The 3D re-release of Steven Spielberg’s box-office success “Jurassic Park” has evolved to be just as entertaining as it was during its premiere in 1993.

The special effects and animatronics that brought the film’s memorable monsters to life are honored with its 3D presentation and make them appear as real as they did 20 years ago.

Allen (Sam Neill) and Ellie (Laura Dern) are paleontologists who are excavating a fossil site in Montana when John (Richard Attenborough), a wealthy philanthropist, pays them a visit. John says he is working on a theme park in Costa Rica and, on the request of his lawyer, asks them to take a tour and give him their professional advice.

John tells them he has found a way to bring back dinosaurs using fossilized DNA and they will be the main attraction for his park, suitably named Jurassic Park.

During the tour however, the power is sabotaged and the electrical fences are no longer able to keep the carnivorous attractions at a safe distance from its spectators.

Just like the Universal Studios attraction it inspired, the film plays out like a theme park ride. It’s full of anxiety-inducing moments as it makes it way to a climactic peak. Once it takes off at full speed it becomes an entertaining experience with welcomed thrills.

The thrills are predictable but their familiarity only elevates our appreciation for moments that originally captivated us. The ominous image of water rippling in a cup has become an iconic moment in cinema that instills as much fear as it does a newly found admiration.

The main appeal of the film however, lies in Spielberg’s fascination and ability to turn science fiction characters into a grand spectacle. The scaly creatures that he features move with as much rhythm and appear as fleshly detailed as any of the actors with the added 3-D element. The T-rex whose pupil dilates when it stares directly at a flashlight seems just as realistic as Allen’s expression of awe when he sees his first dinosaur on the island.

Visually, the film is just as dazzling as it was when it first premiered. The foliage-rich locations in Hawaii Spielberg used to film were a picturesque backdrop for its exotic inhabitants. The 3-D lends the locations more depth and what feels like more places for velociraptors to jump out of.

The score by John Williams, a frequent Spielberg collaborator, was just as memorable as the images it accompanied. It was an eerie tune during the opening credits, alluding to danger that awaited visitors of the park and a symphonic epilogue at the end when the survivors were safely off the island.

“Jurassic Park” has grossed more than $900 million worldwide and is the 25 highest grossing film of all time, according to boxofficemojo.com. It also won three Academy Awards, including Best Visuals in 1994.

The film’s success comes from its technical achievements and ability to entertain twenty years later. Its iconic cinematic moments make this ride worth experiencing again, despite knowing its narrative trajectory.

Rating: 4 stars

Summary:

“Jurassic Park” first premiered in 1993 and is now re-released in 3-D to commemorate its 20 year anniversary.

Steven Spielberg’s prehistoric box-office hit received several accolades for its special effects and continues to be just as visually striking today as it was twenty years earlier.

The dinosaurs that take over the theme park appear as realistic as the actors they prey on.

The film manages to be as entertaining the second time in theaters and the 3-D makes the film’s iconic moments something to admire.