3D IS THE FUTURE

I have mentioned this before. I will mention it again. 3D is the future. However, let us learn a new way to use our cinema lexicon. Instead of saying 3D, James Cameron - the man responsible for some of the biggest special fx breakthroughs in modern cinema (Titanic, Aliens, True Lies, Terminator 1 & 2), thinks it best to say, "stereo". This is short for stereoscopic. Cinema is no longer going to be strictly filmed with one camera, but rather will be shot with 2 cameras to create the effect that the audience is actually inside the film.






The big topic revolving around Avatar, James Cameron's big-budget 3D action film, is where can it be played? The film costs roughly 200,000,000.00 and in order to recoup that amount, there need to be theaters that can support the technology. Luckily, with the emergence of digital projectors and digital distribution (largely supplied by Deluxe), most theaters are able to support 3D pictures. Once Avatar is ready for wide release in 2009, over 2,000 screens in the United States will be available for 3D films. While 2,000 screens may sound like a lot, by comparison, Spiderman 3 openly in approximately 4,000 screens. So with this large gap -- how will Cameron recoup his investment?

Cameron knows there are not enough theaters out there with 3D capabilities, so he is shooting the film in a way that it will still be a great film in 2D theaters. Most 3D films (especially the gimicky ones of the 1950's) were merely weak stories with cool special effects. These effects distracted you between terrible plot twists and all your entertainment was coming from the novelty of 3D. Cameron is not about repeating the mistake of the 1950's era 3D. He wants to fully immerse you in the story, because after all, he is a story teller. The ability of using 3D simply helps bring you deeper into the story than ever before. It is not there to be a gimmick, but rather an assistant in reaching into the mind and heart of the audience.

Cameron also points out that with decreasing costs of home entertainment systems, people need a reason to go to the theaters again. 3D is just that ticket according to many industry insiders. Sure, I could watch the 2D Avatar illegally on my computer the day it hits theaters, but I want to see it in 3D. Also, Cameron points out that ticket prices are rising, but the movies have stayed pretty much the same over the last few decades (minus some breakthroughs in special fx). He says there needs to be a reason for audiences to pay more for this entertainment.

Lastly, with Disney Digital 3D pushing 3D (ex. it is reformatting the original Toy Story films for 3D) and Lucas Films reformatting the six Star Wars films for 3D, everyone better prepare themselves for the future of film. No longer will you simply watch passively, but you will be sucked into the screen.

The next steps beyond simply visual 3D:

SMELL-O-VISION: Theaters in Japan synced visuals with smells for the film The New World starring Colin Farrell. The company in control of this was NTT Communications Corp.

RUMBLE SEATS: DisneyWorld's attraction Alien Encounter (based off of Cameron's Alien films) has an alien creature actually breathe down your neck and shake your seat.

WATER EFFECTS: Shrek 4D at Universal Studios, Hollywood has effects that go beyond merely 3D effects, but rather include water effects (Donkey sneezes on the entire audience).


SIDE NOTE: There are even companies out there that will be selling designer 3D glasses. No longer will you have to use those cheap plastic glasses they provide, but you can go to the theaters in style... I wonder what else can be marketed with this new craze for 3D.