the Amazing Spiderman and my 3D ruler

As grade school pupil, I was able to buy stuff sold outside the school premises – candies, bayabas, stationeries, and other cheap toys. There were 3D rulers and cardboards. All the while, I knew it is called 3D which stands for three-dimension - and that's all what an average person know about.

Twenty-plus years after (which was some years ago), there was 3D technology. I first heard it from friends who have gone to, then, newly opened Mall of Asia. It took few more years that I’ll be able to see MOA, only. No 3D film. I remember hearing that it costs around P500. I only had the monumental photo opportunity with the renowned globe, pretending to hold it on my hands.

The dream to finally have 3D experience in a full length film would not come in years.

Sometime in 2009, when we had to fetch kuya at the airport we stopped over MOA. There was this five-minute 3D ride where I need to accompany my nephew. We had an experience wherein we were somewhat riding a butterfly and went through the forest with logs, wild insects, beautiful flowers and all these muds.

Subsequently, one of the attractions we had in Hongkong Disneyland was in a 3D theatre. I don’t keep diaries so I can’t find any reference what exactly its name is. I remember that it's more than 3D. Along with the magnificent Mickey Mouse short film in 360 degree screen, were wind, bubbles, sprinkle of water. These were coordinated with what we’re watching. At one point, I almost thought I fell from the magic carpet. All along, my son was crying since a two-year old baby does not appreciate all of these. The thirty-one year old did.

By the way, the goal was for a full length film. What prevented me from achieving such was primarily the price. All the while I thought it was still around P500. Next was the film to watch. The requirement is an action or fantasy movie to magnify the experience. Lastly, timing. Had I decided to finally give in, would I have that time for the week?  Remember, films were shown and changed in a weekly basis.

The first time I tried was for the 3D version of Titanic. Few steps away from the ticket booth, I changed my mind. Would I spend around P500 for a movie I’ve seen many times? I’ve outgrown my fancy over Leonardo Dicaprio and Kate Winslet. The second time was with the action film, the Avengers. I basically don’t have any idea about it. I just know it’s an action movie. However, that week I was with my nephew and I can’t find time for it.

Months after, I was too busy to hear much about new franchise/version of Spiderman. I was with my three-year-old son when I learned that the 6 cinemas of this mall were screening Spiderman – 3D and not. Too bad, I let yaya had her weekends off. I just knew it wouldn’t be it.

The week after, I went to another mall to find out that Spiderman is still shown.

The next thing I knew I was in a long queue, buying tickets for my first full length film 3D experience. This was around this time that I can’t help taking pictures of my ticket and myself in red carpet. Anyways, I have few things to care about. I bought the ticket at around 7pm. The screening was 9:20. What in the world can I do with 2 hours and 20 minutes. I am a self-confessed mall rat or tireless window shopper, but not in a moment of excitement over my long-time dream.

Running time of a film is around 2 hours which means how much would I spend to get home at 11:30 in the evening. The potential amazement just kept coming. It was only then that I realized that the film is entitled Amazing Spiderman and the ticket only cost P250.

Today, the experience is still euphoric. I had Spiderman on my hands when he fell. I’ve had nose to nose with the reptile-villain. There were numerous points when the debris of the blasts got over us.

For technical people, they knew we would come to this. For an average people like me, I just can’t help but wonder how it was done. The curiosity continues as I seek for what technology has to offer next. This was the exact feeling I had as a child, standing in front of the school gate – amazed with the 3D ruler I held on my hands.