instal the new version for iphoneStar Wars Ep. VII: The Force Awakens

Viewer: Ian Sandwell, Features Writer, GamesRadar+

So much of the appeal of seeing The Force Awakens is about recapturing the feeling you had watching the films on the big screen in 1977 or 1997, that I don't believe any environmental 3D effects would greatly improve this brilliant revival of the series – see it in 2D at a cinema where you know you're going to have a comfortable, fun experience. I wouldn't recommend seeing it in any other way. And this is so deliberately a throwback to those films, to recreating the beats of A New Hope while introducing a new generation of characters, that it just makes the most sense. That's how we all saw the original trilogy. With no 2D IMAX in my area, my local independent theatre was the only choice – and I'm so glad I did it. My local Odeon sadly decided to just do 3D showings of Star Wars at midnight in order to roll in those sweet 3D ticket price mark-ups, and in no way was I willing to watch an inferior version of the film for more money. I was only ever going to see Star Wars in 2D. Which format should you watch The Force Awakens in?

As a self-avowed Star Wars fan, staying suitably objective must have been one hell of a challenge. Abrams the director excels here, knowing all the right buttons to push and when. And beyond the fun and the humour, The Force Awakens manages to be genuinely moving at times – it's a hardy soul who won't find themselves with a bit of dust in their eye when certain characters meet for the first time – and it isn't afraid to put you through the emotional wringer. You're instantly reminded how wonderful Star Wars can be when putting memorable people (and aliens) at the forefront of the action is a priority. There are more laugh-out-loud funny lines in the first 15 minutes of The Force Awakens than the prequels managed in six hours, the characters bouncing off each other in a way we haven't seen since The Empire Strikes Back. You frequently find yourself with a grin wider than Nien Nunb's jowls, as the Millennium Falcon does some nifty acrobatics, or Han Solo and Chewbacca banter like they've never been away. Most importantly, The Force Awakens totally transports you to another galaxy, making you forget about the real world for two hours.

Instal the new version for iphoneStar Wars Ep. VII: The Force Awakens