After reading similar articles in SCI FI Wire and Trekmovie.com it became apparent that Avatars 3D production may be in reality the next wave of movie goers entertainment. The format of having the film in both 3D and 2D seemed to be a huge success. Whether this is a fad or it is something that will be tangible part of the movie experience in the next couple of years only box office sale will tell. It would be logical to assume that it is here to stay. Especially that big companies like Sony are investing in both 3D TV’s and a network just for 3d programming. Also now that movies like Clash of the Titans and the 2 remaining Harry Potter movies will all have that format as is evident in their press release which I first read in the Sci Fi Wire article and confirmed when I googled it to see where it led to. And boy were there tons of articles . Just follow that title link below.
WARNER BROS. PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES TO RELEASE “CLASH OF THE TITANS” IN 3D WORLDWIDE ON APRIL 2, 2010
Builds Studio’s Global Strategy To Increase 3D Slate This Year and Going Forward Upcoming 3D Titles Include “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1?(February 2, 2010 – Burbank, California) Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced today that the upcoming feature film “Clash of the Titans” will be released in 3D worldwide on April 2, 2010. The film will simultaneously be released in 2D.
In making the announcement, Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures, said, “We are experienced and have been successful in the conversion of 2D to 3D going back to such hits as ‘The Polar Express,’ select scenes in ‘Superman Returns’ and the last two Harry Potter films.”
Fellman continued, “We are confident in the constantly evolving 3D technology, and the results for ‘Clash of the Titans’ will be presented onscreen with the highest-quality images available today. Based on our track record, we know that audiences are embracing the RealD and IMAX experiences, and we see many opportunities on our film slate to provide moviegoers with these great options at the multiplex.”
Jeff Robinov, President, Warner Bros. Picture Group, said, “We’re excited about 3D and look forward to bringing a rich, involving visual experience to audiences around the world.”
Additional titles on Warner Bros. Pictures’ 2010 film slate that will be released in 3D (in addition to 2D) include “Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore” (July), “Guardians of Ga’Hoole” (September) and “Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows, Part 1? (November).
Warner Bros. Pictures’ 3D partner on “Clash of the Titans,” Prime Focus, was one of the visual effects vendors on “Avatar,” which received an Academy Award nomination for Outstanding Visual Effects.
So what other films other then those that were mentioned that may lead me into thinking that this is more then a phase you say? Well there is the next Cameron production of the remake of Fantastic Voyage for starters. The next Resident Evil movie Aftershock is reportedly being floated as a 3D movie. The for-mentioned Trekmovie.com article also names the reboot movie Dune as one and also reports on Variety ‘sarticle that Transformers 3 and Cats and Dogs 2 (non sci fi but worth mentioning anyway) will also be in that format. And I am sure more titles will be announced as other studios try to up each other and not lose out on the current trend.
So what does this really mean for the average movie goer? Well one thing it depends on if you do not mind the glasses that go with the experience. For another it is a treat that expands the visual splendor of a special genre like sci fi. I could imagine and somewhere I think Mr Lucas may be playing with this idea of re-editing Star Wars for a 3D conversion. Seeing that once more on the big screen in 3D I think would be a religious experience for some as for others like me it would be darn cool. Especially the attack sequence on the Death Star. Wow how geeky am I but I bet many reading this blog probably just said , “Hey ! That would be cool”.
It also means that you no longer need to go to special menus to see such films. Like those in Disney and Universal parks. Another perk is that the more they push the format the more likely that sci fi futuristic vision of a real 3D TV in every home would become a reality. Ahhh more toys to spend our money on .
And for those that do not think this is a great idea it looks like for the for seeable future that films will be shown in both 3D and 2D version. With Avatar both formats did very well and if this is the case with all films being release then it will be worth it for the studio to keep doing. Either way we are on the verge of a new film experience that has many possibilities.
