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It’s a 3D Revolution
Once the domain of schlocky 1950s horror movies, 3D movies will once again be leaping off the screen at a theater near you
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A second reason why 3D features have become popular again has to do with the entertainment habits of the consumer. “The industry needs something spectacular that they can’t get at home,” says Condon.
Today, more and more people are buying home theaters with large, high-definition televisions and superior surround sound. It gets closer and closer to the feel of a real movie theater. This worries studios as to whether people will venture out to the theater when they can watch a DVD on a great system at home. But as Brevig points out, “Today’s 3D can’t be reproduced. It’s an experience that can only be had with a 30-foot movie screen.”
The invasion of new home viewing equipment has been a similar catalyst for the cyclical proliferation of 3D films since their inception. In the early 1950s, television first became popular. Studios feared viewers would forgo buying a movie ticket if they could get similar entertainment at home for free; hence the need for something new to lure audiences away from the small box.
The 1980s were no different as VCRs landed in everyone’s living room. Again, studios feared consumers would pass on the price of a movie ticket and wait to rent the film at home. Once more, an influx of 3D films hit the market.
This time, however, Brevig believes that 3D will become a trend and not a fad. He thinks the current technology is just too good. “People won’t stop making 2D films, but 3D is a powerful tool,” he says. “It can enhance a good story instead of being a gimmick. But the 3D moment must be organic.” Brevig felt that Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D was perfect subject matter for a live-action 3D movie. “It’s a big, fun adventure film—the story of characters on a journey seeing sights never seen before. The audience goes along for the journey.” But he also points out, “We did a test audience in 2D and it was completely successful as well.” The movie was shot with an HD digital camera system that used two side-by-side cameras. Shot both on location and in sound stages, dailies were viewed on a 30-foot screen with two projectors.
Condon, who produced the 1969 skin flick The Stewardesses, one of the highest grossing live-action 3D films of all time, points out that sometimes shooting a 3D movie can actually save money. “You can’t have rapid cuts; you have to make them longer or you won’t see them in 3D,” he says. This can save you money when planning your shots. Condon too believes that 3D movies are here to stay, though he notes, “They’ve always been popular; commercially active is different.” Even during the slow times, he says, they’ve been popular at theme parks (Captain EO, T2 3D), where they’ve played continuously.
So far, the success of digital 3D has been overwhelming. Movies such as Chicken Little, Beowulf, Hannah Montana and U2 3D have already been released, as well as a live theatrical projection in Dallas of an NBA game between the Mavericks and Clippers. Other live-action films in the pipeline include James Cameron’s Avatar, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and Disney’s sequel, Step-Up 3D.
Will 3D moviemaking ever be available to the independent moviemaker? “It’s possible, but I don’t recommend it,” admits Brevig. “Hire someone on the set to do the stereo photography.” He points out that while there may only be a handful of people who really know how to use the new technology, not everyone wanting to make a 3D movie needs to be an expert. “You do need training if you want to do this at an optimal level,” Condon adds. But he also recognizes that with the “big names” behind it, whatever shortcomings there are will be corrected. Plus, the advent of digital stereoscopic 3D does not mean the death of the former polarized method.
“For lower budget, there’s big opportunity to shoot in the styles of the 1970s and 1980s,” notes Condon. Many theaters exist around the country that still have silver screens, and optical attachments for projectors can still be rented.
Whether the current wave of 3D films is a growing trend or merely another fad remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Over the next few years, something will be leaping off the screen at a theater near you. MM
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COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT 
- Comment by shaikmohammadali on 7/14/08 at 11:32 pm
Hi All Thank You So Super Hit Films
This story was published in the Future of Moviemaking 2008 MovieMaker Magazine. The headline was:
It's Not Your Daddy's 3D
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