts an insane amount of value from its $20 million budget. Telling the story of a group of survivors who find themselves being hunted by great white sharks after a freak tsunami traps them in a supermarket, this ambitious creature feature can only be described as underrated.
Yes, the characters are paper-thin and the digital effects aren’t as impressive as the animatronics, but I think this watery gore-fest would be much more popular if it had the luxury of a wide release. The underwater photography is also quite impressive, especially in three dimensions!
5. The Hole 3D (2009)
One would think that a J-horror-inspired gateway horror flick by Joe Dante would be a massive success, but I rarely see anyone talk about his three-dimensional thriller. The Hole follows a group of youngsters who discover a mysterious trapdoor in their basement, and the film soon unleashes an assortment of spooky imagery ranging from freaky clowns to twisted family members.
It may not be on the same level as something like The Howling or even Gremlins, but The Hole is a charming little romp that uses the added dimensionality to its advantage. I’d actually recommend this one to fans of Goosebumps who think that R.L. Stine could take his scares a little more seriously.
4. Found Footage 3D (2016)
Produced and championed by Kim Henkel (co-creator of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre), Found Footage 3D is a unique little horror comedy that pokes fun at the sub-genre as it tells the story of a group of filmmakers who isolate themselves in a haunted cabin in an attempt to produce the world’s first 3D Found Footage movie. Naturally, paranormal shenanigans ensue as the crew realizes that death can also imitate art.
While the main character is rather off-putting and the film’s central joke was more or less ruined by the release of Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension the previous year, FF3D is still worth watching if you’re in the mood for some meta in-jokes and 3D-enhanced jump-scares.
3. Nurse 3D (2013)
Bizarre, violent and sexy in equal measure, Doug Aarniokoski’s Nurse 3D is the very definition of a modern exploitation flick. Telling the story of a serial-killing nurse who murders unfaithful men and becomes obsessed with a co-worker, this retro romp would have been right at home in the smoke-filled cinema screens of the ’70s.
The film had its fair share of production issues, with leading lady Paz de la Huerta even being hit by an ambulance during filming, but the all-star team on both sides of the camera resulted in a delectably trashy yet impeccably shot midnight movie that makes the most of its three-dimensional photography.
2. Monster House (2006)
Based on an unfinished script by Rick & Morty’s Dan Harmon, 2006’s Monster House is visually off-putting and tonally confused, but it’s also one hell of an entertaining gateway horror flick that contains the seeds of something much greater. Following a group of kids who decide to investigate the titular house that appears to eat people, the film’s messy production accidentally made it scarier than it was originally meant to be.
It’s certainly not for everyone, but the flick’s chilly autumn vibes and memorable dialogue alone are already worth the price of admission. And if you have the privilege of checking the film out in 3D, the odd CGI models actually work a little better (though the motion-captured performances are still unintentionally terrifying).
1. Flesh For Frankenstein (1973)
Also known as Andy Warhol’s Frankenstein (an attempt to capitalize on the artist’s fame), this X-rated exploitation flick is infamous for its outrageous gore and gratuitous nudity. Directed by Paul Morrisey, the film is a sensationalist retelling of Mary Shelley’s novel, with Udo Kier starring as Baron Von Frankenstein. Of course, the story takes plenty of liberties with the source material, adding a lot more sex and violence.
And if the graphic sex scenes and special effects utilizing real animal organs aren’t enough for you, the entire thing was shot in full-color 3D in order to immerse viewers even deeper in the depravity. It’s not exactly a family film, but I’d recommend this one to fans of high-brow schlock.
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