What's truly remarkable about this "new" Titanic is that the visceral impact of this immortal and super spectacular romance, and ultimate human drama, has not diminished since first experiencing it 15 years ago in a cinema and subsequently on DVD.
I clearly remember a tearful and emotional viewing then, and will not forget an even more emotional experience now.
In fact, what seemed like an extravagant and unforgettable viewing then, now passes by at such an explosive pace that you're watching the end credits and wiping tears away without noticing that you have been immersed in this gripping tale for three hours.
A major reason for its overwhelming success worldwide and 11 Oscars (amongst its many awards and accolades), is that Cameron knows how to tell a great story well. He is a consummate storyteller and obsessive filmmaker whose vision stretches far beyond his time.
In Titanic, he perfectly balances the intimate passion of a 101-year-old sweetheart's fervent love affair on the doomed Ship of Dreams, with high-impact action sequences, and hard-hitting human drama.
We now, as always, fully believe that a "woman's heart is a deep ocean of secrets" and that true love is everlasting.
The 3D release of Titanic confirms its status as one of the greatest films ever made and is a true testament to the art of filmmaking and the craft of storytelling at its most exciting.
Besides its epic grandeur and overwhelming spectacle, it is the meticulous detail in Titanic that leaves one breathless; the intricate production and visual design, visual artistry and sound design culminate in a seamless masterwork that mesmerises - the thoughtful scenes during the climactic resolution perfectly captures the intimacy and intricate fear of the tragedy, and perfectly celebrates a film that stands the test of time.
If there's one aspect that can never be duplicated on DVD, it's the tremendous digital soundtrack featuring James Horner's beautiful haunting score that underscores the action and emotional journey, as well as its impeccable and finely tuned sound design (when the ship is immersed in water, and withstanding the pressure of the ocean, you can feel the audience holding its breath as claustrophobia sets in).
Everything in Titanic is flawless and gorgeous; Jack declaring that he is King of The World with a school of dolphins leading the ship on its fateful journey; Jack and Rose playfully and childishly running through the heat and steam of the engine room; and the remains and passengers of Titanic gracefully sinking into a watery grave - these are some treasured moments relived joyfully.
Add to this first-rate performances from the entire cast, particularly Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as the radiant Romeo and Juliet; Billy Zane as Rose's egotistical fiancé, Frances Fisher as Rose's overbearing mother, and Gloria Stuart as Old Rose, and you are in for first-rate entertainment that should not be missed.
You might have been on this journey before and, perhaps, recaptured the experience on DVD, but nothing can prepare you for its rejuvenation, allowing a new generation to share wholeheartedly in the laughter, the adventure and the tears.
Titanic rules, now and for ever.
Rating 5/5
Drawing inspiration from this hulking spectre below the sea, James Cameron envisioned a love story intertwined with the fascinating details about the ship and her maiden, and only, voyage to humanise its legendary symbolism further. Utilising advanced filmmaking technology, audiences will also set sail on the Titanic. However, despite its state-of-the-art pedigree, the film is - and remains - a powerfully human tale. It is here that the heart of Titanic beats.
"The tragedy of Titanic has assumed an almost mythic quality in our collective imagination," Cameron said. "But the passage of time has robbed it of its human face and vitality. I hope that Rose and Jack's relationship will be a kind of emotional lightning rod, if you will, allowing viewers to invest their minds and their hearts to make history come alive again."
The realism of Titanic extends beyond the steel, rivets, hardware and other physical elements. The filmmakers also took the same painstaking efforts to ensure its population of actors' dress and mannerisms were just as true to the period as their environment. Housed in a building as large as a football field, the skilled international team of wardrobe, hair and make-up artists dressed as many as 1000 extras in scenes that surround the principal cast.
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