Since 2009, the modern technology of 3D has burned holes in our wallets like our first dates back in high school. Often times appreciated, but just as much, do we wish we had those extra few bucks back. 3D, like anything else, is a tool that can be used brilliantly to expand your movie experience. However, it can also be a scheme to take the audience’s money and run. Here are a few things to think about before seeing a movie in 3D.

Color: The more and brighter the colors the better the 3D. Colors contrast each other on screen which adds depth to 3D. If a film is darker or has less color, there is nothing to contrast and separate, it just blends in with itself. This is why computer generated (CG) animated films tend to be excellent in 3D, like Avatar and How to Tame Your Dragon. Heck, those movies were both colored in neon.

Cinematography: These are things to find in trailers. 3D is good for broad panoramic scenery because it gives the objects at different distances color that will help bring them out. A HUGE plus for this is flying. This is why the final battle of the Avengers was so well done, a city is large, and there are different angles at which you can see a distance down.

Marketing: Is this movie advertised as a 3D movie, or a film that you can also see in 3D? Certain films, again like CG, are made specifically to look good in 3D. How can you tell? Well it’s a good sign if the title says “3D” in it. But if the trailers just you a quick 3D option at the end and is not emphasized, it’s probably not worth it.

Ask Around: Ask people who have seen it in 2D and 3D. Ask me, ask a friend, Google search, or even check what people say on Youtube. Pay special attention to the professional critics who know what they’re talking about. There’s no better way to know than from the people who were actually there.